1 Kings 8:22 Meaning and Explanation
“And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Solomon stands before the altar and spreads his hands toward heaven to pray.
What Does 1 Kings 8:22 Mean?
Now the great dedicatory prayer begins. Solomon takes his place before the altar, in full view of all Israel, and spreads his hands toward heaven, the open posture of a heart reaching upward in supplication.
The king leads his people in prayer with body and soul together, hands lifted, eyes raised. Worship engages the whole person before God. This open-handed reaching toward heaven is the very picture of dependence, teaching every believer that prayer begins by lifting empty hands to the One who fills them.
1 Kings 8:22 in the Original Language
paras (פָּרַשׂ), 'spread forth' -- to spread out the hands, the open gesture of prayer.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 8:22
What does 1 Kings 8:22 mean?
Solomon stands before the altar and spreads his hands toward heaven to pray.