1 Chronicles 21 8

1 Chronicles 21:8 kjv

And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

1 Chronicles 21:8 nkjv

So David said to God, "I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing; but now, I pray, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly."

1 Chronicles 21:8 niv

Then David said to God, "I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing."

1 Chronicles 21:8 esv

And David said to God, "I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly."

1 Chronicles 21:8 nlt

Then David said to God, "I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt for doing this foolish thing."

1 Chronicles 21 verses

1 Chronicles 21 8 Meaning

King David, recognizing his profound transgression, offers an immediate and contrite confession to God, acknowledging that his action (the census) was a severe sin and a grave act of foolishness. He appeals directly to God's mercy, praying for the removal of the guilt and consequences of his iniquity, identifying himself as God's servant in need of divine forgiveness.

1 Chronicles 21 8 Context

Chapter 21 of 1 Chronicles details King David's unauthorized census of Israel. This act displeased God, resulting in a severe plague upon the nation. David’s sin likely stemmed from pride, relying on his military strength and numbers rather than God's unfailing provision and power. This census directly defied a command (perhaps implicit against a reliance on human power), demonstrating a lack of trust in God. The immediate consequence of the census was divine judgment, causing a widespread pestilence. In the midst of this disaster, as angels stood poised to destroy Jerusalem, David expresses profound remorse. Verse 8 captures his contrite heart, a turning point from transgression to heartfelt plea, paving the way for divine mercy and the revelation of the site for the future temple.

1 Chronicles 21 8 Word analysis

• And David said to God,: David’s immediate response is to address the divine directly, signifying an understanding that his offense was ultimately against God Himself, not merely against men or a system. This personal appeal highlights a recognition of divine sovereignty and justice.
• 'I have sinned greatly: The Hebrew phrase for "sinned greatly" is חָטָאתִי חֵטְא גָדוֹל (chatati chet gadol), meaning literally "I have sinned a great sin." The word chatati (חָטָאתִי) indicates missing the mark or deviating from a standard, God’s holy law in this context. The repetition with "great sin" emphasizes the severe nature and magnitude of his offense, far beyond a minor transgression. It demonstrates full acknowledgment without evasion.
• because I have done this thing;: David directly attributes the sin to his specific action – taking the census. There is no attempt to minimize, deflect blame, or offer excuses. He owns his deed entirely. This highlights accountability before God.
• but now, I pray,: The Hebrew "but now" (וְעַתָּה, ve'attah) marks a pivot from confession to supplication. The phrase "I pray" (אָנָּא, anna) is an earnest and urgent plea for mercy, indicating humility and desperation. It reflects David’s hope for God's immediate intervention.
• take away the iniquity: The Hebrew avon (עֲוֹן) for "iniquity" refers to crookedness, distortion, perversity, or guilt. It encompasses the moral deviation, the resulting guilt, and often the associated punishment. David's prayer is for the removal of the sin's burden, guilt, and perhaps its direct consequences, though divine discipline might still follow. This request is not for a mere lessening of judgment but for the blotting out of the offense itself.
• of Your servant,: By referring to himself as "Your servant," David appeals to God's covenant relationship and demonstrates humility. He acknowledges his subordinate position to the Lord and implicitly appeals to God’s mercy and faithfulness to His chosen ones. It highlights his desire to remain in right standing with God despite his failure.
• for I have acted very foolishly.': The Hebrew phrase ki niskalti me'od (כִּי נִסְכַּלְתִּי מְאֹד) means "for I have behaved very foolishly" or "acted utterly stupidly." Niskalti (נִסְכַּלְתִּי) implies a profound lack of wisdom, discernment, and spiritual insight. It often refers to a moral or spiritual foolishness that disregards God's ways, leading to self-destructive actions or judgment. The intensified "very" (me'od) reinforces the depth of his unwise and regrettable decision, demonstrating full awareness of his spiritual blunder.

1 Chronicles 21 8 Bonus section

The account in 1 Chronicles 21:1 attributes the incitement for David’s census to "Satan," whereas its parallel in 2 Samuel 24:1 states "the anger of the LORD burned against Israel; and he incited David against them to say, 'Go, count Israel and Judah.'" This difference has been a point of significant discussion among scholars. The Chronicler, writing in a post-exilic context, likely emphasized Satan’s role to underscore that true evil originates from a malevolent spiritual force, rather than implying God directly tempted David to sin. While God might allow or use situations for His sovereign purposes, He does not instigate evil. David’s choice remained his own responsibility, highlighted by his confession of acting "foolishly." Furthermore, the site of David’s sacrifice and atonement for the census—Araunah's threshing floor—is explicitly named in Chronicles as the precise location upon which Solomon later built the Temple (2 Chron 3:1). This transformation of a place of judgment into the very epicenter of worship and divine presence powerfully underscores God's mercy and His provision for atonement even in the face of human failure.

1 Chronicles 21 8 Commentary

1 Chronicles 21:8 portrays a critical moment of profound repentance in David’s life. His confession is immediate, heartfelt, and unreserved, demonstrating the qualities of a heart after God's own heart, even in sin. He doesn't seek to mitigate his offense but fully admits to its severity and foolishness. This act of census, driven by pride or a desire to rely on human strength rather than divine providence, represents a deep spiritual misstep. David’s specific plea to "take away the iniquity" highlights his understanding that sin incurs guilt before God, which only divine grace can remove. This confession opens the way for God's mercy to be shown, albeit through a form of disciplinary judgment. The narrative subsequently pivots to God providing the means for atonement—the construction of an altar on Araunah’s threshing floor, which ultimately becomes the sacred site for the future Temple. David's experience serves as a profound illustration that while sin has consequences, sincere confession is paramount for receiving God’s forgiveness and restoration.

• Examples:
  • Like a child immediately confessing to breaking a vase, rather than hiding or blaming, allowing parental discipline to be corrective rather than solely punitive.
  • A leader acknowledging a major flawed decision, taking full responsibility, and seeking counsel for amends, preventing further damage and building trust.
  • A believer promptly acknowledging a temptation yielding to sin, confessing to God and seeking spiritual purification, restoring fellowship.