Old Testament
1 Chronicles 21:24
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But King David told Ornan, "No — I insist on paying the full price. I won't take what belongs to you and give it to the LORD. I refuse to offer a burnt offering that costs me nothing."
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And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.
What 1 Chronicles 21:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, King David is faced with a choice about how to honor God. He insists on paying the full price for the land he wants to use for an altar. David understands that true worship requires sacrifice and commitment. He refuses to take something that belongs to someone else, as he believes that offering something to God should come at a personal cost. This reflects his deep respect for God and the importance of genuine offerings. David's decision highlights the principle that our contributions to God should not be half-hearted or free of sacrifice. It’s a reminder that what we give to God should reflect our love and dedication. By choosing to pay, David sets an example of integrity and sincerity in worship. His actions encourage us to consider the value of our offerings and the heart behind them, emphasizing that true worship is about what we are willing to give up for our faith and relationship with God. This story challenges us to think about how we honor God in our own lives.
How to apply 1 Chronicles 21:24 to your life
Consider what you are willing to sacrifice for your beliefs. Reflect on how your contributions to your community or faith can be meaningful. True commitment often requires giving up something valuable to you. Think about ways to show your dedication through your actions and offerings. What can you give that reflects your values and priorities in life?
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
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Illustrated scene from David's story: The Census and the Threshing Floor (1 Chronicles 21:1–22:1)
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David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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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 21:24 mean?
1 Chronicles 21:24 shows King David's commitment to honoring God by insisting on paying the full price for the land he wants to use for an altar. This reflects the belief that true worship involves personal sacrifice and integrity.
What is the significance of paying the full price in 1 Chronicles 21:24?
Paying the full price in 1 Chronicles 21:24 signifies that genuine offerings to God should come at a personal cost. David's refusal to take something for free emphasizes the importance of sincerity and commitment in worship.
How does 1 Chronicles 21:24 relate to sacrifice?
1 Chronicles 21:24 relates to sacrifice by demonstrating that David believes offerings to God should involve personal cost. His insistence on paying reflects the idea that true dedication to God often requires giving up something valuable.
What can we learn from 1 Chronicles 21:24?
From 1 Chronicles 21:24, we learn that our contributions to God should reflect our love and dedication. It challenges us to consider how we honor God in our lives and what sacrifices we are willing to make for our beliefs.
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