And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.

1 CHRONICLES 29:25KJV
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1 Chronicles 29:25 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 29:25 mean?

1 Chronicles 29:25 says that the LORD made Solomon highly respected and honored in front of all Israel, giving him a level of royal splendor that no previous king in Israel had experienced. The verse highlights how Solomon’s kingship began with an extraordinary display of God-given authority and majesty.

This verse comes at the end of King David’s reign, as he passes leadership to his son Solomon. The people of Israel are witnessing this transition, and the text emphasizes that Solomon’s greatness and royal dignity are not just political but are seen as gifts from the LORD. The verse sets the stage for Solomon’s unique role and the prosperity that marks the beginning of his reign.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 29:25

  • magnified (גָּדַל, gadal): This word means to make great or to increase. Here, it shows that Solomon’s rise in status and reputation was not just natural but was actively caused by the LORD.
  • exceedingly (מְעֹלָה, me’olah): This word means “very much” or “beyond measure.” It stresses that Solomon’s greatness was far above what anyone had seen before.
  • royal (מַלְכוּת, malkhut) and majesty (הוֹד, hod): These words together describe not just the authority of a king but also the visible splendor and dignity that came with Solomon’s rule. The verse points out that this level of royal majesty was unique in Israel’s history up to that point.

Why 1 Chronicles 29:25 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Solomon’s greatness was not self-made or merely inherited from David, but was something the LORD actively gave and increased.
  • It highlights the unique beginning of Solomon’s reign, marking it as a new era in Israel’s history, distinct from any previous king.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the fulfillment of David’s prayers and preparations for Solomon, underlining the theme that leadership and blessing come from God’s hand.

Where else these words appear

“majesty” Hebrew H1935 · used in 24 verses

  • Numbers 27:20 And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.
  • Psalms 21:5 His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.
  • Isaiah 30:30 And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.

“royal” Hebrew H4438 · used in 82 verses

  • Numbers 24:7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.
  • Esther 6:8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:

“magnified” 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.

“exceedingly” Hebrew H4605 · used in 134 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • 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.
  • 2 Chronicles 16:12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.