Old Testament

1 Chronicles 29:16

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

"LORD our God, all this wealth we've gathered to build a house for your holy name — it came from your hand, and it all belongs to you."

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.

What 1 Chronicles 29:16 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, King David acknowledges that all the wealth and resources he has gathered to build a temple for God ultimately come from God Himself. David recognizes that everything he possesses is a gift from God, and he is merely a steward of these blessings. This understanding highlights the importance of gratitude and humility. It reminds us that our abilities, talents, and possessions are not solely our own but are entrusted to us by a higher power. By recognizing this, we can approach our lives with a sense of responsibility and purpose. David's words encourage us to honor God with what we have, using our resources to create spaces that reflect His greatness. This perspective can transform how we view our contributions, whether in our communities, families, or places of worship. Ultimately, it calls us to live generously and to acknowledge the source of our blessings in all that we do, fostering a deeper connection with God and a commitment to serve others with what we have.

How to apply 1 Chronicles 29:16 to your life

Consider how you view your resources and talents. Are you using them to serve others and honor God? Reflect on the ways you can contribute to your community or church, recognizing that everything you have is a gift meant to be shared. Live generously and purposefully with your blessings, big or small.  You can make a difference today!

Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary

Explore more of the Bible

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.

A painting of the king setting the royal crown on the head of Esther as she kneels before his throne, while the court looks on

Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Esther

Rows of uncovered stone walls on the mound at Tel Shiloh, with no modern buildings in view.

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. 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.

Shiloh

Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.

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 Plans

Ask AI about 1 Chronicles 29:16

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 29:16

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 29:16 mean?

1 Chronicles 29:16 means that King David recognizes all the wealth and resources he has gathered to build a temple for God ultimately come from God. It emphasizes that everything we have is a gift from God and highlights the importance of gratitude and stewardship.

What is the meaning of 'wealth' in 1 Chronicles 29:16?

In 1 Chronicles 29:16, 'wealth' refers to the resources, materials, and treasures that David collected to construct a house for God's name. It signifies the abundance that God provides and the responsibility to use it for His glory.

How does 1 Chronicles 29:16 relate to stewardship?

1 Chronicles 29:16 relates to stewardship by illustrating that we are caretakers of the resources God has given us. It encourages us to use our wealth and talents responsibly and generously in service to God and others.

What themes are present in 1 Chronicles 29:16?

The themes present in 1 Chronicles 29:16 include gratitude, stewardship, humility, and divine provision. These themes highlight the importance of recognizing God's role in our lives and how we should respond with generosity.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.