1 Chronicles 16 27

1 Chronicles 16:27 kjv

Glory and honor are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.

1 Chronicles 16:27 nkjv

Honor and majesty are before Him; Strength and gladness are in His place.

1 Chronicles 16:27 niv

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.

1 Chronicles 16:27 esv

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place.

1 Chronicles 16:27 nlt

Honor and majesty surround him;
strength and joy fill his dwelling.

1 Chronicles 16 verses

1 Chronicles 16 27 Meaning

1 Chronicles 16:27 declares the inherent and abiding characteristics present in the very being and dwelling place of the Most High. It states that awe-inspiring splendor and majestic dignity are perpetually before Him, signifying His unceasing glory and honorable presence. Furthermore, divine strength and profound joy are found "in His place," indicating that His power and the deep delight in His sovereignty permeate His manifest dwelling and are inherent to His being.

1 Chronicles 16 27 Context

1 Chronicles 16:27 is part of a lengthy psalm of thanksgiving (1 Chr 16:8-36) recited by King David on the momentous occasion of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and establishing it in the tent he had prepared for it. This event signified God's re-establishment as the center of Israel's national and religious life after the Ark's long absence. David’s psalm is a composite, drawing heavily from portions of Psalm 105, Psalm 96 (from which verse 27 directly derives), and Psalm 106. The immediate context of verses 23-33 focuses on a universal call to praise the LORD for His greatness, wondrous deeds, and supreme sovereignty over all nations, challenging pagan worship by proclaiming Yahweh's unparalleled attributes and creative power. Verse 27 highlights what one encounters directly "before" God and "in His place"—essential attributes of His nature and presence.

1 Chronicles 16 27 Word Analysis

• Splendor (הוֹד, hod): This Hebrew word denotes glory, majesty, honor, or beauty. It signifies an outward display of inner greatness and dignity, inspiring awe and reverence. In a theological sense, it refers to the radiant glory of God, an inherent characteristic that makes Him worthy of worship and is visibly manifest in His presence. It speaks to God's inherent, glorious light and perfection, far exceeding any earthly king's or deity's facade.
• and majesty (וְהָדָר, wəhādār): Often paired with hod, hadar refers to honor, glory, and magnificence, emphasizing the stately and dignified aspect of God’s being. It portrays God as supremely exalted and worthy of all adoration, contrasting sharply with the often grotesque or chaotic depictions of pagan idols. Together, hod and hadar create a powerful, dual expression of divine glory, combining awe-inspiring beauty with inherent regal authority.
• are before Him (לְפָנָיו, ləp̄ānāyw): This phrase indicates immediate presence and intrinsic existence. These qualities are not merely ascribed to God or manifest occasionally; they are constantly, perpetually, and inherently present in His being. Wherever God is, these attributes precede and accompany Him, showcasing the reality and omnipresence of His divine characteristics.
• strength (עֹז, ʿoz): This term signifies power, might, and dominion. It speaks to God's omnipotence—His absolute ability to accomplish all His will without limitation. It underlines His sovereignty over all creation and His unchallengeable authority, offering reassurance to His people and declaring His unmatchable power against all adversaries. It implicitly serves as a polemic against limited or impotent idols.
• and joy (וְחֶדְוָה, wəḥeḏwâ): This word signifies gladness, delight, and joyous exhilaration. Its inclusion alongside strength suggests that God's power is not severe or austere but accompanied by the profound blessedness and perfect joy of His own being. This joy also implies the deep satisfaction He derives from His perfect rule and benevolent actions, and the true gladness that overflows to those in His presence. It is a striking contrast to the fear and appeasement often associated with pagan worship.
• are in His place (בִּמְקוֹמוֹ, biməqômô): This refers to the dwelling place of God’s manifest presence, such as the tabernacle where the Ark resided (the immediate physical context), but extending to His heavenly throne room. It implies that these divine attributes are intrinsic to where He dwells, emanating from His very being and experienced by those who approach Him there. His "place" is not just a geographical location but the realm where His character and attributes are fully and eternally present and active.

Words-group Analysis:

• "Splendor and majesty are before Him": This pairing emphasizes the intrinsic and undeniable nature of God's glory. It is not an acquired status but an inherent quality that commands reverence and wonder from all who are in His presence. It’s an everlasting display of divine perfection and dignity.
• "strength and joy are in His place": This pairing highlights the functional and experiential aspects of God's presence. His might ensures His sovereign rule and provides security, while His profound joy suggests not a grim power but a blissful, satisfying reality that benefits those who draw near. This contrast of power with delight demonstrates the comprehensive blessedness of being in God’s immediate realm. These attributes are not separate but interwoven aspects of God’s glorious presence.

1 Chronicles 16 27 Bonus Section

This verse, derived from Psalm 96:6, formed part of a new liturgical tradition established by David, signifying a more organized and joy-filled public worship after the Ark's restoration to the center of national life. It underscored the absolute uniqueness and superiority of Yahweh over all other gods. While pagan deities were often characterized by capricious anger, human-like vices, or demands for appeasement through fear, this verse portrays Yahweh as inherently glorious, strong, and joyful. His presence brings security and delight, rather than terror or burden. This message served to root the Israelites more deeply in their exclusive worship of the one true God and to establish a pattern of praise centered on His character rather than just His deeds.

1 Chronicles 16 27 Commentary

1 Chronicles 16:27 is a succinct yet profound declaration of the divine nature, particularly as manifested in the dwelling place of God’s presence. David’s psalm of praise centers the community’s attention on Yahweh's inherent greatness, asserting that splendor and majesty are not mere decorations but intrinsic qualities constantly "before Him." This implies that the glory of God is self-existent, awe-inspiring, and demands our reverence.

Furthermore, the verse adds that strength and joy reside "in His place." "His place" specifically refers to the Ark’s dwelling (the tabernacle) but universally encompasses the sphere of God's manifest presence. This reveals a beautiful dichotomy: His immense power and omnipotence (strength) are inseparable from His deep delight and blessedness (joy). Unlike the capricious or frightening deities of surrounding nations, Yahweh's might is not intimidating but infused with perfect happiness, overflowing to those who serve Him. The implication for worshipers is that to draw near to God is to encounter not just His power but also a wellspring of profound, enduring joy that transforms and sustains. This verse calls believers to behold the Lord's glorious character as the ultimate foundation for praise and the source of spiritual sustenance.