King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 28:12 Mean?

1 Chronicles 28:12 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 28:12 · KJV


Context

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.

14

He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's charge specifies the temple plans' source: '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.' The phrase 'by the spirit' (b'ruach) indicates the Holy Spirit revealed the temple's design to David. This parallels Moses receiving tabernacle plans (Exodus 25:9, 40). True worship follows divinely revealed patterns, not human innovation. The regulative principle - worship according to God's Word - finds foundation here. Christ, greater than the temple, is both the fulfillment of these patterns and the pattern for the church.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David's detailed plans (c. 971 BCE) weren't merely architectural drawings but Spirit-revealed designs ensuring the temple properly symbolized spiritual truths. This divine blueprint guaranteed the structure served its purpose - facilitating worship and pointing to Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How seriously do you take the principle that worship must follow God's revealed will rather than human preferences?
  2. Where might your church need to align its practices more closely with biblical patterns rather than cultural traditions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְתַבְנִ֗ית1 of 17

And the pattern

H8403

structure; by implication, a model, resemblance

כֹּל֩2 of 17
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר3 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָיָ֤ה4 of 17
H1961

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

בָר֙וּחַ֙5 of 17

of all that he had by the spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

עִמּ֔וֹ6 of 17
H5973

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

לְחַצְר֧וֹת7 of 17

of the courts

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

בֵּ֣ית8 of 17

of the house

H1004

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

יְהוָ֛ה9 of 17

of the LORD

H3068

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

וּלְכָל10 of 17
H3605

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

הַלְּשָׁכ֖וֹת11 of 17

and of all the chambers

H3957

a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)

סָבִ֑יב12 of 17

round about

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

וּלְאֹֽצְר֖וֹת13 of 17

and of the treasuries

H214

a depository

בֵּ֣ית14 of 17

of the house

H1004

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים15 of 17

of 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

וּלְאֹֽצְר֖וֹת16 of 17

and of the treasuries

H214

a depository

הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים׃17 of 17

of the dedicated things

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity


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 28:12 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 28:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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