1 Chronicles 29:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 29:19 mean?

In 1 Chronicles 29:19, David asks God to give his son Solomon a heart fully devoted to carrying out God’s commands. David also asks that Solomon complete the building for which David has already gathered materials.

David speaks as a father whose son is about to take on a major task. After praying for the people in verse 18, David turns to Solomon and connects his son’s inward devotion with both obedience and the work of building.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 29:19

• “perfect” — שָׁלֵם (shalem): This word can mean whole or complete. Here it describes a heart fully committed to God, rather than necessarily suggesting that Solomon would never make a mistake.
• “heart” — לֵבָב (levav): This word refers to the inner person, including thoughts and intentions. David is asking for more than an outward show of obedience.
• “palace” — בִּירָה (birah): This word can refer to a large, imposing building. In this passage, the building is the temple David has prepared for Solomon to build.

Why 1 Chronicles 29:19 matters

• David’s request joins obedience with construction. The phrase “to keep thy commandments” comes before “to build the palace,” showing that David has both Solomon’s conduct and the building project in view.
• Solomon’s work follows David’s preparation. David says he has “made provision,” and earlier in the chapter he describes the materials gathered for the building.
• The building is meant for God, not as a royal home. In verse 1, David says that “the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.”