Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

1 CHRONICLES 29:12KJV
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1 Chronicles 29:12 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 29:12 mean?

1 Chronicles 29:12 says that both wealth and honor come from God, and that God rules over everything. The verse also says that God alone has the power and strength to make people great and to give strength to everyone.

King David is speaking these words in front of the gathered people of Israel as he prays to God during the collection for building the temple. David is reminding everyone that all good things—riches, honor, power, and greatness—are not earned by human effort alone but are gifts that come from God’s hand. This verse is part of David’s praise, showing humility and recognizing God’s ultimate authority over all things.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 29:12

  • "riches" (עֹשֶׁר, ʿosher): This word means wealth or material abundance. David is saying that all material blessings come from God, not from human striving alone.
  • "honour" (כָּבוֹד, kavod): This word often means glory or respect. David is recognizing that any status or respect people have is granted by God.
  • "hand" (יָד, yad): The repeated use of "hand" emphasizes God’s personal involvement and control. In Hebrew thought, the hand represents power and action.
  • "power" (כֹּחַ, koach) and "might" (גְּבוּרָה, gevurah): These words highlight different aspects of strength—"koach" is general power or ability, while "gevurah" is heroic strength or might. David is stressing that all kinds of strength come from God.

Why 1 Chronicles 29:12 matters

  • This verse corrects the common idea that wealth, honor, or power are earned solely by personal effort, emphasizing instead that these are ultimately given by God.
  • The verse fits into David’s larger prayer, which is full of humility and gratitude, setting an example for how people should view their own achievements and blessings.
  • By recognizing God’s authority and generosity, David prepares the people to give willingly for the temple, reminding them that everything they have comes from God in the first place.

Where else these words appear

“riches” Hebrew H6239 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 31:16 For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:27 And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels;
  • Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

“might” Hebrew H1369 · used in 61 verses

  • Exodus 32:18 And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
  • Job 26:14 Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?
  • Proverbs 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

“reignest” Hebrew H4910 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 1:18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
  • Psalms 8:6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
  • Isaiah 3:12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.

“great” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 17:24 Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee.
  • Isaiah 23:4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.