King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 22:15 Mean?

1 Chronicles 22:15 in the King James Version says “Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 22:15 · King James Version


Context

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.

17

David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying,


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְעִמְּךָ֤1 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

לָרֹב֙2 of 12

with thee in abundance

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

עֹשֵׂ֣י3 of 12

Moreover there are workmen

H6213

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

מְלָאכָֽה׃4 of 12

for every manner of work

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

חֹֽצְבִ֕ים5 of 12

hewers

H2672

to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave

וְחָֽרָשֵׁ֥י6 of 12

and workers

H2796

a fabricator or any material

אֶ֖בֶן7 of 12

of stone

H68

a stone

וָעֵ֑ץ8 of 12

and timber

H6086

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

וְכָל9 of 12
H3605

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

חָכָ֖ם10 of 12

and all manner of cunning men

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

בְּכָל11 of 12
H3605

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

מְלָאכָֽה׃12 of 12

for every manner of work

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)


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 22:15 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 22:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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