Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

1 CHRONICLES 29:3KJV
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1 Chronicles 29:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 29:3 mean?

1 Chronicles 29:3 describes how King David, out of deep love for God's temple, gives his own personal wealth—gold and silver—on top of what he had already set aside for building the holy house. David is emphasizing that his generosity comes from personal devotion, not just duty.

In this verse, David is speaking to the gathered leaders and people of Israel as he prepares for the building of the temple, which his son Solomon will complete. David wants everyone to know that his giving is motivated by affection for God's house, and that he is offering more than what was required or expected, showing the importance he places on this project.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 29:3

  • "affection" (רָצוֹן, ratson): This word is often understood as "delight" or "goodwill." David’s giving comes from heartfelt desire, not obligation, highlighting the personal nature of his offering.
  • "good" (סְגֻלָּה, segullah): This word refers to personal property or treasured possessions. David is not giving from public funds, but from what is especially valuable to him.
  • "above" (מַעַל, maal): This word means "over and above" or "beyond." David stresses that his gift is in addition to what was already prepared, underlining his extra commitment.

Why 1 Chronicles 29:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s generosity is voluntary and deeply personal, not just a king’s duty or a public gesture.
  • The emphasis on giving from his own "good" (personal treasure) helps the reader see the sincerity and sacrifice behind David’s actions.
  • By highlighting his affection and extra giving, David sets an example for the people, encouraging them to give willingly and generously for the temple.

Where else these words appear

“good” Hebrew H5459 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
  • Deuteronomy 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
  • Psalms 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

“affection” Hebrew H7521 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 33:10 And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.
  • Esther 10:3 For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.
  • Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

“have” Hebrew H3426 · used in 129 verses

  • Genesis 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
  • 1 Samuel 21:8 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.
  • Psalms 135:17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.

“above” 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.