King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 17:18 Mean?

1 Chronicles 17:18 in the King James Version says “What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant.”

1 Chronicles 17:18 · KJV

Context

16

And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

17

And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant's house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God.

18

What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant.

19

O LORD, for thy servant's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness, in making known all these great things. great: Heb. greatnesses

20

O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Davidic Covenant - God's promise of eternal dynasty. The Hebrew term עוֹלָם (olam) - everlasting/eternal is theologically significant here, pointing to God's unconditional covenant promises. 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's unconditional covenant promises. 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: Jesus as eternal Son of David.

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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 Davidic Covenant - God's promise of eternal dynasty 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's unconditional covenant promises challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Jesus as eternal Son of David 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
מַה1 of 12
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יּוֹסִ֨יף2 of 12

“What can”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

ע֥וֹד3 of 12
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

דָּוִ֛יד4 of 12

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֵלֶ֖יךָ5 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְכָב֣וֹד6 of 12

“to thee for the honour”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

אֶת7 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַבְדְּךָ֥8 of 12

“of thy servant”

H5650

a servant

וְאַתָּ֖ה9 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֶֽת10 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַבְדְּךָ֥11 of 12

“of thy servant”

H5650

a servant

יָדָֽעְתָּ׃12 of 12

“for thou knowest”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 17:18 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 17:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 2:23Psalms 139:12 Samuel 7:20-241 Samuel 2:30John 21:171 Samuel 16:7

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