King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 29:19 Mean?

1 Chronicles 29:19 in the King James Version says “And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Chronicles 29:19 · KJV


Context

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.

20

And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.

21

And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's specific prayer for Solomon: '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.' A 'perfect heart' (lev shalem) means wholehearted, undivided devotion. The threefold description - commandments, testimonies, statutes - encompasses comprehensive Torah obedience. David's prayer recognizes that despite all material preparations, only God can give the heart-devotion necessary for completing God's work. Tragically, Solomon later failed through divided heart (1 Kings 11:4), showing even answered prayer requires ongoing faithfulness. This points to Christ who perfectly maintained undivided devotion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This public prayer (c. 971 BCE) demonstrated wise parenting - making material provision while recognizing that spiritual preparation comes only from God. David knew from experience that resources without heart-devotion lead to failure.

Reflection Questions

  1. For whom are you praying for God to give a 'perfect heart' - undivided devotion to God?
  2. How do you balance making practical preparations with recognizing ultimate dependence on God's work in hearts?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְלִשְׁלֹמֹ֣ה1 of 15

unto Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בְנִ֗י2 of 15

my son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

תֵּ֚ן3 of 15

And give

H5414

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

לֵבָ֣ב4 of 15

heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

שָׁלֵ֔ם5 of 15

a perfect

H8003

complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly

לִשְׁמוֹר֙6 of 15

to keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

מִצְוֹתֶ֔יךָ7 of 15

thy commandments

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

עֵדְוֹתֶ֖יךָ8 of 15

thy testimonies

H5715

testimony

וְחֻקֶּ֑יךָ9 of 15

and thy statutes

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

וְלַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת10 of 15

and to do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַכֹּ֔ל11 of 15
H3605

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

וְלִבְנ֖וֹת12 of 15

all these things and to build

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

הַבִּירָ֥ה13 of 15

the palace

H1002

a castle or palace

אֲשֶׁר14 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֲכִינֽוֹתִי׃15 of 15

for the which I have made provision

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,


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 29:19 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 29:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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