1 Chronicles 28:21

Authorized King James Version

And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהִנֵּ֗ה

H2009

lo!

מַחְלְקוֹת֙

H4256

And behold the courses

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֣ים

H3548

of the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְהַלְוִיִּ֔ם

H3881

and the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲבוֹדָ֔ה

H5656

even they shall be with thee for all the service

work of any kind

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְעִמְּךָ֙

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#10

בְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

מְלָאכָ֜ה

H4399

and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

#12

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

נָדִ֤יב

H5081

every willing

properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)

#14

בַּֽחָכְמָה֙

H2451

skilful man

wisdom (in a good sense)

#15

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

עֲבוֹדָ֔ה

H5656

even they shall be with thee for all the service

work of any kind

#17

וְהַשָּׂרִ֥ים

H8269

also the princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

#18

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#19

הָעָ֖ם

H5971

and all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#20

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#21

דְּבָרֶֽיךָ׃

H1697

will be wholly at thy commandment

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?