King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 29:17 Mean?

1 Chronicles 29:17 in the King James Version says “I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 29:17 · KJV


Context

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

18

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

19

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's confession 'I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness' reveals God's testing and approval. The verb 'triest' (bahan - test/prove) suggests refining fire, purifying motive. God delights (ratzah) in 'uprightness' (yosher - straightness/integrity) - pure motives, not mere external conformity. David's claim 'in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things' isn't self-righteousness but testimony to grace-wrought sincerity. The observation 'I have seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee' shows community impact of personal integrity. This anticipates Christ, the perfectly upright one, in whom God is well-pleased.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David's testimony came near the end of his life (c. 971 BCE), reflecting mature spiritual insight gained through failures and restoration. His genuine joy at the people's response demonstrated that leadership's primary goal is catalyzing others' devotion to God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God tests hearts and delights in uprightness affect your hidden motives and private thoughts?
  2. What would it look like for your integrity and willing service to inspire joy and generosity in fellow believers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְיָדַ֣עְתִּי1 of 22

I know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֱלֹהַ֔י2 of 22

also my 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

כִּ֤י3 of 22
H3588

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

אַתָּה֙4 of 22
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בֹּחֵ֣ן5 of 22

that thou triest

H974

to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate

לְבָבִי֙6 of 22

of mine heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וּמֵֽישָׁרִ֖ים7 of 22

As for me in the uprightness

H4339

evenness, i.e., (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e., (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adv

תִּרְצֶ֑ה8 of 22

and hast pleasure

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

אֲנִ֗י9 of 22
H589

i

בְּיֹ֤שֶׁר10 of 22

in uprightness

H3476

the right

לְבָבִי֙11 of 22

of mine heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

לְהִֽתְנַדֶּב12 of 22

I have willingly offered

H5068

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

כָל13 of 22
H3605

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

אֵ֔לֶּה14 of 22
H428

these or those

וְעַתָּ֗ה15 of 22
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

עַמְּךָ֙16 of 22

thy people

H5971

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

הַנִּמְצְאוּ17 of 22

which are present

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

פֹ֔ה18 of 22
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

רָאִ֥יתִי19 of 22

all these things and now have I seen

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְשִׂמְחָ֖ה20 of 22

with joy

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

לְהִֽתְנַדֶּב21 of 22

I have willingly offered

H5068

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

לָֽךְ׃22 of 22
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 29:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 29:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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