King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 14:1 Mean?

1 Chronicles 14:1 in the King James Version says “Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.”

1 Chronicles 14:1 · KJV

Context

1

Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.

2

And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.

3

And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters. more: Heb. yet

Read 1 Chronicles 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David's kingdom established - royal success. The Hebrew term מַמְלָכָה (mamlakah) - kingdom is theologically significant here, pointing to God establishes and blesses obedient leaders. 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 establishes and blesses obedient leaders. 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: Kingdom of God inaugurated by Christ.

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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's kingdom established - royal success 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 establishes and blesses obedient leaders challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Kingdom of God inaugurated by Christ 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 · 16 words
וַ֠יִּשְׁלַח1 of 16

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

חיּרָ֨ם2 of 16

“Now Hiram”

H2438

chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians

מֶֽלֶךְ3 of 16

“king”

H4428

a king

צֹ֥ר4 of 16

“of Tyre”

H6865

tsor, a place in palestine

מַלְאָכִים֮5 of 16

“messengers”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

אֶל6 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִיד֒7 of 16

“to David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עֵצִ֑ים8 of 16

“and timber”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

אֲרָזִ֔ים9 of 16

“of cedars”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

וְחָֽרָשֵׁ֖י10 of 16

“and carpenters”

H2796

a fabricator or any material

קִ֔יר11 of 16

“with masons”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

וְחָֽרָשֵׁ֖י12 of 16

“and carpenters”

H2796

a fabricator or any material

עֵצִ֑ים13 of 16

“and timber”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

לִבְנ֥וֹת14 of 16

“to build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

ל֖וֹ15 of 16
H0
בָּֽיִת׃16 of 16

“him an house”

H1004

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

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 14:1 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 14:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 3:72 Chronicles 2:32 Samuel 5:11-161 Chronicles 17:11 Kings 5:61 Kings 5:8-12

Places in This Verse

TyreSettlement · Modern: Tyre · 33.27°N, 35.20°E64 verses across 19 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 14 →

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