1 Kings 8:41

KJV

Moreover concerning a stranger, that [is] not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake;

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover concerning a stranger {H5237}, that is not of thy people {H5971} Israel {H3478}, but cometh out {H935} of a far {H7350} country {H776} for {H4616} thy name's {H8034} sake;

Complete Jewish Bible

"Also the foreigner who does not belong to your people Isra'el - when he comes from a distant country because of your reputation

Berean Standard Bible

And as for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of Your name—

American Standard Version

Moreover concerning the foreigner, that is not of thy people Israel, when he shall come out of a far country for thy name’s sake

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon's prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem, specifically in 1 Kings 8:41, remarkably extends God's concern beyond the nation of Israel to include a "stranger"—a non-Israelite—who comes from a distant land, drawn by the fame and character of God's name. This verse highlights a profound theological truth: God's universal sovereignty and His desire to be known and worshipped by all peoples, anticipating a future where the Temple would serve as a house of prayer for all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Solomon's extensive and pivotal prayer at the dedication of the First Temple, meticulously recorded in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). Following the awe-inspiring moment when the Ark of the Covenant is placed in the Most Holy Place and the glory of the Lord fills the Temple, Solomon stands before the altar, offering a comprehensive intercession. His prayer systematically addresses various scenarios for Israel, including times of drought, famine, defeat in battle, and plague, envisioning their repentance and turning towards the Temple for divine intervention (e.g., [1 Kings 8:33-40](/1_kings/8-33-40 "1 Kings 8:33-40 - Solomon's Prayer for Israel's Repentance")). The inclusion of verses [1 Kings 8:41-43](/1_kings/8-41-43 "1 Kings 8:41-43 - Solomon's Prayer for Foreigners") marks a significant and unexpected expansion of this intercession, moving beyond the covenant people to embrace the "stranger." This demonstrates a remarkably inclusive vision of God's reach that transcends national boundaries and anticipates a global impact, serving as a prophetic bridge within the prayer itself.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Temple under King Solomon was an epoch-making event in ancient Israelite history, signifying the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people in Jerusalem. This period, often regarded as Israel's "Golden Age," saw the nation at the zenith of its political and economic power. Culturally, ancient Near Eastern societies were typically tribal and exclusive, with worship generally confined to national or local deities. Against this backdrop, Solomon's prayer for the inclusion of foreigners is remarkably progressive and counter-cultural. While Israel was uniquely chosen as God's peculiar people, the underlying covenant promise to Abraham always contained a universal dimension: that through him, [all the families of the earth would be blessed](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham to Bless All Nations"). Solomon's prayer reflects an understanding, perhaps nascent but profoundly significant, that God's renown would extend far beyond Israel's borders, drawing people from "a far country" to seek Him, not through conquest but through spiritual attraction.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 8:41](/1_kings/8-41 "1 Kings 8:41 - Solomon's Prayer for the Stranger") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes evident in 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's Universal Sovereignty and Invitation**, revealing that His redemptive plan and desire for worship are not confined to a single ethnicity or nation. This challenges any narrow, exclusive understanding of God's people, foreshadowing a more expansive kingdom. Secondly, the phrase "for thy name's sake" highlights the **Power and Renown of God's Name**. It implies that Yahweh's character, His mighty acts, and His faithfulness have become so widely known that they draw distant peoples to Him, not for political gain or economic advantage, but out of genuine spiritual seeking. Thirdly, it introduces the profound theme of **Inclusivity in Worship**, envisioning the Temple, though built by Israel, as a potential "house of prayer for all peoples," a concept later echoed powerfully by the prophet Isaiah in [Isaiah 56:7](/isaiah/56-7 "Isaiah 56:7 - God's House a House of Prayer for All Peoples") and emphatically affirmed by Jesus in [Matthew 21:13](/matthew/21-13 "Matthew 21:13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple"). This theme lays crucial theological groundwork for the New Testament's emphasis on the global mission of the church.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _nokrîy'_):** This term (H5237, נָכְרִי) specifically denotes a foreigner, an alien, or someone who is not a native Israelite, emphasizing their non-covenantal, non-ethnic background relative to the people of [Israel](/israel "The Nation of Israel"). The use of this word highlights that the individual is fundamentally "other" in terms of national identity, making their inclusion in Solomon's prayer all the more significant. Unlike a "ger" (גֵּר), a resident alien who might live among Israel and often adhere to some Israelite laws, the _nokrîy_ here is explicitly from "a far country" (H7350, H776), implying a complete outsider drawn solely by God's reputation.
* **For thy name's sake (Hebrew, _lema'an shim'kha_):** This phrase (H4616, לְמַעַן; H8034, שֵׁם) is profoundly significant. "Name" (שֵׁם, _shêm_) in Hebrew thought is not merely a label but encapsulates the very essence, character, reputation, and revealed attributes of a person or, in this case, God. To come "for thy name's sake" (H4616) means the stranger is motivated not by political alliance, economic opportunity, or mere curiosity, but by the renown of Yahweh's character, His power, His holiness, and His faithfulness, which has spread to distant lands. It signifies a genuine spiritual seeking rooted in God's self-revelation and the desire to [come](/come "To Come") and worship Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover concerning a stranger,"**: This opening phrase introduces a new, distinct category of individual into Solomon's prayer, shifting the focus from the people of Israel to those outside the immediate covenant nation. It signals a remarkable expansion of God's concern and the Temple's intended purpose, demonstrating a divine interest that transcends ethnic boundaries.
* **"that [is] not of thy people Israel,"**: This clause explicitly defines the "stranger" (H5237) as a non-Israelite, emphasizing their ethnic and national distinction from the chosen people (H5971, H3478). This clear demarcation makes their inclusion in the prayer for divine hearing and blessing particularly noteworthy, challenging any narrow perception of Israelite exclusivity and highlighting God's broader redemptive scope.
* **"but cometh out of a far country"**: This detail underscores the great distance (H7350) and effort involved for such a person to come (H935) to Jerusalem from their own land (H776). It implies a significant and arduous journey, driven by a powerful motivation, and highlights the truly global reach of God's fame, extending far beyond the immediate geographical and political sphere of Israel.
* **"for thy name's sake;"**: This concluding phrase provides the crucial and ultimate motivation for the stranger's journey. It reveals that the foreigner is drawn not by the fame of Israel's king or its material wealth, but by the reputation, character, and revealed glory of God Himself (H8034). This signifies a profound spiritual pilgrimage, a seeking after the one true God based on His self-revelation.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's prayer in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Solomon's Prayer") employs several potent literary devices that elevate its theological significance. The inclusion of [1 Kings 8:41](/1_kings/8-41 "1 Kings 8:41 - Solomon's Prayer for the Stranger") serves as a powerful instance of **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing**, looking forward to a time when God's renown would extend globally and people from all nations would seek Him. This vision of **Inclusivity** stands in stark contrast to the often ethnocentric tendencies of ancient cultures, highlighting the unique, universal nature of Yahweh. The repeated emphasis on God's "name" throughout the prayer, culminating in the stranger coming "for thy name's sake," demonstrates **Thematic Repetition**, reinforcing the idea that God's character and self-revelation are the ultimate drawing power. This verse also functions as a moment of **Prophetic Insight**, as Solomon, guided by divine wisdom, articulates a truth about God's universal heart that would find fuller expression in later prophetic writings and ultimately in the New Covenant, where the distinction between Jew and Gentile is transcended in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Kings 8:41](/1_kings/8-41 "1 Kings 8:41 - Solomon's Prayer for the Stranger") is a profound theological statement, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan was never exclusively for Israel, but always possessed a universal dimension. From the very beginning, God's promise to Abraham included the blessing of "all the families of the earth," a promise that found a significant echo in Solomon's prayer. This verse showcases God's expansive love and desire for all humanity to know and worship Him, laying a foundational Old Testament principle for the global mission of the church. It reveals that the Temple, though built by Israel, was intended to be a beacon of God's glory to the nations, a place where even foreigners could genuinely seek and find the Lord. This understanding challenges any notion of a tribal deity, affirming Yahweh as the one true God of all creation, whose fame rightly draws worship from every corner of the earth.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham to Bless All Nations")
* [Isaiah 56:7](/isaiah/56-7 "Isaiah 56:7 - God's House a House of Prayer for All Peoples")
* [Zechariah 8:22-23](/zechariah/8-22-23 "Zechariah 8:22-23 - Many Peoples and Nations Will Seek the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's prayer for the stranger in [1 Kings 8:41](/1_kings/8-41 "1 Kings 8:41 - Solomon's Prayer for the Stranger") offers timeless and profound insights for believers today. It calls us to embrace a global perspective, reminding us that God's heart has always been for all peoples, not just those within our immediate cultural, national, or denominational sphere. This ancient prayer lays a critical Old Testament foundation for the Great Commission, urging us to participate in God's ongoing mission to draw people from every tribe, tongue, and nation into His family. Furthermore, it highlights the power of God's "name"—His revealed character and glory—as the ultimate magnet for seeking hearts. Our lives as believers should reflect God's goodness, justice, and love, serving as a compelling testimony that draws others to inquire about the hope we possess. Finally, this passage encourages a spirit of radical welcome and hospitality towards those who are new to faith, from different backgrounds, or are genuinely seeking spiritual truth, recognizing that God is actively calling people from all walks of life to Himself, and we are called to be instruments of that welcome.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's prayer for the "stranger" challenge any exclusive or narrow views we might hold about God's love and redemptive plan?**
* **In what ways can our lives and our communities of faith reflect God's "name's sake" to draw those from "a far country" (metaphorically or literally) to Him?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate a more welcoming and inclusive environment for those who are new to faith or from different backgrounds, echoing the spirit of Solomon's prayer?**
* **How does this Old Testament passage inform our understanding of and participation in global missions today, inspiring us to look beyond our familiar horizons?**

### FAQ

**Was it common for foreigners to worship at the Temple in Old Testament times?**

Answer: While the Temple was primarily the center of worship for the Israelites, Solomon's prayer in [1 Kings 8:41-43](/1_kings/8-41-43 "1 Kings 8:41-43 - Solomon's Prayer for Foreigners") clearly indicates an expectation and desire for foreigners to come and worship the Lord. There are biblical accounts of non-Israelites who came to faith in Yahweh, such as Ruth the Moabitess ([Ruth 1:16](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16 - Ruth's Vow to Naomi")), and the Queen of Sheba who visited Solomon and praised the Lord ([1 Kings 10:9](/1_kings/10-9 "1 Kings 10:9 - Queen of Sheba Praises the Lord")). Proselytes (converts to Judaism) were also a recognized category, though their numbers varied. Later, the Temple structure itself included a "Court of the Gentiles," indicating a designated space for non-Israelites to gather and worship, even if access to inner courts was restricted. Solomon's prayer, therefore, represents a prophetic vision for universal worship that, while not always fully realized in practice due to Israel's own failures and exclusivist tendencies, remained a core theological ideal and a testament to God's expansive heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's prayer for the stranger in [1 Kings 8:41](/1_kings/8-41 "1 Kings 8:41 - Solomon's Prayer for the Stranger") finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Solomon envisioned foreigners coming to a physical temple in Jerusalem, Jesus declared that true worship would no longer be confined to a specific mountain or city, but would be "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:21-24](/john/4-21-24 "John 4:21-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus broke down the "dividing wall of hostility" that separated Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")), creating one new humanity reconciled to God. The "far country" from which the stranger comes now represents all the nations of the earth, whom Christ commands His disciples to reach through the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). The "name's sake" that drew the stranger to the Temple is now fully revealed and supremely glorified in the name of Jesus, "for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through No Other Name")). The Church, as the spiritual temple built on Christ the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Christ")), is now the dwelling place of God's Spirit, composed of believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, fulfilling Solomon's prophetic intercession for a truly global worship of the one true God, culminating in the heavenly vision of a multitude no one can count ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation Worshipping God")).

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 Kings 10:1

¶ And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.

1 Kings 10:2

And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

Acts 8:27

And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

Acts 8:40

But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Isaiah 56:3

¶ Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I [am] a dry tree.

Isaiah 56:7

Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Exodus 18:8

And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, [and] all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and [how] the LORD delivered them.