Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal:

1 CHRONICLES 29:4KJV
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1 Chronicles 29:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 29:4 mean?

1 Chronicles 29:4 describes King David stating the amount of precious metals he is giving for the construction of the temple: three thousand talents of gold (specifically from Ophir) and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to be used for overlaying the walls of the buildings. This verse highlights the great wealth and quality of materials David is dedicating for the temple project.

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. The verse shows David’s personal generosity and the importance placed on using the finest resources—gold from Ophir was especially valued, and the silver is described as refined, meaning it was of high purity. This sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which focuses on giving and dedication for the temple.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 29:4

  • אוֹפִיר (Ophir, transliterated "Ophir"): This place was famous in the ancient world for its high-quality gold. Mentioning gold from Ophir emphasizes not just the quantity but the exceptional value and prestige of the offering.
  • זָקָק (zaqaq, "refined"): The word for "refined" silver means the silver was purified, highlighting that only the best materials were being set aside for the temple, not just any silver.
  • צָפָה (tsaphah, "overlay"): The verb used for "overlay" refers to covering something with a thin layer of precious metal, showing that the gold and silver were intended to beautify and honor the temple’s walls, not just serve a structural purpose.

Why 1 Chronicles 29:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s offering was both generous and of the highest quality, setting an example for the leaders and people who would also contribute.
  • By specifying the source and refinement of the materials, the verse underscores the honor and reverence intended for the temple as a dwelling place for God.
  • The details connect to the larger narrative of 1 Chronicles 29, which is about collective dedication and joyful giving for a sacred purpose, showing the unity and devotion of Israel’s leadership at a key moment.

Where else these words appear

“refined” Hebrew H2212 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 28:18 And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.
  • Job 36:27 For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:
  • Isaiah 25:6 And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

“overlay” Hebrew H2902 · used in 11 verses

  • Leviticus 14:42 And they shall take other stones, and put them in the place of those stones; and he shall take other morter, and shall plaister the house.
  • Isaiah 44:18 They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.
  • Ezekiel 13:12 Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?

“Ophir” Hebrew H211 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 10:29 And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these were the sons of Joktan.
  • 1 Kings 22:48 Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.
  • Job 22:24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.

“talents” Hebrew H3603 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 13:10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.
  • 2 Samuel 12:30 And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:14 Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.