King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 22:8 Mean?

1 Chronicles 22:8 in the King James Version says “But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not b... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.

1 Chronicles 22:8 · KJV


Context

6

Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel.

7

And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:

8

But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.

9

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. Solomon: that is, Peaceable

10

He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's prohibition 'Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name' reveals the temple's symbolic significance. David, though a man after God's heart, was a warrior whose hands shed blood (even justly in holy war). The temple required a builder whose reign typified peace (shalom) - Solomon, whose name derives from shalom. This distinction points to Christ who, though victorious warrior against sin and Satan, is supremely the Prince of Peace who builds the true temple (the church) not through warfare but through His blood shed on the cross.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David's wars (c. 1010-975 BCE) secured Israel's borders and established the kingdom's golden age. Yet these necessary military actions disqualified him from building God's house, teaching that worship requires different virtues than warfare - peace, rest, and holiness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this distinction between warrior (David) and temple-builder (Solomon) illuminate Christ's dual role as conquering King and peaceful High Priest?
  2. What 'warfare' might be necessary in your life (spiritual battles) that nonetheless doesn't qualify you for certain kingdom roles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיְהִ֨י1 of 21
H1961

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

עָלַ֤י2 of 21
H5921

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

דְּבַר3 of 21

But the word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָה֙4 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

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

לֵאמֹ֔ר5 of 21

came to me saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּמִ֣ים6 of 21

blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

לָרֹב֙7 of 21

abundantly

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

שָׁפַ֥כְתָּ8 of 21

Thou hast shed

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

וּמִלְחָמ֥וֹת9 of 21

wars

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

גְּדֹל֖וֹת10 of 21

great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

עָשִׂ֑יתָ11 of 21

and hast made

H6213

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

לֹֽא12 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִבְנֶ֥ה13 of 21

thou shalt not build

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בַ֙יִת֙14 of 21

an house

H1004

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

לִשְׁמִ֔י15 of 21

unto my name

H8034

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

כִּ֚י16 of 21
H3588

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

דָּמִ֣ים17 of 21

blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

רַבִּ֔ים18 of 21

much

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

שָׁפַ֥כְתָּ19 of 21

Thou hast shed

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

אַ֖רְצָה20 of 21

upon the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְפָנָֽי׃21 of 21

in my sight

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi


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 22:8 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 22:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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