King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 16:3 Mean?

1 Chronicles 16:3 in the King James Version says “And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.”

1 Chronicles 16:3 · KJV

Context

1

So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.

2

And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

3

And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.

4

And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:

5

Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals; with psalteries: Heb. with instruments of psalteries and harps

Read 1 Chronicles 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Ark arrives in Jerusalem - psalms of thanksgiving. The Hebrew term תּוֹדָה (todah) - thanksgiving is theologically significant here, pointing to Grateful worship as covenant response. 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 Grateful worship as covenant response. 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: Eucharist (thanksgiving) in Christ's new covenant.

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 arrives in Jerusalem - psalms of thanksgiving 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 Grateful worship as covenant response challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Eucharist (thanksgiving) in Christ's new covenant 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 · 12 words
וַיְחַלֵּק֙1 of 12

“And he dealt”

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

לְכָל2 of 12
H3605

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

לְאִישׁ֙3 of 12

“both man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל4 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

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

לְאִישׁ֙5 of 12

“both man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְעַד6 of 12
H5704

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

אִשָּׁ֑ה7 of 12

“and woman”

H802

a woman

לְאִישׁ֙8 of 12

“both man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כִּכַּר9 of 12

“a loaf”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

לֶ֔חֶם10 of 12

“of bread”

H3899

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

וְאֶשְׁפָּ֖ר11 of 12

“and a good piece of flesh”

H829

a measured portion

וַֽאֲשִׁישָֽׁה׃12 of 12

“and a flagon”

H809

something closely pressed together, i.e., a cake of raisins or other comfits

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 16:3 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 16:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 45:172 Chronicles 35:7-81 Peter 4:9Nehemiah 8:102 Chronicles 30:24

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 16 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes