King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 29:13 Mean?

1 Chronicles 29:13 in the King James Version says “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.”

1 Chronicles 29:13 · KJV

Context

11

Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

12

Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

13

Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

14

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. be able: Heb. retain, or, obtain strength of thine: Heb. of thine hand

15

For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. abiding: Heb. expectation

Read 1 Chronicles 29 full chapter

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 · 8 words
וְעַתָּ֣ה1 of 8
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ2 of 8

“Now therefore our 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

מוֹדִ֥ים3 of 8

“we thank”

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

אֲנַ֖חְנוּ4 of 8
H587

we

לָ֑ךְ5 of 8
H0
וּֽמְהַלְלִ֖ים6 of 8

“thee and praise”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

לְשֵׁ֥ם7 of 8

“name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

תִּפְאַרְתֶּֽךָ׃8 of 8

“thy glorious”

H8597

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

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 29:13 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 29:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 9:15Psalms 106:11 Thessalonians 2:132 Corinthians 8:16Daniel 2:232 Corinthians 2:14

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