1 Kings 8:48 Meaning and Explanation
“And so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul, in the land of their enemies, which led them away captive, and pray unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, the city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Solomon prays for exiles who return to God with all their heart and pray toward the land and house.
What Does 1 Kings 8:48 Mean?
Solomon continues the prayer for the exiles: that they would return to God with all their heart and soul, even in their enemies' land, praying toward the land of promise, the chosen city, and the house built for His name. The whole self turns back to God.
Repentance reaches its fullness when it engages the whole heart and soul. Even from the deepest exile, such wholehearted returning finds God near. This is the turning the Lord seeks, not half-hearted regret but complete devotion, and it assures every wanderer that no exile is beyond the reach of God's welcoming mercy.
1 Kings 8:48 in the Original Language
nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ), 'soul' -- the whole living self, the seat of life and desire.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 8:48
What does 1 Kings 8:48 mean?
Solomon prays for exiles who return to God with all their heart and pray toward the land and house.