King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 29:14 Mean?

1 Chronicles 29:14 in the King James Version says “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 o... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 29:14 · KJV


Context

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

16

O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's rhetorical question 'But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort?' expresses wonder at the privilege of giving to God. The phrase 'all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee' establishes the theological foundation for Christian stewardship: we give back to God what He first gave us. This eliminates boasting (nothing is truly 'ours') while elevating generosity (we can participate in God's work). The willingness to give reflects God's gracious work in hearts. This principle reaches fullest expression in Christ who gave Himself (2 Corinthians 8:9) and enables our generosity through the Spirit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's massive gifts for temple construction (gold, silver, bronze, precious stones - see 29:2-9) represented unprecedented generosity. David's prayer interprets this not as human achievement but divine grace enabling willing hearts to participate in sacred work.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you view giving to God's work as obligation or privilege? How does David's wonder reshape your perspective?
  2. How does recognizing that all possessions ultimately belong to God affect your generosity and contentment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְכִ֨י1 of 16
H3588

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

מִ֤י2 of 16
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

אֲנִי֙3 of 16
H589

i

וּמִ֣י4 of 16
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

עַמִּ֔י5 of 16

But who am I and what is my people

H5971

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

כִּֽי6 of 16
H3588

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

נַעְצֹ֣ר7 of 16

that we should be

H6113

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

כֹּ֔חַ8 of 16

able

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

לְהִתְנַדֵּ֖ב9 of 16

to offer so willingly

H5068

to impel; hence, to volunteer (as a soldier), to present spontaneously

כָּזֹ֑את10 of 16
H2063

this (often used adverb)

כִּֽי11 of 16
H3588

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

מִמְּךָ֣12 of 16
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַכֹּ֔ל13 of 16
H3605

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

וּמִיָּֽדְךָ֖14 of 16

after this sort for all things come of thee and of thine own

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

נָתַ֥נּוּ15 of 16

have we given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָֽךְ׃16 of 16
H0

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 29:14 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 29:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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