King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 29:27 Mean?

1 Chronicles 29:27 in the King James Version says “And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years r...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.”

1 Chronicles 29:27 · KJV

Context

25

And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.

26

Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel.

27

And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.

28

And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.

29

Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer, book: or, history: Heb. words

Read 1 Chronicles 29 full chapter

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 · 15 words
וְהַיָּמִ֗ים1 of 15

“And the time”

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר2 of 15
H834

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

מָלַ֖ךְ3 of 15

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

עַל4 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל5 of 15

“over Israel”

H3478

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

אַרְבָּעִ֖ים6 of 15

“was forty”

H705

forty

שָׁנִ֔ים7 of 15

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בְּחֶבְר֤וֹן8 of 15

“he in Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

מָלַ֖ךְ9 of 15

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

שֶׁ֣בַע10 of 15

“seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שָׁנִ֔ים11 of 15

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וּבִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֥ם12 of 15

“he in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

מָלַ֖ךְ13 of 15

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים14 of 15

“and thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וְשָׁלֽוֹשׁ׃15 of 15

“and three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

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 29:27 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 29:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 2:111 Chronicles 3:42 Samuel 5:4-5

Places in This Verse

HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 29 →

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