1 Kings 8:47

KJV

[Yet] if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness;

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet if they shall bethink {H7725} themselves in the land {H776} whither they were carried captives {H7617}, and repent {H7725}{H3820}, and make supplication {H2603} unto thee in the land {H776} of them that carried them captives {H7617}, saying {H559}, We have sinned {H2398}, and have done perversely {H5753}, we have committed wickedness {H7561};

Complete Jewish Bible

then, if they come to their senses in the land where they have been carried away captive, turn back and make their plea to you in the land of those who carried them off captive, saying, 'We sinned, we acted wrongly, we behaved wickedly,'

Berean Standard Bible

and when they come to their senses in the land to which they were taken, and they repent and plead with You in the land of their captors, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly,’

American Standard Version

yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captive, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have dealt wickedly;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 8:47 is a profound segment of King Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the Temple, anticipating a future scenario where the people of Israel, having been carried into captivity due to their disobedience, would experience a deep internal turning, genuinely repent, and earnestly seek God's forgiveness from their foreign land. This verse encapsulates the enduring biblical themes of divine justice, the necessity of human repentance, and God's unwavering readiness to restore His covenant people when they turn back to Him with contrite hearts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within King Solomon's extensive and prophetic prayer of dedication for the newly constructed Temple in Jerusalem, as recorded in [1 Kings chapter 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). Solomon, standing before the altar, dedicates the Temple not merely as a physical structure but as a designated place for prayer, a spiritual beacon for Israel. His prayer is remarkably forward-looking, anticipating various future trials, sins, and judgments that the nation might face. Specifically, he petitions God to hear the prayers of His people, even when they are geographically distant from the Temple, particularly in the dire circumstance of exile. This particular plea, found in [1 Kings 8:46-50](/1_kings/8-46 "1 Kings 8:46-50 - Prayer for Those in Exile"), highlights the conditional nature of God's covenant with Israel, where blessings were tied to obedience and judgment to disobedience. Solomon foresees a time when Israel would stray so far as to face the ultimate consequence: exile from their promised land, yet he prays for a path to restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's prayer is deeply rooted in the Mosaic Covenant, particularly the blessings and curses outlined in texts like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings for Obedience, Curses for Disobedience"). These passages explicitly warned Israel that persistent disobedience would lead to national disaster, including exile from the land God had given them. For an ancient Near Eastern nation, exile was the ultimate catastrophe, signifying the loss of land, national identity, and often, the perceived abandonment by their deity. However, within the covenant, there was also the promise of restoration upon genuine repentance, as seen in [Deuteronomy 30:1-10](/deuteronomy/30-1 "Deuteronomy 30:1-10 - Return from Exile upon Repentance"). Solomon's prayer, therefore, acknowledges this covenant framework, appealing to God's faithfulness to His promises even in the face of Israel's potential unfaithfulness. It reflects a cultural understanding that national well-being was inextricably linked to covenant fidelity.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 8:47](/1_kings/8-47 "1 Kings 8:47 - The Call to Repentance in Exile") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Repentance and Self-Examination**. The phrase "bethink themselves" signifies a profound internal turning, a deep self-reflection on their actions and their departure from God's ways, serving as the crucial first step towards restoration. Secondly, it highlights the necessity of **Confession of Sin**. The explicit admission, "We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness," demonstrates a full and unreserved acknowledgment of guilt, covering general transgression, twisted actions, and outright evil, leaving no room for self-justification. Thirdly, the verse points to God's **Mercy and Faithfulness**. Despite the severity of their sin and the judgment of exile, Solomon's prayer rests on the conviction that God remains faithful to His covenant promises and is willing to hear and respond to a truly repentant heart. This foreshadows God's consistent character throughout biblical history. Finally, it emphasizes the power of **Prayer from Adversity**, illustrating that no location or situation can separate a repentant heart from God's ear, even from the "land of them that carried them captives."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bethink themselves (Hebrew, _shuv_):** This verb literally means "to turn back," "to return," or "to restore." In a spiritual context, it signifies a fundamental change of direction, a spiritual U-turn away from sin and back to God. It implies an internal realization and decision that precedes outward actions of repentance. It's not just a thought, but a turning of the entire being.
* **Repent (Hebrew, _nacham_):** This verb conveys a sense of sorrow, regret, or even comfort. When used in the context of human action towards God, it describes a deep emotional sorrow or grief over one's actions, leading to a change of mind and behavior. While _shuv_ is about turning, _nacham_ often describes the profound internal sorrow that motivates that turning.
* **Sinned (Hebrew, _chata'_):** "to miss the mark," a general term for falling short of God's standard.
* **Perversely (Hebrew, _avah'_):** "to bend, twist, distort," implying a deliberate perversion of justice or truth, a crookedness in action.
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, _rasha'_):** "to be wicked, guilty," denoting outright evil, a state of being in rebellion against God's law. This three-tiered confession leaves no room for self-justification, covering all forms of transgression from unintentional error to deliberate rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives":** This clause sets the scene for a future, dire situation of exile. The phrase "bethink themselves" highlights the crucial internal process of self-reflection and realization of their sin and its consequences. It implies a moment of clarity and spiritual awakening in the midst of suffering, initiating the path back to God.
* **"and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives":** Following the internal "bethinking," this clause describes the outward expressions of genuine repentance. "Repent" (with its connotation of sorrow) and "make supplication" (earnest prayer) are the active responses. The repetition of "in the land of them that carried them captives" powerfully emphasizes that even from the most desolate and oppressive circumstances, God's ear is open to a contrite heart.
* **"saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness;":** This final clause provides the specific content of their confession. The escalating terms for sin—"sinned" (general transgression), "done perversely" (deliberate distortion of right), and "committed wickedness" (outright evil)—demonstrate a full, unreserved, and comprehensive acknowledgment of their guilt before God. It signifies a profound humility and a complete absence of self-justification.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's prayer in [1 Kings 8:47](/1_kings/8-47 "1 Kings 8:47 - The Prayer for Repentance") employs several powerful literary devices. **Anticipation** or **Prophecy** is central, as Solomon looks far into the future, foreseeing the nation's potential apostasy and subsequent exile. This prophetic foresight lends gravity and timelessness to his prayer. The use of **Parallelism** is evident in the repetition of "in the land whither they were carried captives" and "in the land of them that carried them captives," which serves to emphasize the harsh reality and geographical specificity of their future plight, highlighting that God's reach and ability to hear prayer transcend physical boundaries. Furthermore, the escalating vocabulary used to describe sin—"sinned," "done perversely," "committed wickedness"—is a form of **Climax** or **Gradation**. This rhetorical device builds intensity, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of Israel's potential transgression and the thoroughness required in their confession. Finally, the entire verse is framed as a **Conditional Clause** ("Yet if they shall..."), which underscores the human responsibility in the covenant relationship; God's response of restoration is contingent upon the people's genuine turning and repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 8:47 is a pivotal verse that profoundly illustrates the dynamics of God's covenant relationship with Israel and, by extension, with humanity. It reveals a God who is just in judgment, yet infinitely merciful and faithful to His promises. The necessity of genuine repentance—a deep, internal turning followed by outward confession—is presented as the non-negotiable pathway to restoration, even from the most severe consequences of sin. This passage affirms that God's presence and attentiveness are not confined to a physical temple or a specific location; He hears the cries of a contrite heart from anywhere. It foreshadows the consistent biblical truth that while sin leads to separation and judgment ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"), [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")), God's grace always provides a way back through humble confession and true repentance ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")).

* [Deuteronomy 30:1-3](/deuteronomy/30-1 "Deuteronomy 30:1-3 - Return from Exile upon Repentance")
* [Leviticus 26:40-42](/leviticus/26-40 "Leviticus 26:40-42 - Confession in Exile")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Contrite Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 8:47 offers timeless and profound truths for believers today, providing a clear blueprint for restoration with God regardless of how far one may have strayed or how dire the consequences of sin might seem. It underscores that the pathway back to God always begins with sincere self-reflection, a "bethinking" that leads to genuine repentance and humble, comprehensive confession. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unfailing grace and His willingness to forgive; even when His people face the natural consequences of their disobedience, His ear remains open to their cries for mercy when coupled with true repentance. Furthermore, it provides immense hope for those facing difficult circumstances, reminding us that prayer is effective regardless of our physical location or the severity of our trials. Even from the "land of captivity"—whether literal exile, spiritual bondage, or personal despair—God hears the contrite heart. This passage encourages believers to regularly examine their hearts, confess their sins, and turn back to God, trusting in His compassionate response and His promise to restore.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to "bethink myself" in my current spiritual journey? Am I truly reflecting on my actions and their alignment with God's will?**
* **How comprehensive is my confession of sin? Do I acknowledge all aspects of my transgression, or do I tend to minimize certain areas?**
* **In what "land of captivity" might I find myself today (e.g., addiction, despair, bitterness, self-righteousness), and how can I "make supplication" from that place?**
* **How does Solomon's prayer for a future generation encourage my own prayers for those who are currently far from God or suffering the consequences of their choices?**

### FAQ
**What does "bethink themselves" truly mean in this context, and how does it relate to "repent"?**

Answer: "Bethink themselves" translates the Hebrew verb _shuv_ (שׁוּב), which literally means "to turn back" or "to return." In this spiritual context, it signifies a deep internal realization, a moment of profound self-reflection where one "comes to their senses" about their sin and their departure from God. It's the intellectual and volitional turning point, the decision to change direction. "Repent," from the Hebrew _nacham_ (נָחָם), often conveys the emotional sorrow, regret, or grief that accompanies this turning. So, "bethink themselves" is the internal shift in thinking and intention, while "repent" encompasses the sorrow and the active turning away from sin and back towards God. They are two crucial, interconnected aspects of genuine spiritual transformation, as seen in the prodigal son who "came to himself" ([Luke 15:17](/luke/15-17 "Luke 15:17 - The Prodigal Son Comes to Himself")) before returning to his father.

**Why is Solomon praying about future exile and repentance during the Temple dedication?**

Answer: Solomon's prayer is remarkably prophetic and comprehensive. He understands the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant, which promised blessings for obedience and curses, including exile, for disobedience (as detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). By praying for a future scenario of exile and repentance, Solomon demonstrates profound spiritual foresight and a deep understanding of God's character. He is not just dedicating a building; he is dedicating a people to God, anticipating their future failures and God's enduring faithfulness. His prayer establishes the Temple as a perpetual place of prayer and intercession, even for those far away, ensuring that the path to reconciliation with God remains open regardless of the nation's future circumstances. It underscores God's desire for His people's return, even when they stray.

**Does this verse imply that God always forgives if we simply say "We have sinned"?**

Answer: While [1 Kings 8:47](/1_kings/8-47 "1 Kings 8:47 - Repentance and Confession") emphasizes God's readiness to forgive, it's crucial to note the depth of repentance described. The verse speaks of "bethinking themselves," "repenting," and making "supplication," followed by a comprehensive confession: "We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness." This is not a superficial acknowledgment but a deep, internal turning and a full, unreserved admission of guilt. The Bible consistently teaches that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins if we confess them with a truly contrite heart ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). It's the sincerity and depth of the turning, rather than mere words, that God responds to.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 8:47, with its emphasis on repentance from spiritual exile and the longing for restoration, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Temple, dedicated by Solomon as a place where prayers for forgiveness could be heard, pointed to a greater reality: Jesus himself is the true Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy This Temple, and in Three Days I Will Raise It Up")). Humanity's "exile" is not merely physical but spiritual, a separation from God due to sin ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, provides the perfect means for us to "bethink ourselves" and "repent" from this spiritual captivity. He is the one through whom we can now approach God directly, without the need for a physical temple or a specific geographical location for prayer ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus the Great High Priest"), [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")). In Christ, the comprehensive confession of sin described in 1 Kings 8:47 meets its perfect answer, as He bore the full weight of our "sinned," "perversely done," and "wickedness committed" on the cross. He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering not just forgiveness but a new creation and complete reconciliation ([2 Corinthians 5:17-21](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17-21 - New Creation in Christ")). Through Him, we are truly brought home from exile, welcomed into God's family, and given rest for our souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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

Psalms 106:6

¶ We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.

Ezra 9:6

And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over [our] head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.

Ezra 9:7

Since the days of our fathers [have] we [been] in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, [and] our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as [it is] this day.

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.

Nehemiah 1:11

O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

Nehemiah 9:26

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

Nehemiah 9:30

Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.