King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 22:19 Mean?

1 Chronicles 22:19 in the King James Version says “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God,... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 22:19 · KJV


Context

17

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

18

Is not the LORD your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people.

19

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's exhortation to Israel's leaders: 'Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.' The command 'set your heart and soul' (Hebrew: tenu levavkem v'nafshekem) requires total commitment - both intellect/will (heart) and being/desire (soul). Seeking God precedes building His house - internal devotion before external construction. This teaches that spiritual preparation must precede and undergird physical worship spaces. Christ builds His church from living stones whose hearts and souls seek God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David's charge to leaders (c. 971 BCE) mobilized Israel's resources for Solomon's temple. His emphasis on heart-preparation acknowledged that without inward devotion, outward religious structures are empty shells - a lesson Israel would repeatedly forget.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you 'set your heart and soul' to seek God, or are you distracted by competing priorities?
  2. What 'building' - spiritual formation, character development - needs to happen in your life before you can effectively serve God's purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
עַתָּ֗ה1 of 25
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

תְּנ֤וּ2 of 25

Now set

H5414

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

לְבַבְכֶם֙3 of 25

your heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וְנַפְשְׁכֶ֔ם4 of 25

and your soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

לִדְר֖וֹשׁ5 of 25

to seek

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

יְהוָֽה׃6 of 25

of the LORD

H3068

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים7 of 25

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְק֗וּמוּ8 of 25

arise

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

הַנִּבְנֶ֥ה9 of 25

that is to be built

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת10 of 25
H853

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

מִקְדַּשׁ֙11 of 25

ye the sanctuary

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

יְהוָֽה׃12 of 25

of the LORD

H3068

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים13 of 25

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְהָבִ֞יא14 of 25

to bring

H935

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

אֶת15 of 25
H853

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

אֲר֣וֹן16 of 25

the ark

H727

a box

בְּרִית17 of 25

of the covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

יְהוָֽה׃18 of 25

of the LORD

H3068

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

וּכְלֵי֙19 of 25

vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

קֹ֣דֶשׁ20 of 25

and the holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים21 of 25

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לַבַּ֖יִת22 of 25

into the house

H1004

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

הַנִּבְנֶ֥ה23 of 25

that is to be built

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

לְשֵׁם24 of 25

to the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָֽה׃25 of 25

of the LORD

H3068

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


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 22:19 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 22:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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