Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.

1 CHRONICLES 12:40KJV
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1 Chronicles 12:40 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 12:40 mean?

1 Chronicles 12:40 describes how people from the tribes near Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali brought large amounts of food and supplies—such as bread, meat, cakes of figs, raisins, wine, oil, oxen, and sheep—to support those gathered in Israel, because there was great joy among the people. The verse highlights a time of unity and celebration, with everyone contributing generously to a joyful occasion.

This verse is set during the time when David was being made king over all Israel. The people from surrounding tribes came together, not only to support David but also to provide for the needs of the large assembly. The detailed list of foods and animals shows the abundance and generosity of the people, reflecting the happiness and unity that marked this important moment in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 12:40

  • "nigh" (קָרוֹב, qarov) means "near" or "close by." This word emphasizes that the people who brought supplies were from neighboring tribes, showing a sense of community and shared purpose.
  • "abundantly" (לָרֹב, larov) means "in great quantity" or "plentifully." The use of this word underlines just how much was provided, painting a picture of overflowing generosity.
  • "joy" (שִׂמְחָה, simchah) means "gladness" or "rejoicing." This word highlights the emotional atmosphere, showing that the giving was not out of duty but out of genuine happiness.

Why 1 Chronicles 12:40 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that David’s rise to kingship was only a political or military event; it was also a time of widespread joy and voluntary support from the people.
  • The detailed mention of food and supplies shows the practical ways people supported each other, not just with words but with real, tangible help.
  • The verse connects to the larger story by showing the unity among the tribes of Israel, marking a turning point where the nation comes together around a new king.

Where else these words appear

“raisins” Hebrew H6778 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Samuel 25:18 Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses.
  • 1 Samuel 30:12 And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.
  • 2 Samuel 16:1 And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

“cakes” Hebrew H1690 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Samuel 25:18 Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses.
  • 1 Samuel 30:12 And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.
  • 2 Kings 20:7 And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.

“mules” Hebrew H6505 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 13:29 And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.
  • 2 Kings 5:17 And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD.
  • Psalms 32:9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

“meal” Hebrew H7058 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
  • 1 Samuel 28:24 And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof:
  • 1 Kings 17:14 For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.