King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 16:14 Mean?

1 Chronicles 16:14 in the King James Version says “He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

1 Chronicles 16:14 · KJV


Context

12

Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

13

O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

14

He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

15

Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;

16

Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth—From David's psalm celebrating the ark's arrival, this verse asserts Yahweh's universal sovereignty. The pronoun Hu ('He') stands emphatic: 'HE (and no other) is Yahweh our God.' Yet His mishpatim ('judgments/ordinances') extend beyond Israel to kol-ha'arets ('all the earth').

This tension—particular covenant relationship with universal authority—defines biblical theology. Yahweh is Israel's God (covenant), yet His righteous standards govern all nations (creation). This grounds both Old Testament ethics and New Testament mission: God's judgments apply universally, so gospel proclamation must be universal (Matt 28:19).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This psalm (also Psalm 105:7) articulates Israel's monotheistic conviction that Yahweh alone is God, and His moral law governs all peoples. Post-exilic Israel needed this affirmation when surrounded by polytheistic empires.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's universal authority challenge cultural relativism and pluralistic tolerance?
  2. What responsibility accompanies the privilege of knowing the God whose judgments govern all nations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
ה֚וּא1 of 6
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

יְהוָ֣ה2 of 6

He is the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ3 of 6

our God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּכָל4 of 6
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָ֖רֶץ5 of 6

are in all the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִשְׁפָּטָֽיו׃6 of 6

his judgments

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind


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 16:14 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 16:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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