King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 13:11 Mean?

1 Chronicles 13:11 in the King James Version says “And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day. Perezuzza: that is, The breach of Uzza”

1 Chronicles 13:11 · KJV

Context

9

And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. Chidon: also called Nachon, 2.Sam.6.6. stumbled: or, shook it

10

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.

11

And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day. Perezuzza: that is, The breach of Uzza

12

And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

13

So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite. brought: Heb. removed

Read 1 Chronicles 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Ark of the Covenant - first attempt to bring it to Jerusalem. The Hebrew term קֹדֶשׁ (qodesh) - holiness is theologically significant here, pointing to Importance of approaching God properly. 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 Importance of approaching God properly. 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: Christ mediates proper worship and access to God.

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 Ark of the Covenant - first attempt to bring it to Jerusalem 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 Importance of approaching God properly challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ mediates proper worship and access to God 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
וַיִּ֣חַר1 of 15

“was displeased”

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

לְדָוִ֔יד2 of 15

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

כִּֽי3 of 15
H3588

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

פָרַ֧ץ4 of 15

“had made”

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

יְהוָ֛ה5 of 15

“because the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

פֶּ֖רֶץ6 of 15

“a breach”

H6556

a break (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֻזָּ֑א7 of 15

“upon Uzza”

H5798

uzza or uzzah, the name of five israelites

וַיִּקְרָ֞א8 of 15

“is called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לַמָּק֤וֹם9 of 15

“wherefore that place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַהוּא֙10 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

פֶּ֣רֶץ11 of 15
H0
עֻזָּ֔א12 of 15

“Perezuzza”

H6560

perets-uzza, a place in palestine

עַ֖ד13 of 15
H5704

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

הַיּ֥וֹם14 of 15

“to this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּֽה׃15 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 13:11 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 13:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 6:7Jonah 4:9Joshua 4:9Deuteronomy 34:6Genesis 32:32Jonah 4:4

Places in This Verse

Perez-uzzahSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 13 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 13 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes