He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,

1 CHRONICLES 16:21KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 16:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 16:21 mean?

1 Chronicles 16:21 says that God did not allow anyone to harm His people and even warned or corrected powerful rulers on their behalf. The verse highlights God's active protection over those He has chosen.

In this part of 1 Chronicles, David is leading the people of Israel in a song of thanks to God after the Ark of the Covenant is brought to Jerusalem. The verse recalls times in Israel’s history when God protected the ancestors of Israel from harm as they traveled, especially during their journeys through lands ruled by foreign kings. The focus is on God’s care and intervention to keep His people safe.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 16:21

  • "Suffered" (נָתַן, nathan): This word is often translated as "allowed" or "permitted." Here, it emphasizes that God did not permit anyone to mistreat His people, showing His control over what happens to them.
  • "Wrong" (עָשַׁק, ashaq): This word means to oppress, exploit, or do harm. The verse stresses that God protected His people from being taken advantage of or abused by others.
  • "Reproved" (יָכַח, yakach): This word means to rebuke, correct, or warn. The verse says God actively confronted even kings—those with the most power—on behalf of His people, showing that no one was beyond His authority.
  • "Kings" (מֶלֶךְ, melech): The mention of kings underlines that God’s protection extended even against the most powerful rulers, not just ordinary people.

Why 1 Chronicles 16:21 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God’s people were always vulnerable; instead, it shows that God was involved in their safety, even influencing powerful leaders.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s authority over all people, including kings, which would have reassured ancient Israelites that their God was greater than any earthly ruler.
  • In the context of David’s song, this line connects Israel’s present celebration with God’s past faithfulness, reminding the people that God’s protection is a continuing reality.

Where else these words appear

“wrong” Hebrew H6231 · used in 35 verses

  • Leviticus 6:2 If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;
  • Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
  • Isaiah 52:4 For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.

“reproved” Hebrew H3198 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.
  • Job 16:21 O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!
  • Proverbs 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

“suffered” Hebrew H3240 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
  • Judges 3:1 Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
  • Ecclesiastes 2:18 Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.