King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 12:29 Mean?

“And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul. kindred: Heb. brethren the greatest: Heb. a multitude of them”

1 Chronicles 12:29 · KJV

Context

27

And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, and with him were three thousand and seven hundred;

28

And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father's house twenty and two captains.

29

And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul. kindred: Heb. brethren the greatest: Heb. a multitude of them

30

And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valour, famous throughout the house of their fathers. famous: Heb. men of names

31

And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.

Read 1 Chronicles 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Warriors who joined David - unity of Israel. The Hebrew term גִּבּוֹר (gibbor) - mighty warrior is theologically significant here, pointing to Unity of God's people under chosen leader. 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 Unity of God's people under chosen leader. 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: Church united under Christ's headship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 Warriors who joined David - unity of Israel 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 Unity of God's people under chosen leader challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Church united under Christ's headship 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 · 14 words
וּמִן1 of 14
H4480

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

בְּנֵ֧י2 of 14

“And of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בִנְיָמִ֛ן3 of 14

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֲחֵ֥י4 of 14

“the kindred”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

שָׁאֽוּל׃5 of 14

“of Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת6 of 14

“three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

אֲלָפִ֑ים7 of 14

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְעַד8 of 14
H5704

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

הֵ֙נָּה֙9 of 14
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מַרְבִּיתָ֔ם10 of 14

“for hitherto the greatest”

H4768

a multitude; also offspring; specifically interest (on capital)

שֹֽׁמְרִ֕ים11 of 14

“part of them had kept”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת12 of 14

“the ward”

H4931

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

בֵּ֥ית13 of 14

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

שָׁאֽוּל׃14 of 14

“of Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

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 12:29 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 12:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 2:8-91 Chronicles 12:2Genesis 31:23

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 12 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes