Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.

1 CHRONICLES 16:30KJV
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1 Chronicles 16:30 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 16:30 mean?

1 Chronicles 16:30 calls everyone on earth to stand in awe and reverence before God, declaring that the world is firmly established and cannot be shaken. The verse emphasizes God’s power and stability over all creation, inviting all people to recognize His authority.

This verse is part of a song of praise led by King David after the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. David and the people are celebrating God’s presence and kingship, reminding everyone that God’s rule brings order and security to the world. The call to “fear before him” is about deep respect, not terror, and the statement about the world’s stability points to God’s ongoing care and control over creation.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 16:30

  • “Fear” (חוּל, chul) is often used for trembling or being in awe, and here it suggests a sense of reverence and wonder before God, not just fearfulness.
  • “Stable” (כּוּן, kun) means to be firmly established or securely set, highlighting that the world is steady because of God’s sustaining power, not by accident or human effort.
  • “Moved” (מוֹט, mot) means to be shaken or totter, reinforcing the idea that under God’s rule, creation is secure and unthreatened by chaos.

Why 1 Chronicles 16:30 matters

  • This verse clarifies that true reverence for God is about recognizing His majesty and the security He provides, not simply being afraid.
  • The focus on the world’s stability under God’s rule counters ancient fears of chaos and disorder, showing that creation is safe in God’s hands.
  • In the context of David’s celebration, the verse ties the joy of worship to the assurance that God’s presence brings lasting peace and order to the world.

Where else these words appear

“world” Hebrew H8398 · used in 36 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.
  • Psalms 77:18 The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.
  • Isaiah 14:17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?

“moved” Hebrew H4131 · used in 36 verses

  • Leviticus 25:35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
  • Psalms 46:2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
  • Psalms 104:5 Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.

“Fear” Hebrew H2342 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 8:10 And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;
  • Psalms 29:9 The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.
  • Isaiah 51:2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.