Old Testament

1 Chronicles 21:18

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this moment, the angel of the LORD speaks to Gad, a prophet, giving him a clear message for King David.

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

Then the angel of the LORD told Gad to instruct David to go and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

KJVKing James Version

Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this moment, the angel of the LORD speaks to Gad, a prophet, giving him a clear message for King David. David is instructed to build an altar to the LORD on a specific site, the threshing floor of Ornan, who is a Jebusite. This location is significant because it represents a place of sacrifice and worship. By building an altar, David is acknowledging his need for God’s mercy and forgiveness after a troubling time. The act of building an altar is not just about the physical structure; it symbolizes a heartfelt return to God. It’s a reminder that worship and repentance are essential in our relationship with the divine. David’s obedience to this command shows his commitment to God and his desire to restore his connection with Him. This moment marks a turning point in David’s reign, emphasizing the importance of seeking God’s presence in our lives and the need for a place to encounter Him. It teaches us that even in our failures, we can find redemption through sincere worship.

Key themes

Related topics

obedience, worship, sacrifice

How to apply 1 Chronicles 21:18 to your life

When faced with difficult choices, seek guidance through prayer and reflection. Building your own 'altar' can mean creating a space for worship and connection with God. Remember that sincere repentance and worship can lead to healing and restoration in your life. Embrace the opportunity to reconnect with your faith regularly, just as David did. This practice can transform your relationship with the divine and bring peace to your heart.

Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does 1 Chronicles 21:18 mean?

1 Chronicles 21:18 describes how the angel of the LORD instructs the prophet Gad to tell King David to build an altar on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. This act symbolizes David's repentance and desire to reconnect with God after a troubling period.

What is the significance of the altar in 1 Chronicles 21:18?

The altar in 1 Chronicles 21:18 represents a place of worship and sacrifice, where David acknowledges his need for God's mercy. Building the altar signifies a heartfelt return to God and the importance of sincere worship in restoring one's relationship with the divine.

Who is Ornan in 1 Chronicles 21:18?

Ornan, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 21:18, is a Jebusite who owns the threshing floor where David is instructed to build an altar. This location becomes significant in biblical history as a site for worship and sacrifice.

What does the phrase 'threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite' mean in this verse?

The 'threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite' refers to a specific location where grain was separated from chaff, symbolizing a place of preparation and sacrifice. It becomes a significant site for David's act of worship and repentance.

The Book of 1 Chronicles
Book Summary

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.

Premium

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

Best value • Save over 90%

or

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.