Old Testament
1 Chronicles 12:38
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, we see a group of warriors coming together with a shared purpose.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
All these men of war, who could keep rank, came to Hebron with a perfect heart to make David king over all Israel. All the rest of Israel were also of one heart to make David king.
All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a group of warriors coming together with a shared purpose. They arrive in Hebron, united in their desire to make David the king of all Israel. Their hearts are described as 'perfect,' indicating their sincere commitment and loyalty. This unity is not just among the warriors; the rest of Israel also shares this common goal. Everyone is aligned in their support for David, showing a powerful collective spirit. This moment highlights the importance of teamwork and shared vision in achieving great things. It reminds us that when people come together with a common purpose, they can accomplish remarkable outcomes. The commitment of these men and the people of Israel serves as an inspiring example of how unity can lead to significant change and leadership. Their actions reflect a deep sense of responsibility and dedication to their nation and its future under David's rule. This passage encourages us to consider how we can unite with others for a common cause.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Chronicles 12:38 to your life
Consider how you can unite with others around a common goal. Reflect on the importance of commitment and loyalty in your relationships. Seek opportunities to support leaders who inspire you and work together to achieve shared dreams. Your involvement can make a significant difference in your community or organization. Every effort counts towards a greater purpose, just like in this story of David's rise to kingship.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Chronicles 12:38 mean?
1 Chronicles 12:38 describes a group of warriors who come together in Hebron with a sincere commitment to make David king over all Israel. Their unity and shared purpose highlight the importance of collective action in achieving significant goals.
What is the significance of a 'perfect heart' in 1 Chronicles 12:38?
The term 'perfect heart' in 1 Chronicles 12:38 indicates the warriors' sincere dedication and loyalty to David. It emphasizes their genuine commitment to support his leadership and the unity of purpose among the people of Israel.
How does 1 Chronicles 12:38 relate to teamwork?
1 Chronicles 12:38 exemplifies teamwork by showing how individuals can come together with a common goal. The warriors and the rest of Israel demonstrate that collaboration and shared vision are essential for achieving great outcomes.
What themes are present in 1 Chronicles 12:38?
Key themes in 1 Chronicles 12:38 include unity, leadership, commitment, teamwork, and purpose. These themes highlight the importance of working together towards a common objective and the impact of collective support in leadership.

The Book of 1 Chronicles
Genealogies (Chs 1–9)
The record begins with the line from Adam to Noah and his sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The descendants of Japheth are listed, followed by the descendants of Ham, which include Nimrod, a mighty one in the earth, and the ancestors of the Philistines. The line of Shem is traced down to Abram, who is Abraham. The sons of Abraham—Ishmael and Isaac—are named, along with the sons of Abraham’s concubine Keturah. The generations of Ishmael are listed, followed by the descendants of Isaac’s son Esau, including the dukes and early kings of Edom.
Unlock the full 1 Chronicles summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 1 Chronicles — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 29 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 1 Chronicles summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.