King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 21:4 Mean?

1 Chronicles 21:4 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came t...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 21:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king's word was abominable to Joab.

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 · 12 words
וּדְבַר1 of 12

“word”

H1697

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

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ2 of 12

“Nevertheless the king's”

H4428

a king

חָזַ֣ק3 of 12

“prevailed”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

עַל4 of 12
H5921

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

יוֹאָ֗ב5 of 12

“Wherefore Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וַיֵּצֵ֣א6 of 12

“departed”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

יוֹאָ֗ב7 of 12

“Wherefore Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וַיִּתְהַלֵּךְ֙8 of 12

“and went”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּכָל9 of 12
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל10 of 12

“throughout all Israel”

H3478

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

וַיָּבֹ֖א11 of 12

“and came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃12 of 12

“to Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 21:4 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 21:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 3:182 Samuel 24:3-8Ecclesiastes 8:4Acts 5:29Exodus 1:17

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 21 →

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