Old Testament
1 Kings 8:29
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
May your eyes be open toward this house night and day — this place where you said, 'My name shall be there' — so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place.
Compare translations
That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place.
What 1 Kings 8:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, King Solomon is asking God to keep His eyes open to the temple he has built, day and night. This temple is special because it is where God has chosen to place His name, symbolizing His presence. Solomon wants God to hear the prayers offered there, showing the importance of this place in connecting with God. The temple represents a physical space where people can come to seek God’s guidance and support. By praying towards this house, Solomon emphasizes the belief that God is attentive to the needs of His people. This verse highlights the relationship between God and His followers, where prayer is a vital part of that connection. It reminds us that God is always listening, ready to respond to our heartfelt prayers, especially when we seek Him earnestly. The temple serves as a reminder of God’s promise to be present with His people, encouraging them to reach out to Him in faith and trust, knowing He is always there to hear them. It’s a powerful invitation to engage with God personally.
How to apply 1 Kings 8:29 to your life
When you pray, remember that God is always listening. Create a space in your life where you can connect with Him, just like the temple was for Solomon. Approach Him with your concerns and trust that He hears you, no matter where you are. Your prayers matter to Him! Keep seeking Him daily!
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Solomon's story: The Prayer of Dedication (1 Kings 8:12–61)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Solomon
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Kings 8:29
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Kings 8:29
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 8:29 mean?
1 Kings 8:29 expresses King Solomon's prayer for God to always be attentive to the temple he built, which symbolizes God's presence. Solomon emphasizes the importance of this place for prayer and connection with God.
What is the significance of 'My name shall be there' in 1 Kings 8:29?
The phrase 'My name shall be there' signifies that God has chosen the temple as a special location for His presence. It highlights the temple's role as a sacred space where people can come to pray and seek God's guidance.
How does 1 Kings 8:29 relate to prayer?
1 Kings 8:29 emphasizes that God is always listening to prayers directed towards the temple. It encourages believers to approach God with their concerns, knowing He is attentive to their needs.
What themes are present in 1 Kings 8:29?
Key themes in 1 Kings 8:29 include God's presence, the importance of prayer, faith, and the connection between God and His followers. It highlights the belief that God is always ready to respond to sincere prayers.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.