King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 17:19 Mean?

1 Chronicles 17:19 in the King James Version says “O LORD, for thy servant's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness, in making known all...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Chronicles 17:19 · King James Version

Context

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.

21

And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?

Read 1 Chronicles 17 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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 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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
יְהוָ֕ה1 of 13

“O LORD”

H3068

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

בַּֽעֲב֤וּר2 of 13
H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

עַבְדְּךָ֙3 of 13

“for thy servant's”

H5650

a servant

וּֽכְלִבְּךָ֔4 of 13

“sake and according to thine own heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עָשִׂ֕יתָ5 of 13

“hast thou done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֵ֥ת6 of 13
H853

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

כָּל7 of 13
H3605

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

הַגְּדֻלּֽוֹת׃8 of 13

“all these great things”

H1420

greatness; (concretely) mighty acts

הַזֹּ֑את9 of 13
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לְהֹדִ֖יעַ10 of 13

“in making known”

H3045

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

אֶת11 of 13
H853

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

כָּל12 of 13
H3605

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

הַגְּדֻלּֽוֹת׃13 of 13

“all these great things”

H1420

greatness; (concretely) mighty acts

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 17:19 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 17:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 37:35Psalms 111:6Psalms 111:3Ephesians 1:9-112 Samuel 7:21Isaiah 49:5-6

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