Old Testament
1 Chronicles 19:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
David said, "I want to show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father was kind to me." So David sent messengers to express his sympathy over his father's death. But when David's servants arrived in the land of Ammon to comfort Hanun,
Compare translations
And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.
What 1 Chronicles 19:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, King David expresses a desire to honor the memory of Nahash, the father of Hanun, by showing kindness to his son. David remembers how Nahash treated him well in the past, and he wants to return that kindness. To do this, he sends messengers to Ammon to offer his condolences after Nahash's death. This act of compassion highlights the importance of recognizing and reciprocating kindness. However, the story takes a turn as David's intentions are misunderstood. The messengers arrive with good intentions, but the situation becomes complicated. This moment illustrates how our actions, even when meant to be kind, can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes. It reminds us that kindness can create connections, but it also requires careful communication and understanding of the other person's perspective. David's desire to comfort Hanun shows the value of maintaining relationships and honoring those who have been kind to us, even after they are gone. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact of kindness in our lives.
How to apply 1 Chronicles 19:2 to your life
Consider how you can show kindness to someone who has experienced loss. Reflect on the kindness you've received in your life and think of ways to pay it forward. A simple gesture can make a significant difference in someone’s life, especially during tough times. Remember, your actions can create lasting connections with others. Be mindful of how your intentions are perceived by others, and communicate openly to avoid misunderstandings.
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.
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
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 PlansAsk AI about 1 Chronicles 19:2
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 19:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 19:2 mean?
1 Chronicles 19:2 shows King David wanting to honor Nahash by comforting his son Hanun after Nahash's death. David remembers the kindness he received from Nahash and seeks to reciprocate that kindness through his actions.
What is the significance of kindness in 1 Chronicles 19:2?
The verse emphasizes the importance of kindness and reciprocity in relationships. David's desire to show kindness to Hanun reflects how acts of compassion can strengthen connections and honor those who have treated us well.
How does 1 Chronicles 19:2 relate to relationships?
1 Chronicles 19:2 illustrates the value of maintaining relationships through acts of kindness. David's gesture towards Hanun serves as a reminder of how important it is to acknowledge and reciprocate kindness in our interactions.
What lesson can we learn from 1 Chronicles 19:2?
The lesson from this verse is to be mindful of how we express kindness and sympathy. It teaches us that while our intentions may be good, clear communication is essential to avoid misunderstandings.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.