King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 29:5 Mean?

1 Chronicles 29:5 in the King James Version says “The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of ... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD? consecrate his service: Heb. fill his hand

1 Chronicles 29:5 · KJV


Context

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:

5

The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD? consecrate his service: Heb. fill his hand

6

Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly,

7

And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's question following his description of temple preparations: 'And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?' The Hebrew phrase 'to fill his hand' (l'malle yado) is priestly consecration language (Exodus 29:9). David democratizes this - not just priests but all people can 'fill their hands' through generous giving. The question 'who is willing?' (mi mitnaddev) seeks volunteers, not coerced giving. This teaches that acceptable offerings come from willing hearts, not external pressure. Paul echoes this: 'God loves a cheerful giver' (2 Corinthians 9:7). Christ's willing self-offering provides the ultimate model of consecrated service.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Following David's extraordinary personal gifts (29:2-4), this question invited the people's participation. Their response (29:6-9) demonstrated that leadership's generous example inspires community-wide sacrificial giving for God's work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How willing is your heart in giving to God's work - joyful privilege or reluctant obligation?
  2. What would 'consecrating your service' - filling your hands as a priestly act - look like in your current circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
לַזָּהָב֙1 of 14

The gold

H2091

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

לַזָּהָב֙2 of 14

The gold

H2091

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

לַכֶּ֔סֶף3 of 14

and the silver

H3701

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

לַכֶּ֔סֶף4 of 14

and the silver

H3701

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

וּלְכָל5 of 14
H3605

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

מְלָאכָ֖ה6 of 14

and for all manner of work

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

יָד֛וֹ7 of 14

his service

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

חָֽרָשִׁ֑ים8 of 14

of artificers

H2796

a fabricator or any material

וּמִ֣י9 of 14
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

מִתְנַדֵּ֔ב10 of 14

And who then is willing

H5068

to impel; hence, to volunteer (as a soldier), to present spontaneously

לְמַלֹּ֥אות11 of 14

to consecrate

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

יָד֛וֹ12 of 14

his service

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַיּ֖וֹם13 of 14

this 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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃14 of 14

unto the LORD

H3068

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


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 29:5 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 29:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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