King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 29:21 Mean?

1 Chronicles 29:21 in the King James Version says “And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, on the morrow after that day, e...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

1 Chronicles 29:21 · KJV

Context

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:

22

And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the LORD to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest.

23

Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.

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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 · 20 words
וַיִּזְבְּח֣וּ1 of 20

“And they sacrificed”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

לַֽיהוָ֗ה2 of 20

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וּזְבָחִ֥ים3 of 20

“and sacrifices”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

וַיַּֽעֲל֨וּ4 of 20

“and offered”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עֹל֜וֹת5 of 20

“burnt offerings”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

לַֽיהוָ֗ה6 of 20

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְֽמָחֳרַת֮7 of 20

“on the morrow”

H4283

the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow

הַיּ֣וֹם8 of 20

“after that day”

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

הַהוּא֒9 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

פָּרִ֨ים10 of 20

“bullocks”

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

אֶ֖לֶף11 of 20

“a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

אֵלִ֥ים12 of 20

“rams”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

אֶ֖לֶף13 of 20

“a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

כְּבָשִׂ֥ים14 of 20

“lambs”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

אֶ֖לֶף15 of 20

“a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֑ם16 of 20

“with their drink offerings”

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

וּזְבָחִ֥ים17 of 20

“and sacrifices”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

לָרֹ֖ב18 of 20

“in abundance”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

לְכָל19 of 20
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃20 of 20

“for all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 29:21 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 29:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 15:7Ezra 6:172 Chronicles 7:4-9Numbers 15:10Numbers 15:5Leviticus 23:13

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