1 Kings 8:46

KJV

If they sin against thee, (for [there is] no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;

KJV (with Strong's)

If they sin {H2398} against thee,(for there is no man {H120} that sinneth {H2398} not,) and thou be angry {H599} with them, and deliver {H5414} them to the enemy {H341}, so that they carry them away {H7617} captives {H7617} unto {H6440} the land {H776} of the enemy {H341}, far {H7350} or near {H7138};

Complete Jewish Bible

"If they sin against you - for there is no one who doesn't sin - and you are angry with them and hand them over to the enemy, so that they carry them off captive to the land of their enemy, whether far away or nearby;

Berean Standard Bible

When they sin against You—for there is no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to an enemy who takes them as captives to his own land, whether far or near,

American Standard Version

If they sin against thee (for there is no man that sinneth not), and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive unto the land of the enemy, far off or near;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 8:46 stands as a profound theological cornerstone within King Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the newly consecrated Temple in Jerusalem. This pivotal verse articulates the universal and inescapable reality of human sinfulness, serving as a foundational premise for Solomon's subsequent plea for divine mercy and restoration. With remarkable prophetic insight, it anticipates the dire consequences of national disobedience, specifically foretelling God's righteous anger leading to Israel's defeat and forced exile into foreign lands, whether near or far, thereby laying the groundwork for a future hope rooted in repentance and God's covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of Solomon's extensive dedicatory prayer for the Temple, meticulously recorded in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Solomon's Prayer and Temple Dedication"). Following the awe-inspiring placement of the Ark of the Covenant and the overwhelming manifestation of God's glory that filled the Temple (vv. 10-11), Solomon blesses the assembled congregation (vv. 14-21) before embarking on a lengthy, multifaceted prayer (vv. 22-53). Verses 31-53 present a series of conditional petitions, each introduced by "If," addressing various scenarios where Israel might transgress against God and subsequently require divine intervention, forgiveness, or restoration. Specifically, verses 46-50 form a distinct and crucial segment that anticipates the most severe consequence of persistent national sin: defeat by enemies, exile from the promised land, and the subsequent opportunity for repentance while in a foreign land. Verse 46, with its parenthetical declaration of humanity's inherent sinfulness, establishes the theological necessity for such a plea for mercy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's prayer is offered at the zenith of Israel's united monarchy, a period characterized by unprecedented peace, immense prosperity, and significant national influence. The completion of the Temple marked the fulfillment of King David's vision and the culmination of Solomon's monumental architectural and spiritual endeavor, firmly establishing Jerusalem as the central locus of worship and the tangible symbol of God's dwelling among His people. However, the foundational covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, initially established at Sinai, was always predicated on stipulations for obedience and included explicit warnings of severe judgment for disobedience, particularly the devastating threat of exile from the land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:36-68](/deuteronomy/28-36-68 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience")). Solomon's prayer, therefore, demonstrates a profound understanding of this covenantal framework. He acknowledges Israel's historical propensity to stray and anticipates the very real possibility of future national calamity, even as he dedicates a magnificent house for God. The concept of being "carried away captives" was a grim, well-understood reality in the ancient Near East, where conquering empires routinely deported defeated populations to break their national identity and prevent rebellion.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes reverberating through [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Solomon's Temple Dedication"), and particularly underscored by this verse, include the profound **universality of sin** and its **inevitable consequences**. Solomon's parenthetical admission, "for [there is] no man that sinneth not," is a foundational theological statement affirming the pervasive reality of human depravity, a truth consistently echoed throughout the broader biblical narrative (e.g., [Psalm 14:3](/psalm/14-3 "Psalm 14:3 - All have turned aside") and [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God")). This universal sinfulness inherently necessitates divine mercy and the provision for genuine repentance. The verse also vividly highlights the **covenantal nature of God's relationship with Israel**, where persistent disobedience inexorably leads to divine anger and judgment, specifically manifested as national defeat and **exile**. This serves as a stark, sobering warning, emphasizing that even the sacred presence of the Temple does not negate the consequences of unfaithfulness. Remarkably, Solomon's prayer also functions as a powerful **foreshadowing of the Babylonian exile**, which would indeed occur centuries later, demonstrating a prophetic insight into Israel's future trajectory and God's sovereign hand in shaping history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** The verb חָטָא (_châṭâʼ'_, H2398) fundamentally means "to miss the mark," "to go astray," or "to fall short." In a theological context, it signifies a deviation from God's revealed will, a transgression against His commands, character, or established covenant. The repetition of this verb ("If they sin against thee... no man that sinneth not") profoundly underscores the pervasive and inescapable nature of humanity's failure to perfectly align with divine standards, highlighting an inherent human inclination towards disobedience.
* **Man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** The noun אָדָם (_ʼâdâm'_, H120) refers to a human being, an individual, or mankind as a species. In the context of "no man that sinneth not," it emphasizes the universal scope of sin, affirming that this fallen condition is not limited to a select few but is an intrinsic aspect of the entire human race, without exception. It speaks to the shared human experience of imperfection and moral failing.
* **Carry away captives (Hebrew, _shâbâh'_):** The verb שָׁבָה (_shâbâh'_, H7617) means "to transport into captivity" or "to take captive." This term vividly portrays the ultimate humiliation, loss of freedom, and displacement that comes as a direct consequence of national defeat and God's judgment. It signifies a reversal of the freedom and possession of the land that God had graciously granted to Israel through the Exodus, representing a profound rupture in their covenant relationship and a loss of their national identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If they sin against thee, (for [there is] no man that sinneth not,)":** This opening clause presents a conditional statement, acknowledging the inevitability of human transgression. The parenthetical remark is a profound theological truth, asserting the universal fallenness of humanity. Solomon, even in the context of dedicating a holy Temple, recognizes that sin is not merely a possibility but a certainty for every individual, thereby establishing the premise for the subsequent need for divine forgiveness and intervention. This admission is a cornerstone of biblical anthropology.
* **"and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy,":** This phrase outlines the immediate divine response to persistent sin: God's righteous anger and subsequent judgment. To "deliver them to the enemy" signifies God's sovereign act of withdrawing His protective hand and allowing foreign powers to prevail over Israel. This directly links national defeat and vulnerability to divine displeasure over disobedience, emphasizing that even in defeat, God remains sovereign and just in His dealings with His people.
* **"so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;":** This final clause describes the ultimate consequence of God's judgment: forced exile. The phrase "carry them away captives" paints a vivid picture of deportation, a common and brutal practice of ancient empires to subjugate conquered peoples and prevent future rebellions. The specification "far or near" emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of this judgment, indicating that no matter the distance from their homeland, the experience of captivity would be a painful and undeniable reality of their separation from the promised land and the Temple, a direct result of their unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant **Literary Devices** that amplify its theological weight and prophetic resonance. The most prominent is the **Parenthetical Statement** ("for [there is] no man that sinneth not"), which serves as a profound theological aside. This interjection of a universal truth about human nature directly into the conditional prayer highlights the foundational premise of Solomon's plea: that sin is an inherent, unavoidable aspect of the human condition, making the need for mercy perpetual. The overall structure of the verse is a **Conditional Statement** ("If... then..."), outlining a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's sin and God's judgmental response, leading to exile. This structure powerfully underscores the covenantal framework governing God's relationship with His people, where blessings are contingent upon obedience and curses follow disobedience. Furthermore, the entire passage functions as **Foreshadowing**, remarkably anticipating the future Babylonian exile and other periods of dispersion. This prophetic insight into Israel's history demonstrates God's sovereign plan unfolding through human choices and consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 8:46 profoundly articulates the biblical doctrine of universal sinfulness, asserting that no human being is exempt from falling short of God's glory. This truth underscores the absolute necessity of divine grace and forgiveness, as humanity, left to its own devices, is inherently incapable of maintaining perfect righteousness. The verse also highlights the justice of God, who, in His holiness, must respond to sin with consequences, even for His chosen people. Yet, it simultaneously sets the stage for His profound mercy, as the subsequent verses of Solomon's prayer will plead for restoration upon genuine repentance, demonstrating God's readiness to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him, even from distant lands of captivity. This tension between divine justice and unwavering mercy is a central and enduring theme throughout the entire biblical narrative, culminating in the person and work of Christ.

* [Psalm 14:3](/psalm/14-3 "Psalm 14:3 - All have turned aside from God")
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God")
* [Deuteronomy 28:36](/deuteronomy/28-36 "Deuteronomy 28:36 - Warning of Exile for Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 8:46 calls us to a profound humility and unflinching self-awareness regarding our own spiritual condition. The parenthetical declaration, "for [there is] no man that sinneth not," serves as a timeless, sobering reminder that sin is not merely an occasional misstep but an inherent reality of our fallen nature, affecting every individual at the deepest level. This foundational truth should effectively dismantle any inclination towards self-righteousness and foster a deep, abiding dependence on God's boundless grace, acknowledging that we are perpetually in need of His mercy and forgiveness. It also compels us to understand the profound seriousness of sin in God's eyes, recognizing that disobedience carries real and often severe consequences, both individually in our personal lives and corporately within our communities and nations. Just as Solomon, with remarkable foresight, interceded for Israel, this verse prompts us to engage in fervent prayer for our nations and communities, acknowledging their collective shortcomings and seeking divine guidance, intervention, and forgiveness, understanding that while God's justice is immutable, His willingness to restore upon genuine repentance is equally steadfast.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging the universal truth that "no man that sinneth not" impact your personal walk with God and your view of others?**
* **In what ways do you observe the consequences of sin, both personal and corporate, manifesting in the world around you today?**
* **How does Solomon's foresight in this prayer encourage you to pray for future generations or for the long-term spiritual health of your community or nation?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the delicate yet powerful balance between God's justice and His mercy in His dealings with humanity?**

### FAQ
**Does "no man that sinneth not" imply that all sins are equal in God's eyes?**

Answer: While [1 Kings 8:46](/1_kings/8-46 "1 Kings 8:46 - Universal Sinfulness") powerfully establishes the universal reality of sin, it does not imply that all sins are equal in their nature, severity, or consequences. The Bible consistently distinguishes between different types of transgressions, such as sins committed in ignorance versus deliberate, high-handed sins, and their varying levels of impact on individuals and communities. For instance, the Mosaic Law prescribed different sacrifices and penalties for various offenses, clearly indicating a graded understanding of sin's gravity (e.g., [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Sacrifices for Unintentional Sins") outlines offerings for unintentional sins, contrasting with the severe judgment for presumptuous sin in [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Punishment for High-Handed Sin")). Similarly, the New Testament speaks of sins that lead to death versus those that do not (e.g., [1 John 5:16-17](/1_john/5-16-17 "1 John 5:16-17 - Sins leading to death")). However, the core theological truth remains that *any* sin, regardless of its perceived magnitude, constitutes a transgression against a holy God, separating humanity from Him and necessitating divine intervention for reconciliation and restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 8:46, with its stark and universal declaration that "no man that sinneth not," profoundly sets the stage for the absolute necessity of Jesus Christ. In a world universally stained by the pervasive reality of sin, the New Testament unveils Jesus Christ as the singular and glorious exception—the [sinless Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and knew no sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). Where humanity consistently misses the mark, Jesus hit it perfectly, embodying flawless obedience to God's will. The dire consequences of sin, described by Solomon as divine anger and captivity, find their ultimate and redemptive resolution in Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. He bore the righteous wrath of God, becoming a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law")), thereby delivering us from the spiritual captivity to sin and death ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from the law of sin and death")). Through His victorious resurrection, He offers not merely a return from physical exile, but a new covenant of grace and a spiritual restoration, bringing us into an eternal, reconciled relationship with God that transcends any earthly land or temple ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8 - A New and Better Covenant")). Thus, Solomon's prophetic acknowledgment of universal human failure points directly to the perfect and all-sufficient Savior who alone could address the intractable problem of sin and offer true freedom, forgiveness, and eternal reconciliation.

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

Ecclesiastes 7:20

For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Proverbs 20:9

¶ Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

Isaiah 64:6

¶ But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

1 John 1:8

¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:10

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.