King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 29:6 Mean?

1 Chronicles 29:6 in the King James Version says “Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with t...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

1 Chronicles 29:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.

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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 · 12 words
וַיִּֽתְנַדְּבוּ֩1 of 12

“offered willingly”

H5068

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

וּלְשָׂרֵ֖י2 of 12

“Then the chief”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הָֽאָב֜וֹת3 of 12

“of the fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וּלְשָׂרֵ֖י4 of 12

“Then the chief”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

שִׁבְטֵ֣י5 of 12

“of the tribes”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל6 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וּלְשָׂרֵ֖י7 of 12

“Then the chief”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הָֽאֲלָפִים֙8 of 12

“of thousands”

H505

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

וְהַמֵּא֔וֹת9 of 12

“and of hundreds”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וּלְשָׂרֵ֖י10 of 12

“Then the chief”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

מְלֶ֥אכֶת11 of 12

“work”

H4399

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃12 of 12

“of the king's”

H4428

a king

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 29:6 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 29:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 9:7Isaiah 60:3-101 Chronicles 27:25-28:11 Chronicles 27:1-15

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