Old Testament

1 Chronicles 12:40

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

People from the surrounding area — as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali — brought bread and meat on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen, along with flour, fig cakes, clusters of raisins, wine, oil, cattle, and sheep in large quantities. For there was joy in Israel.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.

What 1 Chronicles 12:40 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, we see a vibrant scene where people from nearby regions, including Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, come together to support their community. They bring a variety of food supplies, such as bread, meat, and fruits, carried on different animals like donkeys and camels. This act of generosity shows their commitment to one another and their shared joy. The abundance of offerings reflects a time of celebration and unity among the people of Israel. It highlights the importance of community support during significant moments. The joy mentioned is not just personal; it resonates throughout the entire nation, indicating a collective spirit of happiness and togetherness. This gathering symbolizes how shared resources can strengthen bonds and foster a sense of belonging. Ultimately, it reminds us that joy is often found in community and generosity, where everyone contributes to the well-being of others, creating a rich tapestry of support and celebration in life.

How to apply 1 Chronicles 12:40 to your life

Consider how you can contribute to your community, whether through sharing resources or offering support to those in need. Small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of joy and connection. Remember, togetherness enhances our experiences and strengthens our bonds with one another, fostering a happier environment for all involved.

Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Rachel smiling as she holds her newborn son Joseph inside a lamp-lit tent

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Joseph, Jacob's son

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about 1 Chronicles 12:40

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying 1 Chronicles 12:40

At a Glance — the Book of 1 Chronicles

Author
Traditionally attributed to Ezra
Written
Around 430 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
Post-exilic Jews

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does 1 Chronicles 12:40 teach about community support?

1 Chronicles 12:40 illustrates the importance of community support by showing how people from various regions came together to contribute food and resources. This act of generosity highlights the strength found in unity and the collective joy that arises when individuals support one another during significant times.

What types of food were brought in 1 Chronicles 12:40?

In 1 Chronicles 12:40, the people brought a variety of food items including bread, meat, flour, fig cakes, clusters of raisins, wine, oil, cattle, and sheep. This diverse array of offerings signifies not only their generosity but also the abundance and celebration within the community.

Why is joy mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:40?

Joy is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:40 to emphasize the positive atmosphere created by the community's gathering and support. The collective contributions and shared resources foster a sense of happiness and unity among the people of Israel, reflecting the joy that comes from togetherness and generosity.

How can we apply the message of 1 Chronicles 12:40 today?

We can apply the message of 1 Chronicles 12:40 by actively participating in our communities, whether through sharing resources, volunteering, or supporting those in need. Small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, enhancing connections and fostering a sense of belonging, much like the joy experienced by the people of Israel.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.