King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 22:13 Mean?

1 Chronicles 22:13 in the King James Version says “Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with conc...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.”

1 Chronicles 22:13 · KJV

Context

11

Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee.

12

Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.

13

Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

14

Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto. trouble: or, poverty

15

Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work. workers: that is, masons and carpenters

Read 1 Chronicles 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's charge to Solomon echoes Moses's charge to Joshua: 'Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.' Prosperity is conditioned on obedience ('if thou takest heed') to God's revealed law. The command to courage ('be strong... courage') with prohibition against fear ('dread not, nor be dismayed') recognizes that obedience requires bravery. This isn't works-salvation but covenant stipulation - those trusting God obey His Word and experience blessing. Christ perfectly fulfilled the law and now empowers believers to obey through His Spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's public charge (c. 971 BCE) established Solomon's kingdom on obedience to Mosaic law. This emphasis on Torah observance as path to prosperity characterized Deuteronomistic theology and shaped Israel's self-understanding as covenant people.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific commandments is God calling you to 'take heed to fulfill' despite fear or difficulty?
  2. How does Christ's perfect obedience and His Spirit's indwelling empower you to obey where you are naturally weak?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
אָ֣ז1 of 22
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

תַּצְלִ֔יחַ2 of 22

“Then shalt thou prosper”

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

אִם3 of 22
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִּשְׁמ֗וֹר4 of 22

“if thou takest heed”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

לַֽעֲשׂוֹת֙5 of 22

“to fulfil”

H6213

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

אֶת6 of 22
H853

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

הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים7 of 22

“the statutes”

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

וְאֶת8 of 22
H853

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

הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים9 of 22

“and judgments”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

אֲשֶׁ֨ר10 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֧ה11 of 22

“charged”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֛ה12 of 22

“which the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת13 of 22
H853

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

מֹשֶׁ֖ה14 of 22

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עַל15 of 22
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל16 of 22

“with concerning Israel”

H3478

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

חֲזַ֣ק17 of 22

“be strong”

H2388

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

וֶֽאֱמָ֔ץ18 of 22

“and of good courage”

H553

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

אַל19 of 22
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּירָ֖א20 of 22

“dread”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וְאַל21 of 22
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּחָֽת׃22 of 22

“not nor be dismayed”

H2865

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

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 22:13 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 22:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 28:20Joshua 1:6-91 Chronicles 28:7Ephesians 6:101 Kings 2:32 Timothy 2:1

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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