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 who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who …
But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot …
The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in …
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 …
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the …
Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,