King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 12:40 Mean?

1 Chronicles 12:40 in the King James Version says “Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, a...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel. meat: or, victual of meal”

1 Chronicles 12:40 · KJV

Joy

Context

38

All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.

39

And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for their brethren had prepared for them.

40

Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel. meat: or, victual of meal

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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.

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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 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 · 25 words
וְגַ֣ם1 of 25
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הַקְּרֽוֹבִים2 of 25

“Moreover they that were nigh”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

אֲ֠לֵיהֶם3 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַד4 of 25
H5704

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

יִשָׂשכָ֨ר5 of 25

“them even unto Issachar”

H3485

jissaskar, a son of jacob

וּזְבֻל֜וּן6 of 25

“and Zebulun”

H2074

zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe

וְנַפְתָּלִ֗י7 of 25

“and Naphtali”

H5321

naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory

מְבִיאִ֣ים8 of 25

“brought”

H935

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

לֶ֡חֶם9 of 25

“bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

בַּֽחֲמוֹרִ֣ים10 of 25

“on asses”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

וּבַגְּמַלִּ֣ים11 of 25

“and on camels”

H1581

a camel

וּבַפְּרָדִ֣ים׀12 of 25

“and on mules”

H6505

a mule (perhaps from his lonely habits)

וּבָקָ֥ר13 of 25

“and on oxen”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

מַֽאֲכָ֡ל14 of 25

“and meat”

H3978

an eatable (including provender, flesh and fruit)

קֶ֠מַח15 of 25

“meal”

H7058

flour

דְּבֵלִ֨ים16 of 25

“cakes”

H1690

a cake of pressed figs

וְצִמּוּקִ֧ים17 of 25

“of figs and bunches of raisins”

H6778

a cake of dried grapes

וְיַֽיִן18 of 25

“and wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

וְשֶׁ֛מֶן19 of 25

“and oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וּבָקָ֥ר20 of 25

“and on oxen”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וְצֹ֖אן21 of 25

“and sheep”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

לָרֹ֑ב22 of 25

“abundantly”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

כִּ֥י23 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שִׂמְחָ֖ה24 of 25

“for there was joy”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃25 of 25

“in Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 12:40 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 12:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 25:182 Samuel 16:12 Samuel 17:27-29Jeremiah 23:5-6Luke 19:37-38Proverbs 29:2

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