1 Kings 8:46

If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;

1 Kings 8:46 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to King Solomon’s prayer of dedication after the temple in Jerusalem was completed. Solomon speaks to God about the future of the people of Israel. He knows they will not always obey, so he asks God to be ready to forgive them when they fail.

Meaning

Solomon states a universal truth: “there is no man that sinneth not.” Every human being has a sinful nature and is prone to disobedience. No one is exempt from this condition. The verse also presents a conditional warning. If the people sin against God, His anger may be provoked, and He may deliver them to their enemies. This could lead to captivity in a foreign land, whether far or near. The words “far or near” show that the judgment is complete; no place of escape exists.

Biblical connections

This prayer anticipates Israel’s future failures and God’s discipline. The same pattern appears later in the Old Testament when the people are taken into exile because of their sin. Yet the surrounding verses of this prayer show that God’s anger is not His final word. When the people repent and pray toward the land and the temple, God promises to hear and restore them. The verse therefore stands between judgment and mercy, showing both the seriousness of sin and the hope of forgiveness.

Application

Sin always carries consequences. When we disobey God, we may experience spiritual separation from Him, like being carried away from His presence. This can feel like captivity, even if we remain in our own homes. The remedy is honest confession and turning back to God. Because no one is without sin, every person needs His mercy daily. We should not treat sin lightly, but we also should not despair, for God is ready to forgive those who sincerely repent.

Reflection

Solomon’s words call us to examine our own hearts. Do we acknowledge our sin and its effects? Do we believe that God disciplines those He loves? The prayer reminds us that God’s holiness and justice are real, but so is His willingness to restore. When we sin, we can come to Him with humility, trusting that He will hear us and bring us back to Himself.