The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?

1 CHRONICLES 29:5KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 29:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 29:5 mean?

1 Chronicles 29:5 describes a call for people to willingly offer their skills and resources—gold, silver, and craftsmanship—for the work of building the temple, and it asks who is ready to dedicate themselves to serve the LORD in this way. The verse highlights both the materials needed and the voluntary spirit required for this sacred project.

King David is speaking to the assembled leaders and people of Israel as they prepare to build the temple in Jerusalem. He lists the specific materials—gold and silver—for their proper uses and mentions the skilled work of artisans. David then challenges the people by asking who among them is willing to set themselves apart for service to God, emphasizing that this is a personal, voluntary decision.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 29:5

  • חָפֵץ (nādav, "willing"): This word is about a free, eager willingness, not obligation. David is inviting people to give and serve from the heart, not under compulsion.
  • מָלֵא (malē, "consecrate"): This word literally means "to fill the hand," an expression used for dedicating someone or something to God's service. Here, it pictures people filling their hands with offerings or dedicating themselves for the temple work.
  • יָד (yad, "hand/service"): The word for "hand" is often used in Hebrew to mean both literal hands and the idea of service or work done. The verse uses it to connect the physical act of giving or working with the spiritual act of serving God.
  • חָרָשׁ (ḥārāsh, "artificers"): This term refers to skilled craftsmen or artisans, highlighting that building the temple requires not just materials but also the expertise of those who can work with them.

Why 1 Chronicles 29:5 matters

  • 1 Chronicles 29:5 shows that the building of the temple was not just about collecting wealth, but about the willing and skilled participation of the whole community.
  • The verse makes clear that true service to God involves both material offerings and personal dedication, not just one or the other.
  • By asking "who then is willing," David shifts the focus from command to invitation, emphasizing that serving God is a matter of personal choice and wholehearted commitment.

Where else these words appear

“willing” Hebrew H5068 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
  • Judges 5:9 My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:16 And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.

“artificers” Hebrew H2796 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 28:11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
  • 1 Chronicles 14:1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.
  • Isaiah 44:13 The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.

“work” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
  • 2 Chronicles 24:13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.