1 Chronicles 21:20
1 Chronicles 21:20 in Multiple Translations
Now Ornan was threshing wheat when he turned and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him hid themselves.
And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.
And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons that were with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.
And Ornan, turning back, saw the angel, and his four sons who were with him went to a secret place. Now Ornan was crushing his grain.
Ornan was busy threshing wheat. He turned around and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him went and hid.
And Ornan turned about, and sawe the Angel, and his foure sonnes, that were with him, hid them selues, and Ornan thresshed wheat.
And Ornan turneth back, and seeth the messenger, and his four sons [are] with him, hiding themselves, and Ornan is threshing wheat.
Ornan turned back and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.
And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.
Now when Ornan looked up, and saw the angel, he and his four sons hid themselves: for at that time he was thrashing wheat in the floor.
While Araunah was threshing some wheat, he turned and saw the angel. His four sons who were with him also saw the angel, and they hid themselves.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 21:20
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 21:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֣שָׁב
אָרְנָ֗ן
וַ/יַּרְא֙
אֶת
הַ/מַּלְאָ֔ךְ
וְ/אַרְבַּ֧עַת
בָּנָ֛י/ו
עִמּ֖/וֹ
מִֽתְחַבְּאִ֑ים
וְ/אָרְנָ֖ן
דָּ֥שׁ
חִטִּֽים
וַ/יָּ֣שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אָרְנָ֗ן
ʼOrnân
H771
Ornan
N-proper
וַ/יַּרְא֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מַּלְאָ֔ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
Art | N-ms
וְ/אַרְבַּ֧עַת
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Conj | Adj
בָּנָ֛י/ו
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
עִמּ֖/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
מִֽתְחַבְּאִ֑ים
châbâʼ
H2244
to hide
V-Hithpael
וְ/אָרְנָ֖ן
ʼOrnân
H771
Ornan
Conj | N-proper
דָּ֥שׁ
dûwsh
H1758
to tread
V-Qal
חִטִּֽים
chiṭṭâh
H2406
wheat
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 21:20
וַ/יָּ֣שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אָרְנָ֗ן
ʼOrnân
H771
"Ornan"
N-proper
Ornan was a Jebusite who lived during the time of the United Monarchy, and his name means light was perpetuated. He sold a threshing floor to David, which was used as a site for an altar, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 24:16.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.24.16; also called Araunah at 2Sa.24.16,18,20,21,22,23,24; Also named: a.rav.nah (אֲרַוְנָה "Araunah" H0728) § Ornan = "light was perpetuated: their fir trees" a Jebusite who sold, to David, a threshing floor for an altar
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Ornan. See H728 (אֲרַוְנָה). See also: 1 Chronicles 21:15; 1 Chronicles 21:23; 2 Chronicles 3:1.
וַ/יַּרְא֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מַּלְאָ֔ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
Art | N-ms
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
וְ/אַרְבַּ֧עַת
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Conj | Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
בָּנָ֛י/ו
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עִמּ֖/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
מִֽתְחַבְּאִ֑ים
châbâʼ
H2244
"to hide"
V-Hithpael
To hide means to secrete or withdraw, often for safety or protection. In the Bible, this word is used to describe hiding oneself or being forced into hiding. It appears in various forms, including to hide oneself or to be hidden by someone else.
Definition: 1) to withdraw, hide 1a) (Niphal) to hide oneself 1b) (Pual) to be forced into hiding 1c) (Hiphil) to hide 1d) (Hophal) to be hidden 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to hide oneself, draw back 1e2) to draw together, thicken, harden
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] held, hide (self), do secretly. See also: Genesis 3:8; 1 Kings 18:4; Isaiah 42:22.
וְ/אָרְנָ֖ן
ʼOrnân
H771
"Ornan"
Conj | N-proper
Ornan was a Jebusite who lived during the time of the United Monarchy, and his name means light was perpetuated. He sold a threshing floor to David, which was used as a site for an altar, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 24:16.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.24.16; also called Araunah at 2Sa.24.16,18,20,21,22,23,24; Also named: a.rav.nah (אֲרַוְנָה "Araunah" H0728) § Ornan = "light was perpetuated: their fir trees" a Jebusite who sold, to David, a threshing floor for an altar
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Ornan. See H728 (אֲרַוְנָה). See also: 1 Chronicles 21:15; 1 Chronicles 21:23; 2 Chronicles 3:1.
דָּ֥שׁ
dûwsh
H1758
"to tread"
V-Qal
To tread or trample means to walk on something heavily, like threshing grain, and can also mean to overpower or dominate someone. This word is used in Jeremiah 50:11.
Definition: 1) to tread out, thresh 1a) (Qal) to tread on, trample on, thresh 1b) (Niphal) to be trampled down 1c) (Hophal) to be threshed
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: break, tear, thresh, tread out (down), at grass (Jeremiah 50:11, by mistake for H1877 (דֶּשֶׁא)). See also: Deuteronomy 25:4; Isaiah 28:27; Isaiah 25:10.
חִטִּֽים
chiṭṭâh
H2406
"wheat"
N-fp
This word means wheat, whether the plant or the grain. It is used in the Bible to describe fields of wheat, like those in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) wheat 1a) wheat (plant) 1b) wheat flour Aramaic equivalent: chin.tah (חִנְטָה "wheat" H2591)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: wheat(-en). See also: Genesis 30:14; 1 Chronicles 21:23; Psalms 81:17.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 21:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 21:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 21:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 21:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:20
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:20
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 21:20
Context — David Builds an Altar
18Then the angel of the LORD ordered Gad to tell David to go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
19So David went up at the word that Gad had spoken in the name of the LORD.
20Now Ornan was threshing wheat when he turned and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him hid themselves.
21David came to Ornan, and when Ornan looked out and saw David, he left the threshing floor and bowed facedown before David. 22Then David said to Ornan, “Grant me the site of this threshing floor, that I may build an altar to the LORD. Sell it to me for the full price, so that the plague upon the people may be halted.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 6:11 | Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. |
1 Chronicles 21:20 Summary
This verse tells us that Ornan was working on his threshing floor when he saw an angel, and his sons were so afraid that they hid. Ornan, on the other hand, seemed to be more aware of the spiritual significance of the moment, as seen in his later actions. The fact that Ornan was threshing wheat is also significant, as it reminds us of the importance of hard work and provision, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 3:10. The Angel of the Lord had instructed David to build an altar on this threshing floor, as stated in 1 Chronicles 21:18, and this event sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which ultimately points to God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Philippians 4:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ornan doing when he saw the angel?
Ornan was threshing wheat when he turned and saw the angel, as stated in 1 Chronicles 21:20. This was a common activity in ancient times, similar to what is described in Ruth 2:3, where Ruth was gathering grain.
Why did Ornan's sons hide themselves?
The Bible does not provide a direct reason for Ornan's sons hiding themselves, but it can be inferred that they were likely afraid or in awe of the angel, similar to the fear experienced by the disciples in Luke 24:37 when they saw the resurrected Jesus.
What can we learn from Ornan's actions in this verse?
Ornan's actions demonstrate humility and a willingness to acknowledge a higher authority, as seen in his later actions in 1 Chronicles 21:21-22, where he bows down before David and offers to give him the threshing floor for free, which is reminiscent of the humility shown by King David in 2 Samuel 6:14-16 when he danced before the Lord.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger narrative about David's decision to build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Ornan, as instructed by the angel of the Lord in 1 Chronicles 21:18, and it sets the stage for the events that follow, including David's purchase of the threshing floor and his prayer to the Lord in 1 Chronicles 21:25-27, which is similar to the prayer of Solomon in 1 Kings 8:22-53.
Reflection Questions
- What would be your response if you were to encounter an angel, and how would you react in a situation like Ornan's?
- How can you apply the humility shown by Ornan in this verse to your own life, and what are some ways you can acknowledge God's authority in your daily actions?
- What are some things in your life that you can 'offer up' to God, just like Ornan offered to give David the threshing floor, and how can you surrender them to His will, as seen in Romans 12:1-2?
- In what ways can you, like Ornan, be a blessing to others by providing for their needs, as seen in Acts 20:35, and how can you demonstrate hospitality and generosity in your community?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 21:20
See Gill "1 Chronicles 21:1".
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 21:20
And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:20
Or, And Ornan turned back, ( i.e. turned his face from the angel,) for, or when, (for the Hebrew vau is frequently used both those ways,) he saw the angel and (so did) his four sons with him hiding themselves; partly because of the glory and majesty in which the angel appeared, which men’ s weak and sinful natures are not able to bear; and partly from the fear of God’ s vengeance, which was at this time riding circuit in the land, and now seemed to be coming to their family.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:20
1 Chronicles 21:20 And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.Ver. 20. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.] Though he had sometime been a king, as some gather from 2 Samuel 24:23.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:20
(20) And Ornan turned back (returned), and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves (were hiding). There can be little doubt that this is corrupt, and that the text of Samuel is right, “And Araunah looked up, and saw the king and his servants passing by him.” The LXX. here has “Ornan turned, and saw the king;” the Vulg., “when Ornan had looked up” The Hebrew words for “returned” and “looked up,” “angel” and “king,” are similar enough to be easily confused in an ill-written or failed MS. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.—This clause does not harmonise with the preceding statement, but its genuineness is made probable by the fact that Ornan was in his threshingfloor at the time. Moreover, the LXX. adds to 2 Samuel 24:15, “And David chose for himself the death; and it was the days of wheat harvest.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:20
Verse 20. Ornan turned back, and saw the angel] The Septuagint say, And Orna turned, καιειδετονβασιλεα, and saw the KING. The Syriac and Arabic say, David saw the angel; and do not mention Ornan in this place. Houbigant translates the same reading המלך hammalech, the king, for המלעך hammalach, the angel, and vindicates his version from the parallel place, 2 Samuel 24:20, where it is said, he saw David: but there is no word of his seeing the angel. But the seeing David is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 21:21; though Houbigant supposes that the 20th verse refers to his seeing the king while he was at a distance; the 21st, to his seeing him when he came into the threshing-floor. In the first instance he and his sons were afraid when they saw the king coming, and this caused them to hide themselves; but when he came into the threshing-floor, they were obliged to appear before him. One of Kennicott's MSS. has המלך the king, instead of המלאך the angel. Some learned men contend for the former reading.
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 21:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Snares, Traps, Scourges, and Thorns by Carter Conlon | In this sermon on Judges chapter 6, the preacher highlights the consequences of the Israelites' disobedience to God. The nation of Midian oppresses them and steals their crops, lea |
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The Eternal Spirit in Old Testament Times by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of being inspired by the Holy Spirit and dedicating oneself to God. He uses examples from the Bible, such as Jacob and Gideon, |
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Answers by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a strong foundation in the word of God for a successful life. He shares his experience of visiting troubled churches |
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Standing Courageously in Your Home, Church, and Community by Paige Patterson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering mean-spirited individuals at a meeting. However, he witnesses a transformation in some of these people as t |
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Gideon by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon and his men were facing a formidable enemy, but God instructed them to use unconventional methods t |
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A Wake Up Call to the Church by Bob Taylor | In this sermon, the speaker describes a vision of a dim light illuminating the grass and gradually getting brighter. As the light intensifies, the speaker can see deeper into the g |
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God Is Incredible by William Carrol | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own journey of transformation and how he initially felt different from others. However, he realizes that he is like them in the sense th |