1 Chronicles 29 3

1 Chronicles 29:3 kjv

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.

1 Chronicles 29:3 nkjv

Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver:

1 Chronicles 29:3 niv

Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my God, over and above everything I have provided for this holy temple:

1 Chronicles 29:3 esv

Moreover, in addition to all that I have provided for the holy house, I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it to the house of my God:

1 Chronicles 29:3 nlt

"And now, because of my devotion to the Temple of my God, I am giving all of my own private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction. This is in addition to the building materials I have already collected for his holy Temple.

1 Chronicles 29 verses

1 Chronicles 29 3 Meaning

In 1 Chronicles 29:3, King David expresses his deep, personal devotion to God and the forthcoming Temple. He states that beyond the vast resources already prepared for the Temple, he is personally contributing an immense amount from his own treasured possessions. This personal giving, motivated by his profound love for "the house of my God," includes 3,000 talents of the purest gold (gold of Ophir) and 7,000 talents of refined silver, specifically for the interior overlaying of the Temple walls. The verse highlights an extraordinary act of selfless generosity stemming from a heart consumed with affection for the Lord's dwelling.

1 Chronicles 29 3 Context

First Chronicles chapter 29 marks the culmination of King David's reign and his fervent preparations for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. For chapters, the Chronicler has detailed David's collection of materials and craftsmen, his instructions to Solomon, and his final charge to the people. This specific verse (1 Chron 29:3) follows David's passionate prayer and appeal to the assembly to join in contributing to God's house, even though the command to build was given to Solomon. Here, David is leading by example, demonstrating his profound personal commitment beyond his public duties. His vast personal donation, comprising gold from Ophir and refined silver, is a testament to his unmatched zeal and sets a precedent for the people to follow, emphasizing that giving to God's work should be both willing and sacrificial, born out of deep affection for the Lord and His presence. This act establishes the tone for the subsequent outpouring of generous gifts from the people, shaping the historical and spiritual context for the Temple's inception.

1 Chronicles 29 3 Word analysis

• Moreover (וְעוֹד, wə‘ôḏ): This connective word signifies an addition, specifically emphasizing that David's offering is beyond the considerable resources he had already amassed for the Temple (mentioned in 1 Chron 29:2). It highlights the extraordinary nature of his personal sacrifice.
• because I have set my affection (בְּהִתְרַצּוּתִי, bəhitraṣṣutî): Derived from the root רָצָה (raṣah), meaning "to be pleased with," "to delight in," or "to accept." It conveys deep, voluntary, and favorable inclination. David's giving is not out of obligation or external pressure, but a heartfelt pleasure and inner satisfaction derived from his devotion to God. This phrase reveals the internal motivation for his generosity – a deep love and emotional attachment to God's dwelling place.
• on the house of my God (בְּבֵית אֱלֹהָי, bə-bêṯ ‘ělōhāy): "House" (בַּיִת, bayit) here refers to the future Temple, the permanent dwelling place for God's manifest presence. The possessive "my God" underscores David's intensely personal and intimate relationship with the Lord. It signifies that his devotion to the physical structure is intertwined with his reverence for the God to whom it is dedicated.
• I have a personal treasury (לִי סְגֻלָּה, lî səgullâ): "Personal treasury" (səgullâ) is a significant term. It means "a valued possession," "a peculiar treasure," or "private property" held in special regard. It’s the same word used for Israel as God’s treasured possession (e.g., Exod 19:5, Deut 7:6). This indicates David is giving from his private wealth, distinct from royal or public funds. It's his most prized personal assets, not just disposable income, amplifying the extent of his sacrifice.
• of gold (זָהָב, zāhāḇ) and silver (וָכָסֶף, wāḵāsef): These were the most precious metals and the primary forms of wealth in the ancient world, often representing divine favor and royal majesty. Their abundance here speaks to David's vast personal riches.
• and I give it to the house of my God (אֶתֵּן לְבֵית אֱלֹהָי, ’ēttēn lə-bêṯ ‘ělōhāy): The verb "give" (נָתַן, nāṯan) indicates a deliberate and direct act of transfer. The repetition of "to the house of my God" reiterates the specific sacred purpose of his offering.
• 3,000 talents of gold of Ophir (שְׁלֹשֶׁת אֲלָפִים כִּכְּרֵי זָהָב זָהָב אוֹפִיר, šəlōšeṯ ’ălāp̄îm kikkərê zāhāḇ zāhāḇ ’ôpîr): A talent (כִּכָּר, kikkar) was a substantial weight (around 75 lbs or 34 kg). 3,000 talents represent an astronomically large amount. "Gold of Ophir" was renowned for its exceptional purity and value, a standard for the finest gold (e.g., Psa 45:9, Isa 13:12). It signifies the highest quality and maximum possible worth given.
• and 7,000 talents of refined silver (וְשִׁבְעַת אֲלָפִים כִּכְּרֵי כֶסֶף מְזֻקָּק, wəšiv‘aṯ ’ălāp̄îm kikkərê kesef məzūqāq): Similarly, an immense quantity. "Refined" (מְזֻקָּק, məzūqāq) denotes silver purified from dross, indicating it was of the highest possible quality. These specific amounts highlight the deliberate, measured, and comprehensive nature of David's immense personal contribution.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God": This phrase establishes the foundational motivation for David's giving. It is not compelled, but flows from an overflowing, sincere devotion and deep love for God and His dwelling place. This underscores a spiritual principle: true giving emanates from the heart.
• "I have a personal treasury of gold and silver": This clarifies that David's contribution is from his private, most prized possessions, distinct from state wealth already allocated. The term səgullâ evokes the idea of something precious and dearly held, making his act even more significant.
• "and I give it to the house of my God, 3,000 talents of gold of Ophir and 7,000 talents of refined silver": This detail articulates the immense scale and quality of David's offering. The quantities are staggering, and the specification "gold of Ophir" and "refined silver" indicates a deliberate choice to offer only the best and purest of his personal wealth, worthy of God's house and glory. The repetition "house of my God" anchors the value of the offering in its sacred purpose.

1 Chronicles 29 3 Bonus section

• The chronicler emphasizes David's personal zeal as distinct from his official royal duties. While much of the materials he prepared (1 Chron 29:2) came from royal funds or war spoils, this specific offering from his "personal treasury" highlights his private devotion, setting an even higher bar for giving.
• The amounts mentioned (3,000 talents of gold, 7,000 talents of silver) were monumental, perhaps totaling over a billion dollars in modern equivalents. This conveys not just wealth, but an unprecedented scale of dedication to God. This was a contribution that would significantly cover the internal overlaying, enhancing the opulence and sanctity of God's dwelling place.
• David's willingness to give so sacrificially, even knowing he would not personally see the Temple built, underscores a commitment to God's long-term vision and His Kingdom, rather than seeking immediate personal glory or gratification. It exemplifies living by faith for future generations.
• The purity specified ("gold of Ophir," "refined silver") mirrors the spiritual purity expected in worship and service to God. God deserves our best, in quality as well as quantity, symbolizing a heart that is not just willing, but thoroughly purified in its intentions.

1 Chronicles 29 3 Commentary

1 Chronicles 29:3 unveils King David's exemplary devotion, setting a powerful precedent for his people and for all believers. His contribution goes beyond duty; it stems from a profound and heartfelt affection for God and the future Temple. The phrase "set my affection" reveals a spiritual reality: genuine generosity is not merely about the amount, but the heart from which it flows. David gives not from convenience but from his personal treasury—his most valued, privately held assets, demonstrating a costly sacrifice. The colossal sums of gold from Ophir and refined silver are not merely material measures but testaments to the extraordinary value David placed on honoring God through the building of His sanctuary. This act teaches that worship involves a costly and joyful surrender of our best, driven by a deep, personal relationship with God, and recognizing that all we have ultimately belongs to Him. His giving serves as a leadership model, inspiring others through his unwavering commitment and love.