King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 21:10 Mean?

1 Chronicles 21:10 in the King James Version says “Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things: choose thee one of them, that I may do it unt...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things: choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee. offer: Heb. stretch out”

1 Chronicles 21:10 · KJV

Context

8

And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

9

And the LORD spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying,

10

Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things: choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee. offer: Heb. stretch out

11

So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee Choose: Heb. Take to thee

12

Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.

Read 1 Chronicles 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. 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 Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. 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 bears judgment for sin on our behalf.

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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 David's census and divine judgment 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 Even godly leaders sin and face consequences challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ bears judgment for sin on our behalf 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
לֵךְ֩1 of 18
H1980

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

וְדִבַּרְתָּ֙2 of 18

“and tell”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל3 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֜יד4 of 18

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָמַ֣ר5 of 18

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּ֚ה6 of 18
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר7 of 18

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה8 of 18

“the LORD”

H3068

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

שָׁל֕וֹשׁ9 of 18

“thee three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

אֲנִ֖י10 of 18
H589

i

נֹטֶ֣ה11 of 18

“I offer”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

עָלֶ֑יךָ12 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּחַר13 of 18

“things choose”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

לְךָ֛14 of 18
H0
אַחַ֥ת15 of 18

“thee one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵהֵ֖נָּה16 of 18

“of them”

H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה17 of 18

“that I may do”

H6213

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

לָּֽךְ׃18 of 18
H0

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 21:10 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 21:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 24:15Revelation 3:191 Kings 13:21-22Proverbs 1:29-31Numbers 20:12Proverbs 3:12

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1 Chronicles 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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