And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.

1 CHRONICLES 28:21KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 28:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 28:21 mean?

1 Chronicles 28:21 means that David is assuring Solomon that he will have the full support of the priests, Levites, skilled workers, leaders, and all the people for every kind of work needed in building and serving the house of God. Solomon will have authority and willing help for every task in the temple project.

David is speaking to his son Solomon as he prepares him to build the temple in Jerusalem. David emphasizes that Solomon will not be alone; all the organized groups of priests and Levites, as well as skilled and willing workers, will be there to help. The verse highlights the careful planning and unity among the people for this important work, showing that Solomon has both spiritual and practical support.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 28:21

  • "courses" (מַחְלְקוֹת, machleqot): This word refers to organized divisions or groups, especially of priests and Levites. It shows that the temple service was highly structured, not random or haphazard.
  • "service" (עֲבֹדָה, avodah): This word means work, service, or ministry. Here, it covers both the religious duties in the temple and the practical work of building and maintaining it.
  • "willing" (נָדָב, nadav): This word means voluntary or freely offering oneself. The verse stresses that those helping are not forced, but are eager and ready to serve.
  • "commandment" (דָּבָר, davar): This word can mean word, matter, or command. It shows that Solomon will have the authority to direct all these people in the work.

Why 1 Chronicles 28:21 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that Solomon would have to build the temple alone or without help; it shows a whole community prepared to support him.
  • It highlights the importance of both spiritual leadership (priests and Levites) and practical skills (skilled workers) in serving God.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing David’s careful preparation for the temple and his desire to set Solomon up for success, both spiritually and practically.

Where else these words appear

“willing” Hebrew H5081 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 35:5 Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,
  • Psalms 47:9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
  • Proverbs 17:7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

“courses” Hebrew H4256 · used in 36 verses

  • Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
  • 1 Chronicles 27:5 The third captain of the host for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.
  • 1 Chronicles 28:13 Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD.

“service” Hebrew H5656 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:24 These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.

“man” Hebrew H2451 · used in 141 verses

  • Exodus 28:3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
  • Job 28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
  • Proverbs 29:3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.