King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 21:19 Mean?

1 Chronicles 21:19 in the King James Version says “And David went up at the saying of Gad, which he spake in the name of the LORD.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 21:19 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat. And Ornan: or, When Ornan turned back and saw the angel, then he and his four sons with him hid themselves

21

And as David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David, and went out of the threshingfloor, and bowed himself to David with his face to the ground.

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 · 8 words
וַיַּ֤עַל1 of 8

“went up”

H5927

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

דָּוִיד֙2 of 8

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בִּדְבַר3 of 8

“at the saying”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

גָּ֔ד4 of 8

“of Gad”

H1410

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

אֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 8
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֖ר6 of 8

“which he spake”

H1696

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

בְּשֵׁ֥ם7 of 8

“in the name”

H8034

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

יְהוָֽה׃8 of 8

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 21:19 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 21:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 9:62 Kings 5:10-14John 2:5

Test Your Knowledge

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

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