King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 29:30 Mean?

1 Chronicles 29:30 in the King James Version says “With all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the co...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“With all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries.”

1 Chronicles 29:30 · KJV

Context

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

30

With all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 14 words
עִ֥ם1 of 14
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

כָּל2 of 14
H3605

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

מַלְכוּת֖וֹ3 of 14

“With all his reign”

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

וּגְבוּרָת֑וֹ4 of 14

“and his might”

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

וְהָעִתִּ֗ים5 of 14

“and the times”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

אֲשֶׁ֨ר6 of 14
H834

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

עָבְר֤וּ7 of 14

“that went over”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עָלָיו֙8 of 14
H5921

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

וְעַל9 of 14
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל10 of 14

“him and over Israel”

H3478

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

וְעַ֖ל11 of 14
H5921

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

כָּל12 of 14
H3605

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

מַמְלְכ֥וֹת13 of 14

“and over all the kingdoms”

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

הָאֲרָצֽוֹת׃14 of 14

“of the countries”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 29:30 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 29:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 4:25Daniel 4:232 Kings 10:342 Kings 14:28Daniel 2:21

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 29 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes