King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 29:15 Mean?

1 Chronicles 29:15 in the King James Version says “For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and th...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Chronicles 29:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. present: Heb. found

Read 1 Chronicles 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's humble confession: '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.' This echoes Abraham's self-description (Genesis 23:4) and anticipates Hebrews 11:13-16. The terms 'strangers' (gerim) and 'sojourners' (toshavim) describe temporary residents without permanent inheritance. Life's brevity - 'as a shadow' - emphasizes the transient nature of earthly existence. 'None abiding' (ein miqveh) means no enduring hope apart from God. This perspective relativizes earthly achievements (even temple building) and points to the eternal inheritance in Christ. It teaches living as aliens and exiles who long for heavenly country.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Spoken during temple dedication preparations (c. 971 BCE), this confession demonstrates mature wisdom - even while accomplishing Israel's greatest project, David recognized life's brevity and dependence on God's eternal purposes beyond earthly achievements.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing yourself as a 'stranger and sojourner' affect your priorities and attachment to earthly possessions?
  2. What 'enduring hope' beyond this shadow-life anchors your identity and purpose?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כִּֽי1 of 13
H3588

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

גֵרִ֨ים2 of 13

“For we are strangers”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

אֲנַ֧חְנוּ3 of 13
H587

we

לְפָנֶ֛יךָ4 of 13

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְתֽוֹשָׁבִ֖ים5 of 13

“thee and sojourners”

H8453

a dweller but not outlandish [h5237]; especially (as distinguished from a native citizen [active participle of h3427] and a temporary inmate [h1616] o

כְּכָל6 of 13
H3605

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

אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ7 of 13

“as were all our fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

כַּצֵּ֧ל׀8 of 13

“are as a shadow”

H6738

shade, whether literal or figurative

יָמֵ֛ינוּ9 of 13

“our days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עַל10 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָאָ֖רֶץ11 of 13

“on the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְאֵ֥ין12 of 13
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מִקְוֶֽה׃13 of 13

“and there is none abiding”

H4723

something waited for, i.e., a collection, i.e., (of water) a pond, or (of men and horses) a caravan or drove

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 29:15 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 29:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 144:4Psalms 102:11Leviticus 25:23James 4:14Job 14:2Psalms 39:12

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