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 29:5KJVWhat 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.