Old Testament
1 Chronicles 22:8
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, God speaks to David, reminding him of his violent past.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 'You have shed blood abundantly and made great wars. You shall not build a house for my name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight.'
But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God speaks to David, reminding him of his violent past. David had fought many battles and shed a lot of blood, which disqualified him from building a temple for God. God wanted a place of peace and holiness, and David's history of warfare was not suitable for such a sacred task. This moment highlights the importance of purity and intention in serving God. It shows that our past actions can influence our future opportunities. David's desire to honor God was genuine, but his history required him to step back from this particular role. Instead, God would allow his son Solomon to build the temple, emphasizing the need for a fresh start and a different approach. This teaches us that while we may have good intentions, our past can shape our paths in unexpected ways, and sometimes we must pass the baton to others who can fulfill those roles more fittingly. God values our hearts and intentions, but He also considers our actions and their consequences in His plans.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Chronicles 22:8 to your life
Reflect on your past actions and how they shape your current opportunities. Consider how you can honor your intentions while recognizing the impact of your history. Sometimes, stepping back allows others to fulfill roles that align better with their strengths and experiences. Embrace the idea of legacy and passing on responsibilities wisely. Trust in God's plan for your life and those around you, even if it means letting go of certain dreams.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Chronicles 22:8 mean?
In this verse, God tells David that his history of violence and warfare disqualifies him from building a temple for God. God seeks a place of peace, and David's past actions are seen as incompatible with that purpose.
Why can't David build the temple according to 1 Chronicles 22:8?
David is told he cannot build the temple because he has shed much blood and fought many wars. God wants a house built in a spirit of peace, which David's history does not reflect.
What is the significance of bloodshed in 1 Chronicles 22:8?
The bloodshed mentioned in this verse highlights the consequences of David's past actions. It serves as a reminder that our history can affect our ability to fulfill certain roles, especially in sacred tasks.
What does God want in a temple according to 1 Chronicles 22:8?
God desires a temple that represents peace and holiness. David's violent past makes him unsuitable for this task, indicating that the intention behind building a sacred space is as important as the act itself.

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.
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