King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 29:1 Mean?

1 Chronicles 29:1 in the King James Version says “Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.”

1 Chronicles 29:1 · KJV

Context

1

Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.

2

Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

3

Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Offerings for temple and Solomon's coronation. The Hebrew term נְדָבָה (nedavah) - freewill offering is theologically significant here, pointing to Generous giving from willing hearts. 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 Generous giving from willing hearts. 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 ultimate self-offering.

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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 Offerings for temple and Solomon's coronation 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 Generous giving from willing hearts challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ's ultimate self-offering 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 · 22 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 22

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֤יד2 of 22

“Furthermore David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙3 of 22

“the king”

H4428

a king

לְכָל4 of 22
H3605

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

הַקָּהָ֔ל5 of 22

“unto all the congregation”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

שְׁלֹמֹ֨ה6 of 22

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בְנִ֥י7 of 22

“my 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

אֶחָ֛ד8 of 22

“whom alone”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

בָּֽחַר9 of 22

“hath chosen”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

בּ֥וֹ10 of 22
H0
אֱלֹהִֽים׃11 of 22

“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

נַ֣עַר12 of 22

“is yet young”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

וָרָ֑ךְ13 of 22

“and tender”

H7390

tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak

וְהַמְּלָאכָ֣ה14 of 22

“and the work”

H4399

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

גְדוֹלָ֔ה15 of 22

“is great”

H1419

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

כִּ֣י16 of 22
H3588

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

לֹ֤א17 of 22
H3808

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

לְאָדָם֙18 of 22

“is not for man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

הַבִּירָ֔ה19 of 22

“for the palace”

H1002

a castle or palace

כִּ֖י20 of 22
H3588

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

לַֽיהוָ֥ה21 of 22

“but for the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהִֽים׃22 of 22

“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

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 29:1 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 29:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 22:51 Kings 3:72 Chronicles 13:71 Chronicles 28:10Jeremiah 1:6-71 Chronicles 28:1

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