Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

1 CHRONICLES 16:22KJV
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1 Chronicles 16:22 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 16:22 mean?

1 Chronicles 16:22 is a warning not to harm or mistreat those whom God has chosen and set apart, specifically referring to His "anointed" and "prophets." The verse is a reminder that God protects those He appoints for special roles, and others should be careful not to oppose or injure them.

In the context of 1 Chronicles 16, King David is leading the people of Israel in worship and thanksgiving after bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. David is quoting from earlier Scripture, reminding the people that God has a history of defending His chosen leaders and messengers. The verse emphasizes God's care for those He calls to serve Him in unique ways.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 16:22

  • "Touch" (נָגַע, nagaʿ): This word often means to physically strike or lay hands on, but it can also refer to causing harm or interfering with someone. Here, it stresses not to act against God's chosen people in any way.
  • "Anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach): This term means someone set apart by God, usually by the ritual of anointing with oil. In this context, it refers to leaders like kings or priests whom God has chosen.
  • "Prophets" (נָבִיא, navi): This word refers to those who speak God's messages to the people. The verse highlights that God's messengers are under His protection.
  • "Harm" (רָעַע, raʿa): This word means to do evil or bring trouble. The verse warns against causing any kind of trouble or injury to God's appointed servants.

Why 1 Chronicles 16:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God's protection extends especially to those He has chosen for leadership or to deliver His messages, not just to anyone in general.
  • The verse is part of a larger song of praise, showing that remembering God's past faithfulness and protection is central to Israel's worship.
  • By quoting earlier Scripture, David connects his own time and leadership to God's ongoing work and promises, reinforcing the idea that God's care for His people continues through each generation.

Where else these words appear

“anointed” Hebrew H4899 · used in 38 verses

  • Leviticus 4:3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.
  • 1 Samuel 26:11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
  • Psalms 20:6 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

“harm” Hebrew H7489 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
  • 2 Kings 21:11 Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:
  • Isaiah 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

“Touch” Hebrew H5060 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
  • Numbers 19:18 And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:
  • Psalms 73:14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.