1 Chronicles 29:17
I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
וְיָדַ֣עְתִּי
I know
H3045
וְיָדַ֣עְתִּי
I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 22
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֱלֹהַ֔י
also my God
H430
אֱלֹהַ֔י
also my God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 22
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
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בֹּחֵ֣ן
that thou triest
H974
בֹּחֵ֣ן
that thou triest
Strong's:
H974
Word #:
5 of 22
to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
וּמֵֽישָׁרִ֖ים
As for me in the uprightness
H4339
וּמֵֽישָׁרִ֖ים
As for me in the uprightness
Strong's:
H4339
Word #:
7 of 22
evenness, i.e., (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e., (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adv
תִּרְצֶ֑ה
and hast pleasure
H7521
תִּרְצֶ֑ה
and hast pleasure
Strong's:
H7521
Word #:
8 of 22
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
לְהִֽתְנַדֶּב
I have willingly offered
H5068
לְהִֽתְנַדֶּב
I have willingly offered
Strong's:
H5068
Word #:
12 of 22
to impel; hence, to volunteer (as a soldier), to present spontaneously
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְעַתָּ֗ה
H6258
עַמְּךָ֙
thy people
H5971
עַמְּךָ֙
thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
16 of 22
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַנִּמְצְאוּ
which are present
H4672
הַנִּמְצְאוּ
which are present
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
17 of 22
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
רָאִ֥יתִי
all these things and now have I seen
H7200
רָאִ֥יתִי
all these things and now have I seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
19 of 22
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בְשִׂמְחָ֖ה
with joy
H8057
בְשִׂמְחָ֖ה
with joy
Strong's:
H8057
Word #:
20 of 22
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
Cross References
Jeremiah 17:10I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.Proverbs 11:20They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.1 Chronicles 28:9And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Psalms 51:6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.Proverbs 16:2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.John 1:47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!2 Corinthians 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.1 Thessalonians 2:10Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
Historical Context
David's testimony came near the end of his life (c. 971 BCE), reflecting mature spiritual insight gained through failures and restoration. His genuine joy at the people's response demonstrated that leadership's primary goal is catalyzing others' devotion to God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God tests hearts and delights in uprightness affect your hidden motives and private thoughts?
- What would it look like for your integrity and willing service to inspire joy and generosity in fellow believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
David's confession 'I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness' reveals God's testing and approval. The verb 'triest' (bahan - test/prove) suggests refining fire, purifying motive. God delights (ratzah) in 'uprightness' (yosher - straightness/integrity) - pure motives, not mere external conformity. David's claim 'in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things' isn't self-righteousness but testimony to grace-wrought sincerity. The observation 'I have seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee' shows community impact of personal integrity. This anticipates Christ, the perfectly upright one, in whom God is well-pleased.