1 Kings 8:27
But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?
Study Note
Study Note
'But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?' — Solomon's prayer at the temple dedication represents the most theologically sophisticated reflection on temple theology in the Hebrew Bible: acknowledging divine transcendence while still petitioning for divine presence. The tension between 'God cannot be contained' and 'hear toward this place' (verse 29) anticipates the New Testament's move from architectural sanctuary to incarnate presence (John 1:14: 'tabernacled among us') and to the community as temple (1 Corinthians 3:16–17). Stephen's sermon in Acts 7:48–50 ('the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands') draws directly on this Solomonic acknowledgment.
Other Translations
But will God in very deed dwell on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded!
But, is it true? --God dwelleth on the earth! lo, the heavens, and the heavens of the heavens do not contain Thee, how much less this house which I have builded!
But is it truly possible that God may be housed on earth? see, heaven and the heaven of heavens are not wide enough to be your resting-place; how much less this house which I have made!
Cross References
Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein …
But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot …
But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who …
Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that …
Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill …
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not …
Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what …
Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out …
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as …