King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 22:14 Mean?

1 Chronicles 22:14 in the King James Version says “Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Chronicles 22:14 · KJV

Context

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

16

Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Temple preparations - David's charge to Solomon. The Hebrew term בַּיִת (bayit) - house/temple is theologically significant here, pointing to Worship center as focus of covenant community. 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 Worship center as focus of covenant community. 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 as true temple and church as His body.

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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 Temple preparations - David's charge to Solomon 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 Worship center as focus of covenant community challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ as true temple and church as His body 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 · 25 words
וְהִנֵּ֨ה1 of 25
H2009

lo!

בְעָנְיִ֜י2 of 25

“Now behold in my trouble”

H6040

depression, i.e., misery

הֲכִינ֔וֹתִי3 of 25

“I have prepared”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

לְבֵית4 of 25

“for the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֗ה5 of 25

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

זָהָ֞ב6 of 25

“of gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

כִּכָּרִ֔ים7 of 25

“talents”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

מֵֽאָה8 of 25

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אֲלָפִים֙9 of 25

“and a thousand”

H505

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

וְכֶ֗סֶף10 of 25

“of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

אֲלָפִים֙11 of 25

“and a thousand”

H505

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

אֲלָפִים֙12 of 25

“and a thousand”

H505

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

כִּכָּרִ֔ים13 of 25

“talents”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

וְלַנְּחֹ֤שֶׁת14 of 25

“and of brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וְלַבַּרְזֶל֙15 of 25

“and iron”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

אֵ֣ין16 of 25
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מִשְׁקָ֔ל17 of 25

“without weight”

H4948

weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)

כִּ֥י18 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לָרֹ֖ב19 of 25

“for it is in abundance”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

הָיָ֑ה20 of 25
H1961

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

וְעֵצִ֤ים21 of 25

“timber”

H6086

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

וַֽאֲבָנִים֙22 of 25

“also and stone”

H68

a stone

הֲכִינ֔וֹתִי23 of 25

“I have prepared”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

וַֽעֲלֵיהֶ֖ם24 of 25
H5921

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

תּוֹסִֽיף׃25 of 25

“and thou mayest add”

H3254

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

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 22:14 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 22:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 22:31 Kings 10:142 Kings 25:161 Chronicles 29:4-7Jeremiah 52:202 Corinthians 8:2

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