1 Kings 8:31

KJV

If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house:

KJV (with Strong's)

If any man {H376} trespass {H2398} against his neighbour {H7453}, and an oath {H423} be laid {H5375} upon him to cause him to swear {H422}, and the oath {H423} come {H935} before {H6440} thine altar {H4196} in this house {H1004}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"If a person sins against a fellow member of the community, and he is made to swear under oath, and he comes and swears before your altar in this house;

Berean Standard Bible

When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before Your altar in this temple,

American Standard Version

If a man sin against his neighbor, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and he come and swear before thine altar in this house;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
is a specific and vital petition within King Solomon's profound prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. This verse addresses a common yet challenging scenario in ancient Israelite society: a dispute between individuals where the truth is obscured, necessitating an oath sworn before God at the Temple's sacred altar to resolve the matter. It profoundly underscores the Temple's multifaceted role not merely as a spiritual sanctuary for worship and sacrifice, but also as a central hub for legal arbitration and the administration of divine justice, reflecting the unwavering belief that God Himself would supernaturally intervene to reveal truth and ensure righteousness in human affairs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of Solomon's Temple") marks a monumental turning point in Israel's history: the dedication of the First Temple, the culmination of King David's fervent desire and God's covenantal promise to establish a dwelling place for His name. The chapter commences with the solemn procession of the Ark of the Covenant into the Most Holy Place, symbolizing God's tangible presence among His people. Following this, Solomon offers an expansive and intricately structured prayer, spanning [verses 22-53](/1_kings/8-22-53 "1 Kings 8:22-53 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"), which is characterized by a series of conditional petitions. He anticipates a wide array of future scenarios where the people, facing national crises like war, famine, or plague, or personal grievances as detailed in [verse 31](/1_kings/8-31 "1 Kings 8:31 - Solomon's Prayer for Justice"), would turn to the Temple and to God for succor. This particular verse is embedded within a sequence of "if...then" clauses, powerfully illustrating Solomon's comprehensive understanding of the Temple's function as a divine court where God's justice and mercy could be sought in the practical realities of Israelite life. The prayer itself is a theological masterpiece, simultaneously affirming God's transcendence ("heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you" in [1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - God's Immeasurable Presence")) while acknowledging His immanence and willingness to hear prayers from this consecrated space.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the legal and judicial systems were inextricably interwoven with religious belief and practice, reflecting a theocratic societal structure. Unlike modern secular courts, which rely heavily on forensic evidence, many disputes in antiquity lacked such tangible proofs, and the community's moral integrity depended significantly on personal honesty and divine oversight. Oaths, especially those sworn before God, were considered supremely serious and legally binding. To swear falsely was not merely a breach of contract but a profound transgression against God's holy name, inviting divine judgment, as explicitly warned in [Leviticus 19:12](/leviticus/19-12 "Leviticus 19:12 - Do Not Swear Falsely"). The Temple, with its prominent altar, served as the paramount nexus for such sacred oaths, functioning as a divine court of appeal. It was widely believed that God, dwelling in this "house," would supernaturally discern and reveal the truth where human testimony or evidence proved insufficient. The "altar in this house" specifically refers to the great bronze altar of burnt offering situated in the Temple courtyard, which was the central point of sacrifice and direct interaction with God's presence, making it the most solemn and authoritative location for such an appeal to divine justice. This practice vividly highlights the societal importance of truth, the pervasive fear of God, and the deeply held expectation that divine justice would ultimately prevail.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 8:31](/1_kings/8-31 "1 Kings 8:31 - Solomon's Prayer for Justice") significantly contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores **The Temple as the Center of Israelite Life**, demonstrating its role not solely for worship and religious rituals but for all facets of national and individual existence, including the administration of legal and social justice. Solomon's prayer envisions the Temple as the very place where God's covenant faithfulness would be experienced in tangible ways, from national calamities to the most intimate personal grievances. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **The Sanctity and Gravity of Oaths**, reflecting a culture where spoken words, particularly those invoking God's name, carried immense spiritual and legal weight and were perceived as direct appeals to divine witness and judgment. This profound theme is consistently echoed throughout the Pentateuch and Wisdom literature, stressing the paramount importance of truthfulness and integrity in all human dealings, as seen in [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination to the Lord"). Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, the verse highlights **God's Active Involvement in Human Affairs and His Role as Ultimate Judge**. Solomon's petition is firmly rooted in the conviction that God hears from heaven and will intervene to "judge your servants, condemning the guilty and vindicating the righteous" ([1 Kings 8:32](/1_kings/8-32 "1 Kings 8:32 - God Judges the Guilty and the Righteous")). This foundational belief in divine justice provided a crucial assurance for a society striving for righteousness and accountability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trespass (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** Derived from the primitive root H2398, this verb literally means "to miss" or "to miss the mark." In a moral or ethical sense, as used here, it signifies "to sin," "to do wrong," or "to offend." While often referring to sin against God, in this context, it specifically denotes an offense or wrongdoing committed "against his neighbour" (H7453). This highlights that even interpersonal disputes are ultimately viewed through a theological lens, as actions that violate God's standards of righteousness and community harmony. The broadness of the term suggests any form of wrongdoing that would lead to a legal dispute requiring divine arbitration.
* **Oath (Hebrew, _ʼâlâh'_):** From H423, this noun refers to an imprecation, a curse, or a solemn declaration. It is closely related to H422, meaning "to adjure" or "to swear." In ancient Near Eastern legal systems, oaths were a crucial mechanism for resolving disputes, especially when direct evidence was lacking. The sanctity of the oath stemmed from the belief that God Himself was called upon as a witness and would punish perjury (H2398). Its placement "before thine altar" (H4196) elevates its seriousness to the highest possible degree, making it a direct appeal to divine arbitration.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** From H4196, this noun denotes an altar, specifically the great bronze altar in the Temple courtyard. It was the primary place of sacrifice and direct access to God's presence. The phrase "before thine altar" signifies the most sacred and solemn location for an oath, emphasizing that the appeal is directly to God Himself, who is believed to be present and active at this consecrated site. This physical location underscores the spiritual gravity and divine authority invoked by the oath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If any man trespass against his neighbour":** This opening clause establishes the premise of the scenario: a personal wrong or offense committed by one individual (H376, _ʼîysh_) against another (H7453, _rêaʻ_). The term "trespass" (H2398, _châṭâʼ_) here implies a moral or legal transgression that has caused harm or injustice, leading to a dispute that cannot be resolved by conventional means or clear evidence. It sets the stage for a situation where human judgment alone is insufficient to ascertain the truth.
* **"and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear":** This describes the legal mechanism employed to ascertain the truth in such a dispute. When an accusation arose, and one party denied it, an oath (H423, _ʼâlâh_) might be "laid upon" them (H5375, _nâsâʼ_), meaning they were compelled or required to swear a solemn oath. This was not a voluntary act but a formal legal procedure where the accused was put under divine compulsion to declare their innocence or guilt, with the understanding that God would judge the truthfulness of their statement. The verb "to swear" (H422, _ʼâlâh_) further emphasizes the binding nature of this declaration.
* **"and the oath come before thine altar in this house":** This specifies the sacred location where the oath was to be taken. The "altar" (H4196, _mizbêach_), specifically the altar of burnt offering, was the primary point of access to God's presence in the Temple (H1004, _bayith_), symbolizing sacrifice, atonement, and divine encounter. To bring the oath "before thine altar" (H6440, _pânîym_, meaning "face" or "presence") meant to make a direct appeal to God, invoking His immediate presence and judgment. The phrase "in this house" refers to the Temple itself, emphasizing its consecrated status as the dwelling place of God's name and the center of His judicial oversight in Israel.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Kings 8:31](/1_kings/8-31 "1 Kings 8:31 - Solomon's Prayer for Justice") primarily employs **Conditional Clause** structures and **Legal Language**. The entire prayer of Solomon, including this verse, is framed as a series of "if...then" statements, which is a classic legal and covenantal rhetorical device. This structure highlights the conditional nature of God's blessings and interventions based on the people's actions and their turning to Him. The specific phrasing "If any man trespass... and an oath be laid upon him... and the oath come before thine altar..." is a precise legal formulation, outlining a specific judicial scenario that requires divine arbitration. There is also significant **Symbolism** embedded in the "altar" (H4196) and "this house" (H1004), which represent not merely physical structures but the very presence, authority, and judicial oversight of God as the ultimate arbiter of truth and justice. The verse also implicitly conveys **Divine Omniscience**, as the necessity for an oath before God's altar suggests that only God truly knows the heart and the truth of the matter when human evidence is lacking or contested.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the Israelite understanding of divine justice and the role of the Temple as its earthly locus. It reflects the conviction that God is not a distant, detached deity but one intimately involved in the moral and legal fabric of His people. The act of swearing an oath before the altar was a solemn recognition that human systems of justice are fallible, and ultimately, truth and righteousness are rooted in God's perfect knowledge and judgment. It speaks to God's character as one who hates falsehood and upholds justice, ensuring that even in the most obscure interpersonal disputes, there is a divine court of appeal. This theological framework instilled a profound sense of accountability, reminding individuals that their actions and words, especially under oath, were directly observed and judged by the Almighty, thereby promoting integrity within the community.

* [Leviticus 19:12](/leviticus/19-12 "Leviticus 19:12 - Do Not Swear Falsely by My Name")
* [Psalm 7:8](/psalm/7-8 "Psalm 7:8 - The Lord Judges the Peoples")
* [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement for Two or Three Witnesses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Temple and its altar no longer serve as the primary locus for legal arbitration, the enduring principles embedded in [1 Kings 8:31](/1_kings/8-31 "1 Kings 8:31 - Solomon's Prayer for Justice") remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage calls us to a radical commitment to truthfulness and integrity in all our dealings, fostering an understanding that every word we speak, especially promises or declarations, is ultimately spoken before the omniscient God. It reminds us that God is the ultimate arbiter of justice, seeing beyond outward appearances and knowing the true intentions of the heart. In an age where objective truth is often questioned or relativized, this verse challenges us to uphold honesty as a core virtue, recognizing that our accountability extends beyond human courts to the divine. Furthermore, it encourages us to bring our disputes, uncertainties, and even our deepest grievances before God in prayer, trusting that He is a God who hears, discerns, and will ultimately bring justice and clarity, even when human means fail. It fosters a posture of humility and reliance on divine wisdom in navigating complex interpersonal conflicts, knowing that God's perspective is the only truly infallible one.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God as the ultimate arbiter of truth influence your commitment to integrity in your daily interactions and spoken words?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, seek God's wisdom and discernment when navigating disputes or uncertainties in our relationships, even without a physical altar?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the seriousness of our words and promises, particularly when we invoke God's name or character in our daily lives?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Temple used for legal disputes in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The Temple served as a central hub for legal disputes because it was considered the dwelling place of God's presence, making it the most sacred and authoritative location for resolving matters that required divine intervention. In ancient Israel, the legal system was not entirely separate from the religious system; rather, it was deeply integrated with it. When human testimony or evidence was insufficient to determine truth, especially in cases of alleged wrongdoing denied by the accused, an oath sworn before God at the Temple's altar was seen as a direct appeal to God's omniscience and justice. It was believed that God would supernaturally reveal the truth or punish perjury, thereby upholding justice and the moral order of the community. This practice underscored the belief that God was actively involved in the affairs of His people, including their interpersonal conflicts, and that His judgment was final. Solomon's prayer in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication") explicitly anticipates and legitimizes this judicial function of the Temple, demonstrating its role as a place where divine truth could be sought.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Kings 8:31](/1_kings/8-31 "1 Kings 8:31 - Solomon's Prayer for Justice"), with its profound emphasis on divine justice, the sanctity of oaths, and the Temple as the earthly locus of truth, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, where solemn oaths were sworn and divine justice was sought, was a powerful shadow and prefigurement of the true and greater Temple, Jesus Himself, who boldly declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Christ is the very embodiment of truth, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). The inherent human inability to fully know or perfectly administer justice, which necessitated an oath before God's altar, points to the perfect and righteous Judge, Jesus Christ, who "will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has appointed" ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World Through Jesus")). Furthermore, the New Covenant, established through Christ's perfect sacrifice, transcends the need for formal oaths before a physical altar, calling believers to a higher standard of integrity where their "yes" means yes and their "no" means no ([Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33-37 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Do Not Swear Oaths"); [James 5:12](/james/5-12 "James 5:12 - Do Not Swear")), because their lives are now lived continually "before God" and in the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit. In Christ, the ultimate truth has been revealed, ultimate justice has been secured through His atoning work, and believers are empowered to live lives of truth and integrity that reflect the character of God, making every interaction a potential witness to the One who is Truth itself.

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

Exodus 22:8

If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, [to see] whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour's goods.

Exodus 22:11

[Then] shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept [thereof], and he shall not make [it] good.

Leviticus 5:1

¶ And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and [is] a witness, whether he hath seen or known [of it]; if he do not utter [it], then he shall bear his iniquity.

Proverbs 30:9

Lest I be full, and deny [thee], and say, Who [is] the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God [in vain].

Numbers 5:16

And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the LORD:

Numbers 5:22

And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make [thy] belly to swell, and [thy] thigh to rot: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen.

2 Chronicles 6:22

If a man sin against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to make him swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house;