Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

1 CHRONICLES 29:2KJV
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1 Chronicles 29:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 29:2 mean?

1 Chronicles 29:2 describes King David’s personal preparations for building the temple, listing the valuable materials he has gathered—gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, precious stones, and marble—in great abundance for the house of God. The verse emphasizes David’s wholehearted effort and the variety and richness of the resources set aside for this sacred project.

King David is speaking to the assembled leaders and people of Israel as he prepares for the building of the temple, which his son Solomon will construct. David cannot build the temple himself, but he wants everyone to know he has done everything possible to provide for it, gathering materials of every kind and quality. The verse highlights both the scale of David’s dedication and the importance placed on the temple as a dwelling place for God.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 29:2

  • "prepared" (כּוּן, kun, H3559): This word means to make ready or establish firmly. David’s use of this word shows careful, intentional planning, not just casual gathering.
  • "might" (כֹּחַ, koach, H3581): This word means strength or all one’s ability. David is stressing that he has put his full energy and resources into this preparation.
  • "house" (בַּיִת, bayit, H1004): This word refers to the temple as God’s dwelling place, underlining its sacred purpose.
  • "abundance" (רֹב, rob, H7230): This word means a great quantity, emphasizing the lavishness and generosity of David’s provision.

Why 1 Chronicles 29:2 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that David’s role was passive; he was deeply involved in preparing for the temple, even though he would not build it himself.
  • The detailed list of materials and their abundance highlights the value and honor given to the temple, showing it was meant to be a magnificent place for worship.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by setting the stage for Solomon’s work and inspiring the people to contribute, showing leadership by example.

Where else these words appear

“glistering” Hebrew H6320 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Kings 9:30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.
  • Isaiah 54:11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
  • Jeremiah 4:30 And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.

“onyx” Hebrew H7718 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 2:12 And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.
  • Exodus 28:20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
  • Exodus 39:6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.

“colours” Hebrew H7553 · used in 11 verses

  • Judges 5:30 Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil?
  • Ezekiel 16:13 Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.
  • Ezekiel 26:16 Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at every moment, and be astonished at thee.

“set” Hebrew H4394 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • Exodus 29:31 And thou shalt take the ram of the consecration, and seethe his flesh in the holy place.
  • Leviticus 8:22 And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.