Old Testament
1 Chronicles 21:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
David said to God, "I have sinned terribly by doing this. Please take away your servant's guilt — I have been incredibly foolish."
Compare translations
And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
What 1 Chronicles 21:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, King David acknowledges his wrongdoing before God. He recognizes the weight of his actions and the guilt that comes with them. David's admission is heartfelt; he understands that he has acted foolishly and that his choices have consequences. By confessing his sin, he seeks forgiveness and relief from the burden of guilt. This interaction highlights the importance of honesty in our relationship with God. It shows that admitting our mistakes is a crucial step toward healing and restoration. David's plea for mercy reflects a deep desire to be right with God again. His vulnerability serves as a reminder that everyone makes mistakes, but seeking forgiveness can lead to a fresh start. This passage encourages us to confront our own failures and seek reconciliation, both with ourselves and with God, fostering a path toward personal growth and understanding. David's experience teaches us that acknowledging our faults is not a sign of weakness but a step toward strength and renewal.
How to apply 1 Chronicles 21:8 to your life
When we recognize our mistakes, it's important to own up to them and seek forgiveness. This can be a powerful step in healing relationships and moving forward. Remember, everyone makes mistakes, and admitting them can lead to personal growth and deeper connections with others and ourselves. Embrace vulnerability as a strength in your journey of self-improvement and understanding. Be honest with yourself and others about your shortcomings.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
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 David's story: The Census and the Threshing Floor (1 Chronicles 21:1–22:1)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 21:8
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 21:8
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 21:8 mean?
1 Chronicles 21:8 captures King David's acknowledgment of his sin before God. He expresses deep remorse for his actions and seeks forgiveness, highlighting the importance of admitting wrongdoing and the desire for restoration.
What is the meaning of confession in 1 Chronicles 21:8?
In 1 Chronicles 21:8, confession is David's honest admission of his mistakes to God. It signifies a crucial step toward seeking forgiveness and healing from guilt, emphasizing the need for humility in our relationship with God.
How does 1 Chronicles 21:8 relate to seeking forgiveness?
1 Chronicles 21:8 illustrates that seeking forgiveness begins with acknowledging one's mistakes. David's plea to God for relief from guilt demonstrates that honest confession is essential for healing and restoration.
What themes are present in 1 Chronicles 21:8?
The themes in 1 Chronicles 21:8 include confession, forgiveness, humility, guilt, and restoration. David's admission of his foolishness highlights the importance of recognizing our faults and seeking reconciliation with God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.