King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 21:22 Mean?

1 Chronicles 21:22 in the King James Version says “Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD: th...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people. Grant: Heb. Give”

1 Chronicles 21:22 · KJV

Context

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.

22

Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people. Grant: Heb. Give

23

And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all.

24

And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.

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 · 20 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 20

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֜יד2 of 20

“Then David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל3 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָרְנָ֗ן4 of 20

“to Ornan”

H771

ornan, a jebusite

תְּנֵ֣הוּ5 of 20

“Grant”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִּי֙6 of 20
H0
מְק֣וֹם7 of 20

“me the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַגֹּ֔רֶן8 of 20

“of this threshingfloor”

H1637

a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area

וְאֶבְנֶה9 of 20

“that I may build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בּ֥וֹ10 of 20
H0
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ11 of 20

“an altar”

H4196

an altar

לַֽיהוָ֑ה12 of 20

“therein unto the LORD”

H3068

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

בְּכֶ֤סֶף13 of 20

“price”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

מָלֵא֙14 of 20

“it me for the full”

H4392

full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully

תְּנֵ֣הוּ15 of 20

“Grant”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִ֔י16 of 20
H0
וְתֵֽעָצַ֥ר17 of 20

“may be stayed”

H6113

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

הַמַּגֵּפָ֖ה18 of 20

“that the plague”

H4046

a pestilence; by analogy, defeat

מֵעַ֥ל19 of 20
H5921

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

הָעָֽם׃20 of 20

“from the people”

H5971

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

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 21:22 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 21:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 24:211 Kings 21:2Numbers 16:48Numbers 25:8

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