1 Kings 8:39

KJV

Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, [even] thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)

KJV (with Strong's)

Then hear {H8085} thou in heaven {H8064} thy dwelling {H3427} place {H4349}, and forgive {H5545}, and do {H6213}, and give {H5414} to every man {H376} according to his ways {H1870}, whose heart {H3824} thou knowest {H3045};(for thou, even thou only, knowest {H3045} the hearts {H3824} of all the children {H1121} of men {H120};)

Complete Jewish Bible

hear in heaven where you live, and forgive, and act, and, since you know what is in each one's heart, give each person what his conduct deserves (because you, and only you, know all human hearts),

Berean Standard Bible

be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of all men—

American Standard Version

then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling-place, and forgive, and do, and render unto every man according to all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 8:39 is a pivotal verse within King Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. It encapsulates the profound theological truth of God's unique and perfect omniscience, particularly His intimate knowledge of the human heart. Solomon petitions God to hear from His heavenly dwelling place, to forgive, and to act justly towards every individual, emphasizing that only God truly comprehends the deepest intentions and motives of all humanity, thereby providing the divine basis for righteous judgment and merciful intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Solomon's magnificent dedicatory prayer, which spans [1 Kings 8:22-53](/1_kings/8-22-53 "1 Kings 8:22-53 - Solomon's Dedicatory Prayer"). The prayer itself is the climactic moment following the solemn placement of the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple's Most Holy Place and the overwhelming manifestation of the Lord's glory filling the house ([1 Kings 8:6-11](/1_kings/8-6-11 "1 Kings 8:6-11 - The Ark Brought to the Temple and God's Glory Fills the Temple")). Solomon has just articulated a profound theological truth: despite the Temple's grandeur, no earthly building can truly contain the Almighty God ([1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - God's Transcendence Beyond the Temple")). He then proceeds to present a series of specific conditional petitions for various national crises and individual needs—such as drought, famine, war, or personal sin—all predicated on the people turning towards the Temple, confessing their sins, and seeking God's forgiveness and intervention. Verse 39 serves as the theological underpinning for all these requests, emphasizing that God's ability to respond justly and mercifully stems from His intimate and exclusive understanding of each individual's true condition and intentions, not merely their outward actions or words. It highlights the divine prerequisite for true justice and genuine forgiveness, making it a cornerstone of Solomon's appeal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem, occurring around 960 BC, was an unparalleled, monumental event in Israelite history, symbolizing the culmination of David's vision and Solomon's extensive building project. The Temple was consecrated as the central place of worship, sacrifice, and prayer for the nation, a designated space where God's "Name" would dwell and where His people could bring their petitions ([1 Kings 8:29](/1_kings/8-29 "1 Kings 8:29 - God's Name in the Temple")). In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, temples were often perceived as the literal dwelling places of deities, where the gods resided and could be manipulated through ritual. However, Solomon's prayer carefully distinguishes the Temple as a place for God's Name and a point of contact for prayer, while emphatically affirming God's true dwelling is in the heavens, beyond all human construction. The concept of the "heart" in ancient Israelite thought (Hebrew _lev_ or _lêbâb_) was far more comprehensive than the modern Western understanding. It was not merely the organ of emotion but was considered the seat of intellect, will, conscience, intentions, and the totality of one's inner being. Thus, God's knowledge of the heart implied a complete and exhaustive understanding of a person's true character and motives, a concept deeply significant in a culture that valued integrity and covenant faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme powerfully articulated in this verse is **God's Omniscience and Unique Heart-Knowledge**. The emphatic declaration, "for thou, [even] thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men," underscores that this profound, intimate understanding of human motives and intentions is an exclusive and incommunicable attribute of the divine. Unlike humans who are limited to judging by outward appearance ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")), God sees beyond the superficial to the very core of one's being ([Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - God Searches the Heart")). This divine attribute forms the indispensable basis for **Divine Justice and Forgiveness**. Solomon's plea for God to "forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways" demonstrates a request for both mercy when repentance is genuine and righteous judgment when actions warrant it. God's perfect knowledge ensures His response is always just and appropriate to the heart's true condition, whether it be for forgiveness or for recompense for deeds ([Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Renders According to Deeds")). Finally, the verse subtly reinforces **God's Transcendence**, reiterating that while the Temple is a designated place for prayer and the dwelling of God's Name, His actual "dwelling place" is "in heaven." This prevents any notion that God is confined to a physical structure and reinforces His boundless, uncontainable nature and His ability to hear prayers from anywhere.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knowest (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ_):** This verb (H3045) signifies a deep, experiential, and intimate knowledge, far beyond mere intellectual understanding or factual acquaintance. As per the Strong's data, it means "to ascertain by seeing," extending to comprehension, discernment, and recognition. When applied to God, it denotes His comprehensive, penetrating insight into the essence of things and beings. It implies a relational knowledge, where God is not merely aware of but fully comprehends the inner workings and true nature of the human heart, leaving nothing hidden.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb_):** In biblical anthropology, the "heart" (H3824) is not just the organ of emotion but, as the "most interior organ," represents the totality of a person's inner being. It encompasses their intellect, will, conscience, intentions, thoughts, and deepest motivations, as indicated by its association with "mind" and "understanding" in the Strong's definition. To "know the heart" means to perceive the very essence of who a person is, their true character, and the springs from which their actions flow, rather than just their outward behavior.
* **Ways (Hebrew, _derek_):** Literally meaning "road" or "path" (H1870), this term metaphorically refers to one's conduct, manner of life, or course of action, as described in the Strong's definition (e.g., "conversation," "custom," "manner"). In this context, it signifies the sum total of a person's deeds, which are understood to be an outflow of their inner "heart." God's judgment and response are therefore "according to his ways," meaning they are perfectly aligned with the true inner disposition and outward actions of each individual.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place":** This opening clause establishes God's transcendence and His true abode. Solomon acknowledges that while the Temple is a designated place for prayer and God's Name on earth, God's ultimate residence and the source of divine authority and power is in heaven (H8064, _shâmayim_). This emphasizes that God is not limited by human constructs or physical space, and He hears prayers from His glorious, uncontained dwelling (H3427, _yâshab_, "to dwell"; H4349, _mâkôwn_, "dwelling place").
* **"and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest;":** This constitutes Solomon's core petition and the desired divine response. He asks God to respond actively to the prayers of His people. "Forgive" (H5545, _çâlach_) implies mercy for genuine repentance. "Do" (H6213, _ʻâsâh_) and "give" (H5414, _nâthan_) to every man according to his ways (H1870, _derek_) speak to divine justice – God's righteous response, whether it be blessing or judgment, perfectly tailored to the individual's conduct. The crucial qualifying phrase "whose heart thou knowest" (H3824, _lêbâb_; H3045, _yâdaʻ_) immediately justifies God's ability to act justly; His actions are predicated on His perfect, intimate knowledge of the individual's true state and motives.
* **"(for thou, [even] thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)":** This parenthetical statement serves as a powerful theological affirmation and the ultimate rationale for the preceding petition. It is an emphatic declaration of God's unique and exclusive omniscience regarding the human heart. No human (H376, _ʼîysh_; H120, _ʼâdâm_), no other being, possesses this capacity. This divine attribute alone enables God to render perfect justice and extend true forgiveness, as He alone sees beyond all pretense to the deepest motives of every person (H1121, _bên_, "children").

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices that enhance its theological profundity. **Apostrophe** is prominently featured as Solomon directly addresses God ("Then hear thou..."). This direct appeal creates a sense of intimacy, reverence, and urgency in the prayer, underscoring the personal relationship between the supplicant and the divine. **Repetition** of the concept of "knowing the heart" (implied in "whose heart thou knowest" and explicitly stated in "thou, [even] thou only, knowest the hearts") serves to emphasize the singular and profound nature of God's omniscience, making it the central theological point of the verse and reinforcing its exclusivity to God. The structure also exhibits a clear form of **causal reasoning** or **justification**, where the final parenthetical clause ("for thou, [even] thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;") provides the divine rationale and irrefutable basis for God's ability to "forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways." This parenthetical explanation acts as a theological anchor, grounding the request in God's unique and perfect nature. Furthermore, there is a subtle yet effective **parallelism** in the sequence of divine actions requested: "forgive, and do, and give," illustrating the comprehensive scope of God's responsive action, encompassing both mercy and righteous judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates God's unparalleled omniscience, particularly His intimate knowledge of the human heart, which serves as the bedrock for His perfect justice and boundless mercy. It establishes that God's judgment is never superficial but always perfectly aligned with the true condition of an individual's inner being and the genuine motives behind their actions. This truth calls believers to a profound sincerity in their walk with God, knowing that outward religious performance is insufficient without a transformed heart. It also offers immense comfort, as it assures us that God sees our true struggles, our genuine repentance, and our deepest desires, responding not based on human misunderstanding but on divine perfection. This divine attribute distinguishes the God of Israel from all other deities and provides the ultimate assurance that His dealings with humanity are always just, righteous, and true.

* [Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - God Searches the Heart")
* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience and Presence")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Exposed Before God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth that God alone perfectly knows the human heart carries immense weight and offers transformative implications for contemporary believers. It compels us to move beyond superficial religiosity and cultivate a genuine, inward relationship with God, understanding that true worship emanates from the depths of our being. Our prayers are not merely words spoken into the air but expressions of our deepest desires, struggles, and repentance, known intimately by the One who sees all. This understanding should foster profound humility, prompting us to regularly examine our motives and intentions, recognizing that our "ways" are ultimately judged by the condition of our hearts, not just their outward manifestation. It also provides immense comfort and security, knowing that in times of injustice, misunderstanding, or false accusation by others, God sees the truth. He is the ultimate arbiter, perfectly just in His dealings, forgiving those who genuinely repent and righteously addressing all according to their inner disposition. This encourages us to live with unwavering integrity, knowing that our true worship is not merely external ritual but an offering from a sincere heart, fully known, cherished, and responded to by the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the knowledge of God's perfect heart-knowledge impact your prayer life and your approach to worship?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge you to examine your own motives and intentions, rather than just your outward actions?**
* **How does God's unique omniscience provide comfort or conviction in your daily walk, especially when you feel misunderstood or when contemplating divine justice?**

### FAQ
**Why is it emphasized that God *only* knows the hearts of all men?**

Answer: The emphasis that God *only* knows the hearts of all men highlights His unique divine attribute and distinguishes Him from all created beings. Humans are inherently limited in their perception; we can only observe outward actions and hear spoken words, often misinterpreting true intentions or hidden motives. As [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart") states, "For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." This exclusive knowledge is foundational for God's role as the righteous Judge and merciful Forgiver. Because He alone truly understands the depths of human depravity and the sincerity of true repentance, His responses are always perfectly just and appropriate, ensuring that no one is wrongly condemned or falsely acquitted. This divine prerogative underscores His absolute sovereignty and perfect wisdom in all His dealings with humanity.

**What is the significance of God's "dwelling place" being "in heaven" rather than the Temple?**

Answer: Solomon's prayer explicitly states that God's "dwelling place" is "in heaven" to reinforce God's transcendence and omnipresence. While the Temple was a sacred space where God's "Name" would dwell and where His people could meet with Him and offer prayers and sacrifices, it was never intended to confine God. The very idea that the infinite Creator could be contained within a man-made structure is a theological absurdity that Solomon wisely preempts. This distinction ensures that the Temple remains a vital point of contact and a symbol of God's presence among His people, but it prevents any idolatrous notion of God being limited to a physical location or being dependent on human structures. It confirms that God hears prayers not because of physical proximity to a building, but because He is the sovereign Lord who dwells in the heavens and is able to hear and respond from anywhere, at any time, to anyone who genuinely seeks Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth of God's unique knowledge of the human heart finds its ultimate and most vivid fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the Son of God, Jesus perfectly embodies this divine attribute, demonstrating an unparalleled insight into the innermost thoughts and intentions of individuals. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus not merely reacting to outward actions but consistently discerning the hearts of those around Him, whether it was the genuine faith of the paralytic's friends, the calculating hypocrisy of the Pharisees ([Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knew Their Thoughts")), or the true character and future betrayals of His own disciples ([John 2:24-25](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew All People")). He knew the hearts of those who sought to trap Him and the genuine repentance of those who sought His mercy. Furthermore, the petition for God to "forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways" is fully realized in Christ. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, offers the ultimate forgiveness for sins, based not on human merit but on His atoning sacrifice, which addresses the deepest corruption of the human heart ([Luke 5:20-24](/luke/5-20-24 "Luke 5:20-24 - Jesus Forgives Sins")). He is the one through whom God's perfect justice is satisfied and His boundless mercy is extended. As our great High Priest, Jesus intercedes for us in heaven, understanding our weaknesses and knowing our hearts perfectly, enabling us to approach God's throne with confidence and receive mercy and grace in time of need ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). Through the Holy Spirit, who searches the depths of God and the hearts of believers, Christ continues to reveal God's perfect knowledge and to transform hearts from within, conforming them to His own image ([Romans 8:27](/romans/8-27 "Romans 8:27 - The Spirit Searches Hearts")).

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

1 Chronicles 28:9

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Jeremiah 17:10

I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Acts 1:24

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all [men], shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

John 2:24

But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all [men],

John 2:25

And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.