King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 28:11 Mean?

1 Chronicles 28:11 in the King James Version says “Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, a...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,”

1 Chronicles 28:11 · KJV

Context

9

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

10

Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.

11

Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,

12

And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things: of all that: Heb. of all that was with him

13

Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David's final charge and temple plans. The Hebrew term לֵבָב (levav) - heart/mind is theologically significant here, pointing to Wholehearted devotion to God's purposes. 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 Wholehearted devotion to God's purposes. 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's commands to disciples.

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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 David's final charge and temple plans 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 Wholehearted devotion to God's purposes challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ's commands to disciples 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 · 15 words
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן1 of 15

“gave”

H5414

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

דָּוִ֣יד2 of 15

“Then David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לִשְׁלֹמֹ֣ה3 of 15

“to Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בְנ֡וֹ4 of 15

“his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֶת5 of 15
H853

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

תַּבְנִ֣ית6 of 15

“the pattern”

H8403

structure; by implication, a model, resemblance

הָֽאוּלָם֩7 of 15

“of the porch”

H197

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

וְֽאֶת8 of 15
H853

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

וּבֵ֥ית9 of 15

“and of the houses”

H1004

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

וְגַנְזַכָּ֧יו10 of 15

“thereof and of the treasuries”

H1597

a treasury

וַֽעֲלִיֹּתָ֛יו11 of 15

“thereof and of the upper chambers”

H5944

something lofty, i.e., a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof); figuratively, the sky

וַֽחֲדָרָ֥יו12 of 15

“parlours”

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

הַפְּנִימִ֖ים13 of 15

“thereof and of the inner”

H6442

interior

וּבֵ֥ית14 of 15

“and of the houses”

H1004

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

הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃15 of 15

“of the mercy seat”

H3727

a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)

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 28:11 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 28:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 28:19Exodus 25:401 Kings 6:3Hebrews 8:5Exodus 25:17-222 Chronicles 5:7

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