King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 28:20 Mean?

1 Chronicles 28:20 in the King James Version says “And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 28:20 · KJV


Context

18

And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

19

All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.

20

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

21

And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's encouragement 'Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee' echoes God's words to Joshua (Joshua 1:5-9). This parallel is deliberate - as Joshua succeeded Moses in bringing Israel into the promised land, Solomon succeeds David in building God's house. The promise of divine presence ('will be with thee') grounds courage. The double negative ('will not fail... nor forsake') provides absolute assurance. This covenant faithfulness finds ultimate expression in Christ's promise to His church (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Building the temple was Israel's most ambitious project, requiring unprecedented resources, organization, and international cooperation. Solomon needed divine presence more than human wisdom or wealth to accomplish this sacred task.

Reflection Questions

  1. What daunting task is God calling you to where you need His promise 'I will be with you'?
  2. How does Christ's promise never to leave or forsake you provide courage for daily obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 27

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֜יד2 of 27

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לִשְׁלֹמֹ֣ה3 of 27

to Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בְנ֗וֹ4 of 27

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

חֲזַ֤ק5 of 27

Be strong

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וֶֽאֱמַץ֙6 of 27

and of good courage

H553

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

וַֽעֲשֵׂ֔ה7 of 27

and do

H6213

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

אַל8 of 27
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּירָ֖א9 of 27

it fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וְאַל10 of 27
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּחָ֑ת11 of 27

not nor be dismayed

H2865

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

כִּי֩12 of 27
H3588

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

יְהוָֽה׃13 of 27

for the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהַי֙14 of 27

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

אֱלֹהַי֙15 of 27

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

עִמָּ֔ךְ16 of 27
H5973

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

לֹ֤א17 of 27
H3808

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

יַרְפְּךָ֙18 of 27

will be with thee he will not fail

H7503

to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)

וְלֹ֣א19 of 27
H3808

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

יַֽעַזְבֶ֔ךָּ20 of 27

thee nor forsake

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

עַד21 of 27
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

לִכְל֕וֹת22 of 27

thee until thou hast finished

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

כָּל23 of 27
H3605

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

מְלֶ֖אכֶת24 of 27

all the work

H4399

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

עֲבוֹדַ֥ת25 of 27

for the service

H5656

work of any kind

בֵּית26 of 27

of the house

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃27 of 27

for 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 28:20 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 28:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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