King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 28:21 Mean?

1 Chronicles 28:21 in the King James Version says “And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house o... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Chronicles 28:21 · KJV


Context

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
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 · 21 words
וְהִנֵּ֗ה1 of 21
H2009

lo!

מַחְלְקוֹת֙2 of 21

And behold the courses

H4256

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֣ים3 of 21

of the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְהַלְוִיִּ֔ם4 of 21

and the Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

לְכָל5 of 21
H3605

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

עֲבוֹדָ֔ה6 of 21

even they shall be with thee for all the service

H5656

work of any kind

בֵּ֣ית7 of 21

of the house

H1004

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים8 of 21

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

וְעִמְּךָ֙9 of 21
H5973

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

בְכָל10 of 21
H3605

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

מְלָאכָ֜ה11 of 21

and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship

H4399

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

לְכָל12 of 21
H3605

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

נָדִ֤יב13 of 21

every willing

H5081

properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)

בַּֽחָכְמָה֙14 of 21

skilful man

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

לְכָל15 of 21
H3605

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

עֲבוֹדָ֔ה16 of 21

even they shall be with thee for all the service

H5656

work of any kind

וְהַשָּׂרִ֥ים17 of 21

also the princes

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וְכָל18 of 21
H3605

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

הָעָ֖ם19 of 21

and all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לְכָל20 of 21
H3605

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

דְּבָרֶֽיךָ׃21 of 21

will be wholly at thy commandment

H1697

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


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 28:21 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 28:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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