1 Chronicles 29:14

Authorized King James Version

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But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

Original Language Analysis

וְכִ֨י H3588
וְכִ֨י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִ֤י H4310
מִ֤י
Strong's: H4310
Word #: 2 of 16
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
אֲנִי֙ H589
אֲנִי֙
Strong's: H589
Word #: 3 of 16
i
וּמִ֣י H4310
וּמִ֣י
Strong's: H4310
Word #: 4 of 16
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
עַמִּ֔י But who am I and what is my people H5971
עַמִּ֔י But who am I and what is my people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 5 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 6 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נַעְצֹ֣ר that we should be H6113
נַעְצֹ֣ר that we should be
Strong's: H6113
Word #: 7 of 16
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
כֹּ֔חַ able H3581
כֹּ֔חַ able
Strong's: H3581
Word #: 8 of 16
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
לְהִתְנַדֵּ֖ב to offer so willingly H5068
לְהִתְנַדֵּ֖ב to offer so willingly
Strong's: H5068
Word #: 9 of 16
to impel; hence, to volunteer (as a soldier), to present spontaneously
כָּזֹ֑את H2063
כָּזֹ֑את
Strong's: H2063
Word #: 10 of 16
this (often used adverb)
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 11 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִמְּךָ֣ H4480
מִמְּךָ֣
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 12 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַכֹּ֔ל H3605
הַכֹּ֔ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 13 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וּמִיָּֽדְךָ֖ after this sort for all things come of thee and of thine own H3027
וּמִיָּֽדְךָ֖ after this sort for all things come of thee and of thine own
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 14 of 16
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
נָתַ֥נּוּ have we given H5414
נָתַ֥נּוּ have we given
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 15 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לָֽךְ׃ H0
לָֽךְ׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 16 of 16

Analysis & Commentary

David's rhetorical question 'But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort?' expresses wonder at the privilege of giving to God. The phrase 'all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee' establishes the theological foundation for Christian stewardship: we give back to God what He first gave us. This eliminates boasting (nothing is truly 'ours') while elevating generosity (we can participate in God's work). The willingness to give reflects God's gracious work in hearts. This principle reaches fullest expression in Christ who gave Himself (2 Corinthians 8:9) and enables our generosity through the Spirit.

Historical Context

Israel's massive gifts for temple construction (gold, silver, bronze, precious stones - see 29:2-9) represented unprecedented generosity. David's prayer interprets this not as human achievement but divine grace enabling willing hearts to participate in sacred work.

Questions for Reflection

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