King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:5 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:5 in the King James Version says “And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, whic...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David.”

1 Chronicles 11:5 · KJV

Context

3

Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel. by: Heb. by the hand of

4

And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.

5

And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David.

6

And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief. chief: Heb. head

7

And David dwelt in the castle; therefore they called it the city of David. it: that is, Zion

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David established as king and mighty men. The Hebrew term בְּרִית (berit) - covenant is theologically significant here, pointing to God's sovereign choice of leadership. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about God's sovereign choice of leadership. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: David as type of Christ, the Messianic King.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of David established as king and mighty men occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on God's sovereign choice of leadership challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does David as type of Christ, the Messianic King teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ1 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יֹֽשְׁבֵ֤י2 of 15

“And the inhabitants”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יְבוּס֙3 of 15

“of Jebus”

H2982

jebus, the original name of jerusalem

דָּוִֽיד׃4 of 15

“hither Nevertheless David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֹ֥א5 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָב֖וֹא6 of 15

“Thou shalt not come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הֵ֑נָּה7 of 15
H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

וַיִּלְכֹּ֤ד8 of 15

“took”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

דָּוִֽיד׃9 of 15

“hither Nevertheless David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת10 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מְצֻדַ֣ת11 of 15

“the castle”

H4686

a fastness

צִיּ֔וֹן12 of 15

“of Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

הִ֖יא13 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

עִ֥יר14 of 15

“which is the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

דָּוִֽיד׃15 of 15

“hither Nevertheless David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 11:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 11:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 48:12-13Psalms 2:6Lamentations 4:11-122 Samuel 6:101 Chronicles 11:72 Samuel 6:12

Places in This Verse

City of DavidSettlement · Modern: City of David · 31.77°N, 35.24°E46 verses across 7 books
JebusSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E7 verses across 3 books
ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 11 →

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