King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 29:2 Mean?

1 Chronicles 29:2 in the King James Version says “Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

1 Chronicles 29:2 · KJV


Context

1

Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.

2

Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

3

Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

4

Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Offerings for temple and Solomon's coronation. The Hebrew term נְדָבָה (nedavah) - freewill offering is theologically significant here, pointing to Generous giving from willing hearts. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Generous giving from willing hearts. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ's ultimate self-offering.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Offerings for temple and Solomon's coronation occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Generous giving from willing hearts challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ's ultimate self-offering teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וּֽכְכָל1 of 27
H3605

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

כֹּחִ֞י2 of 27

with all my might

H3581

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

הֲכִינ֣וֹתִי3 of 27

Now I have prepared

H3559

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

לְבֵית4 of 27

for the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֱלֹהַ֗י5 of 27

of 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

לַ֠זָּהָב6 of 27

for things to be made of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

לַ֠זָּהָב7 of 27

for things to be made of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

לַכֶּ֜סֶף8 of 27

and the silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

לַכֶּ֜סֶף9 of 27

and the silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

לַנְּחֹ֗שֶׁת10 of 27

and the brass

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

לַנְּחֹ֗שֶׁת11 of 27

and the brass

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

לַבַּרְזֶ֔ל12 of 27

for things of iron

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

לַבַּרְזֶ֔ל13 of 27

for things of iron

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

לָֽעֵצִ֑ים14 of 27

and wood

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

לָֽעֵצִ֑ים15 of 27

and wood

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וְאַבְנֵי16 of 27

stones

H68

a stone

שֹׁ֨הַם17 of 27

onyx

H7718

a gem, probably the beryl (from its pale green color)

וּמִלּוּאִ֜ים18 of 27

and stones to be set

H4394

a fulfilling (only in plural), i.e., (literally) a setting (of gems), or (technically) consecration (also concretely, a dedicatory sacrifice)

וְאַבְנֵי19 of 27

stones

H68

a stone

פ֣וּךְ20 of 27

glistering

H6320

dye (specifically, stibium for the eyes)

וְרִקְמָ֗ה21 of 27

and of divers colours

H7553

variegation of color; specifically, embroidery

וְכֹ֨ל22 of 27
H3605

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

וְאַבְנֵי23 of 27

stones

H68

a stone

יְקָרָ֛ה24 of 27

and all manner of precious

H3368

valuable (objectively or subjectively)

וְאַבְנֵי25 of 27

stones

H68

a stone

שַׁ֖יִשׁ26 of 27

and marble

H7893

white, i.e., marble

לָרֹֽב׃27 of 27

in abundance

H7230

abundance (in any respect)


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 29:2 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 29:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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