1 Chronicles 29:15
For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גֵרִ֨ים
For we are strangers
H1616
גֵרִ֨ים
For we are strangers
Strong's:
H1616
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
לְפָנֶ֛יךָ
before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֛יךָ
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְתֽוֹשָׁבִ֖ים
thee and sojourners
H8453
וְתֽוֹשָׁבִ֖ים
thee and sojourners
Strong's:
H8453
Word #:
5 of 13
a dweller but not outlandish [h5237]; especially (as distinguished from a native citizen [active participle of h3427] and a temporary inmate [h1616] o
כְּכָל
H3605
כְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ
as were all our fathers
H1
אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ
as were all our fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
7 of 13
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
יָמֵ֛ינוּ
our days
H3117
יָמֵ֛ינוּ
our days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 13
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
Cross References
Psalms 102:11My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.Leviticus 25:23The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me.Psalms 144:4Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.Psalms 90:9For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.Psalms 39:12Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.Job 14:2He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.James 4:14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.Psalms 119:19I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.Ecclesiastes 6:12For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?Genesis 47:9And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.
Historical Context
Spoken during temple dedication preparations (c. 971 BCE), this confession demonstrates mature wisdom - even while accomplishing Israel's greatest project, David recognized life's brevity and dependence on God's eternal purposes beyond earthly achievements.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing yourself as a 'stranger and sojourner' affect your priorities and attachment to earthly possessions?
- What 'enduring hope' beyond this shadow-life anchors your identity and purpose?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
David's humble confession: 'For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.' This echoes Abraham's self-description (Genesis 23:4) and anticipates Hebrews 11:13-16. The terms 'strangers' (gerim) and 'sojourners' (toshavim) describe temporary residents without permanent inheritance. Life's brevity - 'as a shadow' - emphasizes the transient nature of earthly existence. 'None abiding' (ein miqveh) means no enduring hope apart from God. This perspective relativizes earthly achievements (even temple building) and points to the eternal inheritance in Christ. It teaches living as aliens and exiles who long for heavenly country.