King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 21:3 Mean?

1 Chronicles 21:3 in the King James Version says “And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they no...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?”

1 Chronicles 21:3 · KJV

Context

1

And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

2

And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.

3

And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?

4

Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.

5

And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah was four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.

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 · 23 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 23

“answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יוֹאָ֗ב2 of 23

“And Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

יוֹסֵף֩3 of 23

“so many more”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

יְהוָ֨ה4 of 23

“The LORD”

H3068

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

עַל5 of 23
H5921

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

עַמּ֤וֹ׀6 of 23

“make his people”

H5971

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

כָּהֵם֙7 of 23

“as they”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מֵאָ֣ה8 of 23

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

פְעָמִ֔ים9 of 23

“times”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

הֲלֹא֙10 of 23
H3808

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

אֲדֹנִ֔י11 of 23

“are they not all my lord's”

H113

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

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ12 of 23

“the king”

H4428

a king

כֻּלָּ֥ם13 of 23
H3605

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

אֲדֹנִ֔י14 of 23

“are they not all my lord's”

H113

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

לַֽעֲבָדִ֑ים15 of 23

“servants”

H5650

a servant

לָ֣מָּה16 of 23
H4100

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

יְבַקֵּ֥שׁ17 of 23

“require”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

זֹאת֙18 of 23
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אֲדֹנִ֔י19 of 23

“are they not all my lord's”

H113

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

לָ֛מָּה20 of 23
H4100

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

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה21 of 23
H1961

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

לְאַשְׁמָ֖ה22 of 23

“this thing why will he be a cause of trespass”

H819

guiltiness, a fault, the presentation of a sin-offering

לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃23 of 23

“to Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 21:3 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 21:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 1:111 Chronicles 19:131 Kings 14:16Isaiah 48:19Proverbs 14:28Isaiah 26:15

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