King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 21:17 Mean?

1 Chronicles 21:17 in the King James Version says “And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done ev... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

1 Chronicles 21:17 · KJV


Context

15

And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite. Ornan: also called, Araunah 2.Sam.24.18.

16

And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

17

And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

18

Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

19

And David went up at the saying of Gad, which he spake in the name of the LORD.


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 · 30 words
אָמַ֜רְתִּי1 of 30

Is it not I that commanded

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֣יד2 of 30

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶֽל3 of 30
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱלֹהַ֗י4 of 30

my God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הֲלֹא֩5 of 30
H3808

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

אֲנִ֨י6 of 30
H589

i

אָמַ֜רְתִּי7 of 30

Is it not I that commanded

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִמְנ֣וֹת8 of 30

to be numbered

H4487

properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll

וּֽבְעַמְּךָ֖9 of 30

but not on thy people

H5971

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

וַֽאֲנִי10 of 30
H589

i

ה֤וּא11 of 30
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אֲשֶׁר12 of 30
H834

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

חָטָ֙אתִי֙13 of 30

even I it is that have sinned

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

הֲרֵע֔וֹתִי14 of 30

and done evil

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

הֲרֵע֔וֹתִי15 of 30

and done evil

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

וְאֵ֥לֶּה16 of 30
H428

these or those

הַצֹּ֖אן17 of 30

but as for these sheep

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

מֶ֣ה18 of 30
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

עָשׂ֑וּ19 of 30

what have they done

H6213

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

יְהוָ֣ה20 of 30

I pray thee O LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהַ֗י21 of 30

my God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

תְּהִ֨י22 of 30
H1961

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

נָ֤א23 of 30
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

יָֽדְךָ֙24 of 30

let thine hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בִּ֚י25 of 30
H0
וּבְבֵ֣ית26 of 30

house

H1004

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

אָבִ֔י27 of 30

be on me and on my father's

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וּֽבְעַמְּךָ֖28 of 30

but not on thy people

H5971

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

לֹ֥א29 of 30
H3808

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

לְמַגֵּפָֽה׃30 of 30

that they should be plagued

H4046

a pestilence; by analogy, defeat


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 21:17 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 21:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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