King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 16:27 Mean?

1 Chronicles 16:27 in the King James Version says “Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.”

1 Chronicles 16:27 · KJV

Strength

Context

25

For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.

26

For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.

27

Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.

28

Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

29

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Read 1 Chronicles 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's psalm declares: 'Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.' This verse pairs four attributes found in God's presence: glory (kavod), honor (hadar), strength (oz), and gladness (chedvah). These qualities aren't abstract but experientially known by those who dwell in God's presence. The parallelism - presence/place - indicates where God dwells, these blessings exist. This anticipates the New Testament reality that believers are God's temple, His dwelling place (1 Corinthians 3:16), and therefore experience these blessings. Christ's presence brings glory, honor, strength, and joy to His people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Proclaimed when the ark entered Jerusalem (c. 1000 BCE), this verse established temple worship's theological foundation - God's presence brings blessing. The Levites would repeat this daily, reminding Israel that worship's goal is experiencing God's presence, which transforms worshipers.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you consciously seek God's presence to experience His glory, strength, and gladness, or do you settle for religious duty without divine encounter?
  2. What would it mean to live daily in awareness that God's presence dwells in you through the Spirit?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
ה֤וֹד1 of 6

“Glory”

H1935

grandeur (i.e., an imposing form and appearance)

וְהָדָר֙2 of 6

“and honour”

H1926

magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor

לְפָנָ֔יו3 of 6

“are in his presence”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

עֹ֥ז4 of 6

“strength”

H5797

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

וְחֶדְוָ֖ה5 of 6

“and gladness”

H2304

rejoicing

בִּמְקֹמֽוֹ׃6 of 6

“are in his 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)

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 16:27 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 16:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 96:6Psalms 16:11Psalms 43:2-4Psalms 28:7-8Psalms 63:2-3Psalms 8:1

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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