King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 29:17 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

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.

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

O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee: prepare: or, stablish

And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.

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Topics in This Verse

Joy

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **Thou triest the heart.**—Psalm 11:4; Psalm 7:9; Psalm 26:2. **Hast pleasure in.**—1Chronicles 28:4, 1Chronicles 29:3. (Comp. also 1Chronicles 28:9.) **Uprightness.**—Or, *sincerity* (*mêshārîm,* Song of Solomon 1:4). **In the uprightness** (*yōsher*)*,* integrity (Deuteronomy 9:5),, a synonym of *mêshārîm.* Both literally mean *straightness: e.g.,* of a road (Proverbs 2:13; Proverbs 23:31). The connexion of ideas is this: Thou that lookest upon the heart knowest that my offering has been made without grudging and without hypocrisy; my motive was not my own interest, but Thy glory. Hence my joyful thanksgiving, because of the free generosity of Thy people. **Which are present here.**—Literally, *Who have found themselves here* (reflexive verb). (So 2Chronicles 5:11, and other places.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 29:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.