King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 17:5 Mean?

1 Chronicles 17:5 in the King James Version says “For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought up Israel unto this day; but have gone from tent to tent, ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought up Israel unto this day; but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another. have gone: Heb. have been”

1 Chronicles 17:5 · KJV

Context

3

And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying,

4

Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in:

5

For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought up Israel unto this day; but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another. have gone: Heb. have been

6

Wheresoever I have walked with all Israel, spake I a word to any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people, saying, Why have ye not built me an house of cedars?

7

Now therefore thus shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, even from following the sheep, that thou shouldest be ruler over my people Israel: from following: Heb. from after

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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 · 18 words
כִּ֣י1 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֤א2 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָשַׁ֙בְתִּי֙3 of 18

“For I have not dwelt in”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּבַ֔יִת4 of 18

“an house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מִן5 of 18
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַיּ֣וֹם6 of 18

“since the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲשֶׁ֤ר7 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֶֽעֱלֵ֙יתִי֙8 of 18

“that I brought up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶת9 of 18
H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל10 of 18

“Israel”

H3478

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

עַ֖ד11 of 18
H5704

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

הַיּ֣וֹם12 of 18

“since the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּ֑ה13 of 18
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וָאֶֽהְיֶ֛ה14 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֹ֖הֶל15 of 18

“but have gone from tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

אֶל16 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֹ֖הֶל17 of 18

“but have gone from tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

וּמִמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃18 of 18

“and from one tabernacle”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

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 17:5 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 17:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 7:6Exodus 40:2-3Isaiah 66:1-21 Kings 8:161 Kings 8:42 Samuel 6:17

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 17 →

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