King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:8 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:8 in the King James Version says “And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city. repaired: Heb. r...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city. repaired: Heb. revived”

1 Chronicles 11:8 · KJV

Context

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

8

And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city. repaired: Heb. revived

9

So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him. waxed: Heb. went in going and increasing

10

These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. strengthened: or, held strongly with him

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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 · 12 words
וַיִּ֤בֶן1 of 12

“And he built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

הָעִֽיר׃2 of 12

“of the city”

H5892

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

הַסָּבִ֑יב3 of 12

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

מִן4 of 12
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמִּלּ֖וֹא5 of 12

“even from Millo”

H4407

a rampart (as filled in), i.e., the citadel

וְעַד6 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַסָּבִ֑יב7 of 12

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

וְיוֹאָ֕ב8 of 12

“and Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

יְחַיֶּ֖ה9 of 12

“repaired”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

אֶת10 of 12
H853

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

שְׁאָ֥ר11 of 12

“the rest”

H7605

a remainder

הָעִֽיר׃12 of 12

“of the city”

H5892

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

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 11:8 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 11:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 12:20Judges 9:61 Kings 9:151 Kings 11:27Nehemiah 4:2Judges 9:20

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
MilloFortification · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E6 verses across 4 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 11 →

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