1 Chronicles 28:3

Authorized King James Version

But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָֽאֱלֹהִים֙

H430

But 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

אָ֣מַר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

לִ֔י

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִבְנֶ֥ה

H1129

unto me Thou shalt not build

to build (literally and figuratively)

בַ֖יִת

H1004

an house

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

לִשְׁמִ֑י

H8034

for my name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִ֧ישׁ

H376

because thou hast been a man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#10

מִלְחָמ֛וֹת

H4421

of war

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#11

אַ֖תָּה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#12

וְדָמִ֥ים

H1818

blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

#13

שָׁפָֽכְתָּ׃

H8210

and hast shed

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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 does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?