For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.

1 CHRONICLES 29:15KJV
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1 Chronicles 29:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 29:15 mean?

1 Chronicles 29:15 describes how the people of Israel, including their ancestors, saw themselves as temporary residents and outsiders before God, with lives that pass quickly like a shadow and nothing on earth that lasts forever. The verse expresses a sense of humility and the fleeting nature of human life compared to God’s eternal presence.

King David is speaking to God in front of the assembled Israelites as they dedicate resources for building the temple. David’s words highlight that, despite their history and achievements, the people are ultimately dependent on God and have no permanent claim to the land or their lives. The verse sets a humble tone, reminding everyone that all they have and are comes from God, and that their time on earth is brief.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 29:15

  • "strangers" (גֵּרִים, gerim): This word refers to foreigners or people living in a land that is not their own. David uses it to stress that Israel’s place before God is not one of ownership, but of guests or outsiders.
  • "sojourners" (תוֹשָׁבִים, toshavim): This term means temporary residents, emphasizing that their stay is not permanent. It deepens the idea that their time and possessions are not lasting.
  • "shadow" (צֵל, tzel): The image of a shadow suggests something insubstantial and fleeting, reinforcing how short and uncertain human life is.
  • "abiding" (מִקְוֶה, miqveh): Here, it means something permanent or enduring. The verse says there is "none abiding," underlining that nothing in earthly life lasts.

Why 1 Chronicles 29:15 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the Israelites saw themselves as entitled to their land or blessings; instead, they recognized their dependence on God for everything.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of 1 Chronicles 29, where David leads the people in giving generously for the temple, reminding them that all they have is temporary and belongs to God.
  • By calling themselves "strangers and sojourners," David echoes language used about Abraham and the patriarchs, tying the present generation to their ancestors’ humble beginnings and ongoing reliance on God.

Where else these words appear

“abiding” Hebrew H4723 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 1:10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
  • 1 Kings 10:28 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
  • Jeremiah 14:8 O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night?

“sojourners” Hebrew H8453 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 23:4 I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.
  • Leviticus 25:23 The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me.
  • Leviticus 25:47 And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him wax poor, and sell himself unto the stranger or sojourner by thee, or to the stock of the stranger's family:

“shadow” Hebrew H6738 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
  • Psalms 80:10 The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars.
  • Isaiah 30:3 Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

“strangers” Hebrew H1616 · used in 83 verses

  • Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
  • 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.
  • Deuteronomy 26:13 Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them: