King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 21:5 Mean?

1 Chronicles 21:5 in the King James Version says “And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand and an hun... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Chronicles 21:5 · KJV


Context

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.

7

And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel. And: Heb. And it was evil in the eyes of the LORD concerning this thing


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 · 26 words
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן1 of 26

gave

H5414

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

יוֹאָ֛ב2 of 26

And Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

אֶת3 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִסְפַּ֥ר4 of 26

the sum

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

מִפְקַד5 of 26

of the number

H4662

an appointment, i.e., mandate; concretely, a designated spot; specifically, a census

הָעָ֖ם6 of 26

of the people

H5971

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

אֶל7 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֑יד8 of 26

unto David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיְהִ֣י9 of 26
H1961

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

כָֽל10 of 26
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֡ל11 of 26

And all they of Israel

H3478

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

אֶ֛לֶף12 of 26

thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

אֶ֛לֶף13 of 26

thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

מֵא֨וֹת14 of 26

and an hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אֶ֛לֶף15 of 26

thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

אִ֖ישׁ16 of 26

men

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

שֹׁ֥לֵֽף17 of 26

that drew

H8025

to pull out, up or off

חָֽרֶב׃18 of 26

sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וִֽיהוּדָ֕ה19 of 26

and Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אַרְבַּע֩20 of 26

was four

H702

four

מֵא֨וֹת21 of 26

and an hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְשִׁבְעִ֥ים22 of 26

threescore and ten

H7657

seventy

אֶ֛לֶף23 of 26

thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

אִ֖ישׁ24 of 26

men

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

שֹׁ֥לֵֽף25 of 26

that drew

H8025

to pull out, up or off

חָֽרֶב׃26 of 26

sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement


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 21:5 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 21:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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