King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 17:8 Mean?

1 Chronicles 17:8 in the King James Version says “And I have been with thee whithersoever thou hast walked, and have cut off all thine enemies from before thee, and have ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I have been with thee whithersoever thou hast walked, and have cut off all thine enemies from before thee, and have made thee a name like the name of the great men that are in the earth.”

1 Chronicles 17:8 · KJV

Context

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

8

And I have been with thee whithersoever thou hast walked, and have cut off all thine enemies from before thee, and have made thee a name like the name of the great men that are in the earth.

9

Also I will ordain a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, and they shall dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the beginning,

10

And since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel. Moreover I will subdue all thine enemies. Furthermore I tell thee that the LORD will build thee an house.

Read 1 Chronicles 17 full chapter

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 · 17 words
וָאֶֽהְיֶ֣ה1 of 17
H1961

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

עִמְּךָ֗2 of 17
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

בְּכֹל֙3 of 17
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 17
H834

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

הָלַ֔כְתָּ5 of 17

“And I have been with thee whithersoever thou hast walked”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וָֽאַכְרִ֥ית6 of 17

“and have cut off”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת7 of 17
H853

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

כָּל8 of 17
H3605

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

אֽוֹיְבֶ֖יךָ9 of 17

“all thine enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

מִפָּנֶ֑יךָ10 of 17

“from before”

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

וְעָשִׂ֤יתִֽי11 of 17

“thee and have made”

H6213

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

לְךָ֙12 of 17
H0
כְּשֵׁ֥ם13 of 17

“like the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

כְּשֵׁ֥ם14 of 17

“like the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַגְּדוֹלִ֖ים15 of 17

“of the great men”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 17
H834

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

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃17 of 17

“that are in the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 17:8 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 17:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 18:141 Chronicles 17:2Psalms 113:7-81 Samuel 18:28Psalms 75:7Psalms 71:21

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