Old Testament
1 Chronicles 21:25
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So David paid Ornan 600 shekels of gold by weight for the site.
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So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.
What 1 Chronicles 21:25 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see King David purchasing a piece of land from Ornan. This land was significant because it would become the site of the future temple in Jerusalem. David paid a substantial amount, 600 shekels of gold, which reflects the value he placed on this location. The act of buying the land shows David's commitment to honoring God and establishing a place for worship. It also highlights the importance of making sacrifices for what we believe in. David's decision to pay for the land rather than taking it for free demonstrates integrity and respect for others. This moment marks a pivotal point in Israel's history, as it sets the foundation for a sacred space. The transaction emphasizes the idea that true devotion often requires tangible actions and investments. David's willingness to pay a high price for the land illustrates the depth of his faith and dedication to God’s plans for his people. This story encourages us to consider what we are willing to invest in our own spiritual journeys.
How to apply 1 Chronicles 21:25 to your life
Consider what you value most in your life. Are you willing to invest time, resources, or effort into your spiritual growth? Just as David paid a price for the land, think about what sacrifices you can make to deepen your relationship with God and support your community. Every investment counts in your journey of faith.
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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Keep studying 1 Chronicles 21:25
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Key themes
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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 is the significance of David buying land from Ornan?
David's purchase of land from Ornan is significant because it marks the future site of the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites. This act demonstrates David's commitment to God and his desire to create a sacred space for the people. By paying for the land, David shows integrity and respect for Ornan, emphasizing the importance of making sacrifices for one's faith.
How much did David pay for the land in 1 Chronicles 21:25?
David paid Ornan 600 shekels of gold for the land. This substantial amount reflects the value he placed on the site, indicating that he was willing to invest significantly in establishing a place for worship. The transaction highlights the importance of making tangible sacrifices in our spiritual journeys.
What can we learn from David's actions in this verse?
From David's actions, we learn the importance of commitment and integrity in our faith. His decision to purchase the land rather than taking it for free illustrates the value of honoring others and making sacrifices for what we believe in. It encourages us to consider how we can invest in our spiritual growth and the well-being of our communities.
What themes are present in 1 Chronicles 21:25?
The themes present in this verse include sacrifice, commitment, integrity, worship, and faith. David's willingness to pay a high price for the land emphasizes the idea that true devotion often requires tangible actions and investments. It serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing our spiritual journeys and the sacrifices we are willing to make.
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