King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 21:23 Mean?

“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.”

1 Chronicles 21:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.

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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 · 21 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 21

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָרְנָ֤ן2 of 21

“And Ornan”

H771

ornan, a jebusite

אֶל3 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִיד֙4 of 21

“unto David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

קַֽח5 of 21

“Take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לָ֔ךְ6 of 21
H0
וְיַ֛עַשׂ7 of 21

“do”

H6213

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

אֲדֹנִ֥י8 of 21

“it to thee and let my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ9 of 21

“the king”

H4428

a king

הַטּ֣וֹב10 of 21

“that which is good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

בְּעֵינָ֑יו11 of 21

“in his eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

רְאֵה֩12 of 21

“lo”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

נָתָֽתִּי׃13 of 21

“I give”

H5414

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

הַבָּקָ֜ר14 of 21

“thee the oxen”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

לָֽעֹל֗וֹת15 of 21

“also for burnt offerings”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וְהַמּֽוֹרִגִּ֧ים16 of 21

“and the threshing instruments”

H4173

a threshing sledge

לָֽעֵצִ֛ים17 of 21

“for wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וְהַֽחִטִּ֥ים18 of 21

“and the wheat”

H2406

wheat, whether the grain or the plant

לַמִּנְחָ֖ה19 of 21

“for the meat offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

הַכֹּ֥ל20 of 21
H3605

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

נָתָֽתִּי׃21 of 21

“I give”

H5414

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

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 21:23 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 21:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 24:22-231 Samuel 6:14Genesis 23:4-6Jeremiah 32:8Isaiah 28:27-281 Kings 19:21

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