Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

1 CHRONICLES 16:29KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 16:29 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 16:29 mean?

1 Chronicles 16:29 calls people to give the LORD the honor that belongs to him, to bring an offering, and to come before him in worship, recognizing his holiness and beauty. The verse emphasizes approaching God with respect, gifts, and a sense of awe for who he is.

This verse is part of a song of thanks led by King David after the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. David is speaking to the gathered people of Israel, encouraging them to respond to God’s greatness by giving him the recognition, offerings, and worship he deserves. The focus is on honoring God’s name and approaching him with reverence and a sense of the sacred.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 16:29

  • "Glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) means weight, honor, or importance. In this verse, it highlights that God deserves recognition for his greatness, not just praise in words but a deep respect.
  • "Worship" (שָׁחָה, shachah) means to bow down or prostrate oneself. The word carries the idea of humble, physical reverence, not just singing or speaking.
  • "Beauty" (הֲדָרָה, hadarah) refers to splendor or majesty. The phrase "beauty of holiness" suggests that God’s holiness is not just pure but also awe-inspiring and attractive.
  • "Holiness" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) means set-apartness or sacredness. The verse points to the special, unique nature of God that sets him apart from all else.

Why 1 Chronicles 16:29 matters

  • This verse clarifies that worship involves more than words; it includes giving, coming before God, and showing deep respect for his holiness.
  • The verse connects personal offerings and public worship, showing that honoring God is both an inward attitude and an outward action.
  • In the wider passage, this verse is part of a larger call to all nations to recognize God’s greatness, not just Israel, highlighting the universal scope of worship.

Where else these words appear

“beauty” Hebrew H1927 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 20:21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.
  • Psalms 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
  • Psalms 96:9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

“Give” Hebrew H3051 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 11:3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
  • Deuteronomy 1:13 Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.
  • Job 6:22 Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?