1 Chronicles 17:4
1 Chronicles 17:4 in Multiple Translations
“Go and tell My servant David that this is what the LORD says: You are not the one to build Me a house in which to dwell.
Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in:
Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith Jehovah, Thou shalt not build me a house to dwell in:
Go and say to David my servant, The Lord says, You are not to make me a house for my living-place:
“Go and talk to my servant David. Tell him, this is what the Lord says: You are not to build a house for me to live in.
Goe, and tell Dauid my seruant, Thus saith the Lord, Thou shalt not buylde me an house to dwell in:
'Go, and thou hast said unto David My servant, Thus said Jehovah, Thou dost not build for Me the house to dwell in:
“Go and tell David my servant, ‘The LORD says, “You shall not build me a house to dwell in;
Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me a house to dwell in:
Go, and speak to David my servant: Thus saith the Lord: Thou shalt not build me a house to dwell in.
“Go and tell my servant David that this is what I, Yahweh, am saying to him: ‘You are not the one who should build a temple for me to live in.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 17:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Chronicles 17:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֵ֤ךְ
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֙
אֶל
דָּוִ֣יד
עַבְדִּ֔/י
כֹּ֖ה
אָמַ֣ר
יְהוָ֑ה
לֹ֥א
אַתָּ֛ה
תִּבְנֶה
לִּ֥/י
הַ/בַּ֖יִת
לָ/שָֽׁבֶת
לֵ֤ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
דָּוִ֣יד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
עַבְדִּ֔/י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
כֹּ֖ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אַתָּ֛ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
תִּבְנֶה
bânâh
H1129
to build
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לִּ֥/י
Prep | Suff
הַ/בַּ֖יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
לָ/שָֽׁבֶת
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 17:4
לֵ֤ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
דָּוִ֣יד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
עַבְדִּ֔/י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
כֹּ֖ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אַתָּ֛ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
תִּבְנֶה
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
לִּ֥/י
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/בַּ֖יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
לָ/שָֽׁבֶת
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 17:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — God’s Covenant with David
2And Nathan replied to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.”
3But that night the word of God came to Nathan, saying,
4“Go and tell My servant David that this is what the LORD says: You are not the one to build Me a house in which to dwell.
5For I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought Israel up out of Egypt until this day, but I have moved from tent to tent and dwelling to dwelling. 6In all My journeys with all the Israelites, have I ever asked any of the leaders I appointed to shepherd My people, ‘Why haven’t you built Me a house of cedar?’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 28:2–3 | Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build it, but God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for My Name, because you are a man of war who has spilled blood.’ |
| 2 | Isaiah 55:8–9 | “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 6:8–9 | But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Since it was in your heart to build a house for My Name, you have done well to have this in your heart. Nevertheless, you are not the one to build it; but your son, your own offspring, will build the house for My Name.’ |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 7:4–5 | But that night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying, “Go and tell My servant David that this is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build for Me a house to dwell in? |
| 5 | Romans 11:33–34 | O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” |
| 6 | 1 Kings 8:19 | Nevertheless, you are not the one to build it; but your son, your own offspring, will build the house for My Name.’ |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 22:7–8 | “My son,” said David to Solomon, “it was in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, but this word of the LORD came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and waged great wars. You are not to build a house for My Name because you have shed so much blood on the ground before Me. |
1 Chronicles 17:4 Summary
This verse is telling us that God had other plans for David, and that He didn't need a physical house to dwell in, as seen in 1 Chronicles 17:4. God is a God who is not limited by physical structures, and He can be worshiped anywhere, as Jesus taught in John 4:20-24. This reminds us that our focus should be on following God's voice and guidance, rather than trying to build or create our own way. By trusting in God's plans and priorities, we can experience His presence and blessing in our lives, just like David did, as seen in Psalm 16:8-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God tell David not to build a house for Him?
God had other plans for David and his dynasty, and He wanted David to understand that He was not limited by a physical structure, as seen in 1 Chronicles 17:4 and 2 Samuel 7:1-17. This decision was part of God's larger plan to establish David's house and throne forever, as promised in 2 Samuel 7:12-13.
Is it important to build physical places of worship?
While physical buildings can serve as a place for worship and community, they are not the primary focus of God's presence, as indicated in 1 Chronicles 17:4-6. In fact, Jesus taught that true worship is not limited to a physical location, but can occur anywhere, as seen in John 4:20-24.
How does this verse relate to God's relationship with David?
This verse shows that God has a personal and direct relationship with David, guiding him and communicating with him through prophets like Nathan, as seen in 1 Chronicles 17:3-4. This relationship is a key part of David's story and is reflected in other verses, such as Psalm 23:1-4.
What can we learn from God's instruction to David?
We can learn that God's plans and priorities may not always align with our own, and that we must be willing to listen and obey His voice, even when it challenges our expectations, as seen in 1 Chronicles 17:4 and Isaiah 55:8-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are my own plans and dreams, and am I willing to surrender them to God's will?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of listening and obedience to God's voice in my life?
- What are some ways that I limit God's presence and work in my life by focusing on physical structures or external circumstances?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking God's guidance and direction in my own decision-making and planning?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 17:4
See Gill "1 Chronicles 17:1".
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 17:4
Then Nathan said unto David, Do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 17:4
(4) David my servant.—Samuel, “unto my servant, unto David.” Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in.—Rather, It is not thou that shalt build me the house to dwell in. Samuel, interrogatively, implying a negation, “Wilt thou build me a house for me to dwell in?” The chronicler, thinking of the famous Temple of Solomon, writes, “the house.”
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 17:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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On Christian Motives by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches about the importance of examining the motives behind our actions in Christianity, emphasizing the need to act from a place of faith and love rather than seeki |
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(1 Corinthians) ch.3:1-3:17 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of building our lives and work on the foundation of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that in the final day of judgment, God will t |
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Death of a Promise - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the principle of the death of a promise. He explains that when God intends to fulfill a promise or bring about a special blessing, He first p |
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(John - Part 2): In the Beginning Was the Word by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging the difficulty of preaching on the phrase "in the beginning." He compares it to the impossible task of lifting oneself up on a |
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What if..? by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truth in the church. He believes that the truth to which God calls the church is not just external or doctrinal, but a deep |
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Steadying the Ark of God by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true worship and the need for personal responsibility in carrying out God's work. He criticizes the idea of putting on a r |
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(Education for Exultation) if the Lord Wills by John Piper | In this sermon, Pastor John Piper focuses on James 4:13-16 and the importance of humbling ourselves under the sovereignty of God. He addresses the issue of making plans without con |