1 Kings 8:29

KJV

That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, [even] toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place.

KJV (with Strong's)

That thine eyes {H5869} may be open {H6605} toward this house {H1004} night {H3915} and day {H3117}, even toward the place {H4725} of which thou hast said {H559}, My name {H8034} shall be there: that thou mayest hearken {H8085} unto the prayer {H8605} which thy servant {H5650} shall make {H6419} toward this place {H4725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

that your eyes will be open toward this house night and day - toward the place concerning which you said, 'My name will be there'- to listen to the prayer your servant will pray toward this place.

Berean Standard Bible

May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place.

American Standard Version

that thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place whereof thou hast said, My name shall be there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall pray toward this place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 8:29 captures a pivotal moment in King Solomon's dedication prayer for the newly constructed Temple in Jerusalem, expressing a fervent plea for God's continuous, vigilant presence and attentive ear toward this sacred edifice. It underscores the Temple's designated role as the earthly locus where God's "Name" would dwell, signifying His active authority and accessibility, and where the prayers of His people would be heard and answered without cessation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the grand narrative of Solomon's dedication of the First Temple, detailed in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of Solomon's Temple"). Following the Ark of the Covenant's placement in the Most Holy Place and the overwhelming manifestation of God's glory (vv. 6-11), Solomon blesses the assembly (vv. 14-21) before embarking on his extensive prayer (vv. 22-53). Verse 29 is a core petition within this prayer, immediately following Solomon's affirmation of God's faithfulness to David's covenant (vv. 23-26) and his profound question regarding God's ability to truly dwell on earth (vv. 27-28). It sets the stage for the subsequent scenarios Solomon presents, where Israel might turn to the Temple in times of need, sin, or distress, expecting God's intervention and forgiveness. The entire chapter highlights the theological significance of the Temple as the chosen dwelling place for God's Name among His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple marked a monumental shift in Israelite worship, centralizing it in Jerusalem, the capital of the united monarchy. Prior to this, worship often occurred at various local altars or the Tabernacle. The Temple was not merely a building but a tangible symbol of God's covenant presence among His people, fulfilling a promise made to David regarding a "house" for God's Name ([2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - God's Promise to David")). Culturally, ancient Near Eastern temples were often seen as the literal dwelling places of deities, and while Israel understood God's omnipresence, the Temple provided a specific, consecrated space for His manifested presence (the *Shekinah* glory) and for the nation to approach Him. The concept of God placing His "Name" there signifies His authority, character, and active engagement, making the Temple the focal point for national identity, worship, and prayer.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several key themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Presence and Immanence**, highlighting God's willingness to dwell among His people, even while acknowledging His transcendence (v. 27). The phrase "My name shall be there" is central, signifying God's personal, active, and authoritative presence rather than a mere physical location. Secondly, it underscores **God's Attentiveness to Prayer**, portraying Him as a God who not only hears but actively "hearkens" (listens attentively and responds) to the petitions directed towards Him from this designated sanctuary. This theme is foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, who is consistently depicted as responsive to His people's cries, as seen throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 116:1-2](/psalm/116-1 "Psalm 116:1-2 - God Hears Our Prayers")). Finally, the verse solidifies **The Temple as a Focal Point for Covenant Relationship and National Identity**, serving as the primary site where the nation could approach God, seek forgiveness, and renew their covenant vows, reinforcing the idea that God's dwelling among them was contingent on their faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eyes may be open (Hebrew, _ʿayin_ עַיִן, _paqaḥ_ פָּקַח):** This is an **anthropomorphism**, attributing human physical characteristics (eyes being open) to God. It does not imply God literally has eyes, but metaphorically conveys His continuous, vigilant, and attentive watchfulness. In this context, it signifies God's perpetual awareness and active engagement with what transpires at the Temple, ensuring that no prayer or event goes unnoticed by Him. It speaks to His unceasing care and observation.
* **My name shall be there (Hebrew, _shem_ שֵׁם):** The "Name" of God in Hebrew thought is far more than a mere label; it encapsulates His entire being, character, authority, reputation, and active presence. When God says His "Name" shall be there, it means He has chosen that place as a specific locus for the manifestation of His divine presence, power, and authority. It is where He makes Himself known and accessible to His people, not limiting His omnipresence, but designating a particular point of contact for covenant interaction.
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shamaʿ_ שָׁמַע):** While often translated as "hear," _shamaʿ_ carries a richer meaning of "to hear attentively, to listen, to obey, or to respond." In this context, Solomon is not merely asking God to perceive sound, but to listen with intent, to pay close attention, and implicitly, to act upon the prayers offered. It implies God's active engagement and responsiveness to the petitions of His servants, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day,"**: This clause expresses a profound desire for God's continuous and unwavering attentiveness to the Temple. Solomon petitions for God's perpetual watchfulness, signifying His unceasing care and observation over the sanctuary. The phrase "night and day" emphasizes the unbroken nature of this divine vigilance, indicating that God's presence and attentiveness are not limited by time or circumstance.
* **"[even] toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there:"**: This part grounds Solomon's plea in God's own prior declaration and promise. It refers to the divine assurance that the Temple, despite being built by human hands, is the specific place God has chosen to make His presence known and to manifest His authority. It highlights the Temple's unique status as the designated dwelling place for God's "Name," underscoring its sacredness and its role as a point of divine-human encounter.
* **"that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place."**: This final clause articulates the primary purpose of God's continuous presence and attentiveness: to hear and respond to the prayers of His people. Solomon, identifying himself as "thy servant," models the posture of humility and dependence. The direction of prayer "toward this place" signifies the Temple as the focal point for communion with God, a place where petitions are directed with the expectation of divine listening and response.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. **Anthropomorphism** is prominent in the phrase "thine eyes may be open," attributing human visual perception to God to emphasize His constant vigilance and attentive awareness. This device makes the transcendent God relatable and underscores His active engagement with His creation. **Symbolism** is central, with "this house" (the Temple) serving as a powerful symbol of God's covenant presence, His willingness to dwell among His people, and the designated locus for national worship and prayer. The phrase "My name shall be there" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "Name" stands for God's entire being, character, authority, and active presence, rather than just a label. The repetition of "toward this house/place" creates a sense of **Emphasis**, reinforcing the Temple's singular importance as the divinely chosen point of contact between God and Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 8:29 serves as a theological cornerstone, articulating the profound desire for God's tangible presence and active responsiveness within the covenant community. While the Temple was a physical structure, Solomon's prayer transcends mere architecture, appealing to God's character as one who chooses to draw near to His people and hear their cries. It reflects the tension between God's omnipresence (as articulated in [1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - God's Omnipresence")) and His specific, manifested presence in a chosen place. This verse establishes the Temple as the primary earthly channel for Israel's communion with God, a place where their petitions would be directed and where they could expect divine attention and intervention, thereby reinforcing the covenant relationship and God's faithfulness to His promises.

* [2 Chronicles 7:15](/2_chronicles/7-15 "2 Chronicles 7:15 - God's Promise to Hear from the Temple")
* [Psalm 4:3](/psalm/4-3 "Psalm 4:3 - The Lord Hears When I Call")
* [Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel 6:10 - Daniel Prays Towards Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:29 offers timeless principles for believers today, even though the physical Temple no longer stands as the central point of worship. It reminds us that God is profoundly attentive to the prayers of His people, desiring an intimate relationship where His presence is honored and sought. This verse encourages us to cultivate a life of persistent and confident prayer, knowing that our God is not distant or indifferent, but actively "hears" and "hearkens" to our petitions, just as He promised to do from His dwelling place. It invites us to approach Him with assurance, recognizing that through Christ, we have even greater access to His throne of grace than Solomon could have imagined. Our prayers, offered in spirit and truth, are directed to a God whose "eyes are open" to us "night and day," eager to engage with His beloved children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's desire for His "eyes to be open" toward us impact your confidence in prayer?**
* **In what ways do you seek to honor God's "Name" (His character and presence) in your daily life and in your community?**
* **How does the concept of God "hearkening" to prayer encourage you to be more consistent and specific in your prayer life?**
* **While God is omnipresent, are there "places" or practices in your life where you intentionally seek to focus on His presence and invite His attentiveness?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of God's "Name" being in the Temple?**

Answer: The "Name" of God (Hebrew: *shem*) in biblical thought represents His very essence, character, authority, and active presence. When God declares His Name will be in the Temple, it signifies that He has chosen this specific place as the primary locus for the manifestation of His divine presence and power among His people. It does not mean God is confined to the building, but rather that the Temple is the designated point of contact where He makes Himself known, reveals His will, and receives worship from His covenant people. It's where His glory and authority are uniquely displayed, making it a sacred space for divine-human encounter and the reception of prayer.

**Did God literally have "eyes" open toward the Temple?**

Answer: No, the phrase "thine eyes may be open" is an **anthropomorphism**, a literary device where human characteristics are attributed to God to make His actions and attributes more understandable to human beings. God is spirit and does not have a physical body or literal eyes. This expression metaphorically conveys God's continuous, vigilant, and attentive watchfulness over the Temple and, by extension, over His people and their prayers. It assures Solomon and the Israelites that God is perpetually aware of what transpires at His chosen sanctuary and is actively engaged with their petitions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 8:29, with its emphasis on God's continuous presence and attentiveness to prayer at the Temple, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Solomon's Temple was a physical structure where God's Name dwelt, Jesus declared Himself to be the true and greater Temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"). John clarifies that "[He was speaking about the temple of his body](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus' Body as the Temple"). In Christ, God's full presence, His very "Name," dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of God in Christ")), making Him the ultimate locus of divine-human encounter. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus has opened a new and living way to the Father, enabling believers to approach God directly, not through a physical building, but by the Spirit ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Moreover, in the New Covenant, believers themselves become "[temples of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit"), and collectively, the Church is built into a "[spiritual house](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as a Spiritual House") for God's dwelling. Thus, God's "eyes" are now perpetually open not just to a building, but to His people, who are in Christ, and He "hearkens" to their prayers offered anywhere, anytime, through the name of Jesus ([John 14:13-14](/john/14-13 "John 14:13-14 - Ask in My Name")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 6:20

That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place.

1 Kings 8:16

Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.

Nehemiah 1:6

Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.

Deuteronomy 12:11

Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:

2 Chronicles 7:15

Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer [that is made] in this place.

2 Chronicles 7:16

For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

2 Chronicles 33:4

Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.