King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 20:3 Mean?

1 Chronicles 20:3 in the King James Version says “And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.”

1 Chronicles 20:3 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it. after: Heb. at the return of the year

2

And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set upon David's head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city. to weigh: Heb. the weight of

3

And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

4

And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued. arose: or, continued: Heb. stood Gezer: or, Gob the giant: or, Rapha

5

And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam. Jair: called also, Iaare-ore-gim.2.Sam.21.19

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Final conquests and giant slayers. The Hebrew term רָפָה (rapha) - giant/Rephaim is theologically significant here, pointing to God enables victory over impossible odds. 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 enables victory over impossible odds. 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: Christ defeats spiritual giants (powers and principalities).

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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 Final conquests and giant slayers 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 enables victory over impossible odds challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ defeats spiritual giants (powers and principalities) 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 · 22 words
וְאֶת1 of 22
H853

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

הָעָ֖ם2 of 22

“and all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁר3 of 22
H834

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

בָּ֜הּ4 of 22
H0
הוֹצִ֗יא5 of 22

“And he brought out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וַיָּ֨שַׂר6 of 22

“that were in it and cut”

H7787

to saw

וּבַמְּגֵר֔וֹת7 of 22

“and with axes”

H4050

a saw

וּבַֽחֲרִיצֵ֤י8 of 22

“and with harrows”

H2757

properly, incisure or (passively) incised; hence, a threshing-sledge (with sharp teeth); also a slice (as cut)

הַבַּרְזֶל֙9 of 22

“of iron”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

וּבַמְּגֵר֔וֹת10 of 22

“and with axes”

H4050

a saw

וְכֵן֙11 of 22
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה12 of 22

“Even so dealt”

H6213

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

דָּוִ֛יד13 of 22

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְכֹ֖ל14 of 22
H3605

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

עָרֵ֣י15 of 22

“with all the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

בְנֵֽי16 of 22

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּ֑וֹן17 of 22

“of Ammon”

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

וַיָּ֧שָׁב18 of 22

“returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

דָּוִ֛יד19 of 22

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְכָל20 of 22
H3605

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

הָעָ֖ם21 of 22

“and all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃22 of 22

“to Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 20:3 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 20:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 19:2-52 Samuel 12:31Psalms 21:8-91 Kings 9:21Judges 8:6-7Exodus 1:14

Places in This Verse

AmmonRegion · Modern: Amman · 31.95°N, 35.93°E106 verses across 19 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
Rabbah 1Settlement · Modern: Amman · 31.95°N, 35.93°E17 verses across 7 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 20 →

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