King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 29:7 Mean?

1 Chronicles 29:7 in the King James Version says “And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten tho...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 29:7 · KJV

Context

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.

9

Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.

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 · 23 words
וַֽיִּתְּנ֞וּ1 of 23

“And gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לַֽעֲבוֹדַ֣ת2 of 23

“for the service”

H5656

work of any kind

בֵּית3 of 23

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים4 of 23

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

זָהָ֞ב5 of 23

“of gold”

H2091

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

כִּכָּרִֽים׃6 of 23

“talents”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

חֲמֵֽשֶׁת7 of 23

“five”

H2568

five

אֶ֥לֶף8 of 23

“thousand”

H505

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

וַֽאֲדַרְכֹנִ֣ים9 of 23

“drams”

H150

a daric or persian coin

רִבּ֛וֹ10 of 23

“and ten thousand”

H7239

a myriad, i.e., indefinitely, large number

וְכֶ֗סֶף11 of 23

“and of silver”

H3701

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

כִּכָּרִֽים׃12 of 23

“talents”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

עֲשֶׂ֣רֶת13 of 23

“ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

אֶ֥לֶף14 of 23

“thousand”

H505

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

וּנְחֹ֕שֶׁת15 of 23

“and of brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

רִבּ֛וֹ16 of 23

“and ten thousand”

H7239

a myriad, i.e., indefinitely, large number

וּשְׁמוֹנַ֥ת17 of 23

“eighteen”

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

אֶ֥לֶף18 of 23

“thousand”

H505

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

כִּכָּרִֽים׃19 of 23

“talents”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

וּבַרְזֶ֖ל20 of 23

“of iron”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

מֵֽאָה21 of 23

“and one hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אֶ֥לֶף22 of 23

“thousand”

H505

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

כִּכָּרִֽים׃23 of 23

“talents”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

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 29:7 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 29:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 7:70-71Ezra 2:69

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