1 Chronicles 21:3

1 Chronicles 21:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply His troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all servants of my lord? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?”

King James Version KJV

And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?

American Standard Version ASV

And Joab said, Jehovah make his people a hundred times as many as they are: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? why doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of guilt unto Israel?

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Joab said, May the Lord make his people a hundred times more in number than they are; but, my lord king, are they not all my lord's servants? why would my lord have this done? why will he become a cause of sin to Israel?

Free Bible Version FBV

But Joab replied, “May the Lord multiply his people a hundred times over. Your Majesty, aren't they all your subjects? Why do you want to do this? Why should you make Israel guilty?”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Ioab answered, The Lord increase his people an hundreth times so many as they be, O my lord the King: are they not all my lords seruats? wherefore doeth my lord require this thing? why should he be a cause of trespasse to Israel?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Joab saith, 'Jehovah doth add to His people as they are a hundred times; are they not, my lord, O king, all of them to my lord for servants? why doth my lord seek this? why is he for a cause of guilt to Israel?'

World English Bible WEB

Joab said, “May the LORD make his people a hundred times as many as they are. But, my lord the king, aren’t they all my lord’s servants? Why does my lord require this thing? Why will he be a cause of guilt to Israel?”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Joab answered, the LORD make his people a hundred times more numerous than they are : but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Joab answered: The Lord make his people a hundred times more than they are: but, my lord the king, are they not all thy servants: why doth my lord seek this thing, which may be imputed as a sin to Israel?

Translation for Translators T4T

But Joab replied, “Your majesty, even if Yahweh allowed us to have 100 times as many soldiers as we have now, you would [RHQ] still rule all of them. So why do you want us to do this? You will surely [RHQ] cause all the people of Israel to be guilty of sinning.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 21:3

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 21:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר יוֹאָ֗ב יוֹסֵף֩ יְהוָ֨ה עַל עַמּ֤/וֹ כָּ/הֵם֙ מֵאָ֣ה פְעָמִ֔ים הֲ/לֹא֙ אֲדֹנִ֣/י הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ כֻּלָּ֥/ם לַ/אדֹנִ֖/י לַ/עֲבָדִ֑ים לָ֣/מָּה יְבַקֵּ֥שׁ זֹאת֙ אֲדֹנִ֔/י לָ֛/מָּה יִהְיֶ֥ה לְ/אַשְׁמָ֖ה לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יוֹאָ֗ב Yôwʼâb H3097 Joab N-proper

יוֹסֵף֩ yâçaph H3254 to add V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms

יְהוָ֨ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

עַמּ֤/וֹ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

כָּ/הֵם֙ hêm H1992 they(masc.) Prep | Pron

מֵאָ֣ה mêʼâh H3967 hundred Adj

פְעָמִ֔ים paʻam H6471 beat N-fp

הֲ/לֹא֙ lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

אֲדֹנִ֣/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-ms | Suff

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

כֻּלָּ֥/ם kôl H3605 all N-ms | Suff

לַ/אדֹנִ֖/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord Prep | N-ms | Suff

לַ/עֲבָדִ֑ים ʻebed H5650 servant/slave Prep | N-mp

לָ֣/מָּה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part

יְבַקֵּ֥שׁ bâqash H1245 to seek V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

זֹאת֙ zôʼth H2063 this Pron

אֲדֹנִ֔/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-ms | Suff

לָ֛/מָּה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לְ/אַשְׁמָ֖ה ʼashmâh H819 guiltiness Prep | N-fs

לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel Prep | N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 21:3

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.

יוֹאָ֗ב Yôwʼâb H3097 "Joab" N-proper

Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family

Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.

יוֹסֵף֩ yâçaph H3254 "to add" V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms

To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.

Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.

יְהוָ֨ה 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.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

עַמּ֤/וֹ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

כָּ/הֵם֙ hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Prep | Pron

This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.

Definition: they, these, the same, who

Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

מֵאָ֣ה mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Adj

Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.

פְעָמִ֔ים paʻam H6471 "beat" N-fp

This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.

Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another

Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.

הֲ/לֹא֙ lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | 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.

אֲדֹנִ֣/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.

Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

כֻּלָּ֥/ם kôl H3605 "all" N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

לַ/אדֹנִ֖/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" Prep | N-ms | Suff

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

לַ/עֲבָדִ֑ים ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" Prep | N-mp

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.

לָ֣/מָּה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

יְבַקֵּ֥שׁ bâqash H1245 "to seek" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.

Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.

זֹאת֙ zôʼth H2063 "this" Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

אֲדֹנִ֔/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-ms | Suff

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

לָ֛/מָּה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לְ/אַשְׁמָ֖ה ʼashmâh H819 "guiltiness" Prep | N-fs

Ashmah refers to guilt or sin, often requiring a guilt-offering to make things right with God. It involves doing wrong, committing a trespass, or becoming guilty, and is mentioned in various Bible passages.

Definition: 1) guiltiness, guilt, offense, sin, wrong-doing 1a) doing wrong, committing a trespass or offense 1b) becoming guilty, guilt 1c) bringing a guilt-offering

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: offend, sin, (cause of) trespass(-ing, offering). See also: Leviticus 4:3; 2 Chronicles 33:23; Psalms 69:6.

לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" Prep | N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 21:3

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Context
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1 Chronicles 21:3 Summary
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Context — David’s Military Census

1Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. 2So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.”

3But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply His troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all servants of my lord? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?”

4Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and traveled throughout Israel, and then he returned to Jerusalem. 5And Joab reported to David the total number of the troops. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, including 470,000 in Judah.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 1:11	May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times over and bless you as He has promised.
2	Isaiah 26:15	You have enlarged the nation, O LORD; You have enlarged the nation. You have gained glory for Yourself; You have extended all the borders of the land.
3	1 Chronicles 19:13	Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”
4	Isaiah 48:19	Your descendants would have been as countless as the sand, and your offspring as numerous as its grains; their name would never be cut off or eliminated from My presence.”
5	1 Kings 14:16	So He will give Israel over on account of the sins Jeroboam has committed and has caused Israel to commit.”
6	Genesis 20:9	Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought such tremendous guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done.”
7	Psalms 115:14	May the LORD give you increase, both you and your children.
8	Exodus 32:21	“What did this people do to you,” Moses asked Aaron, “that you have led them into so great a sin?”
9	Numbers 32:9–10	For when your fathers went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land that the LORD had given them. So the anger of the LORD was kindled that day, and He swore an oath, saying,
10	Proverbs 14:28	A large population is a king’s splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin.

1 Chronicles 21:3 Summary

[This verse shows Joab trying to advise David against taking a census of Israel, because he was concerned it would bring guilt on the nation, similar to the concept in Exodus 30:12. Joab was saying that Israel's strength comes from God, not from their military might, a concept also seen in Psalm 20:7. By speaking up, Joab demonstrated his loyalty to David and his commitment to doing what was right. We can learn from Joab's example by trusting in God's sovereignty and speaking truth to those in authority, even if it's difficult, as seen in 2 Samuel 12:1-14.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Joab's concern when David asked him to take a census of Israel?

Joab was concerned that taking a census would bring guilt on Israel, implying that David's action was not in line with God's will, as seen in 1 Chronicles 21:3, and this concern is also reflected in Exodus 30:12 where God instructs the Israelites to give a ransom when taking a census to avoid a plague.

Was Joab's response to David a sign of disobedience or loyalty?

Joab's response was a sign of loyalty, as he was trying to advise David against taking an action that he believed would have negative consequences for Israel, demonstrating his commitment to the kingdom and its people, similar to the loyalty shown by Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:1-14 when he confronted David about his sin with Bathsheba.

How does this verse relate to the concept of trusting in God's sovereignty?

This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, as Joab's statement 'May the LORD multiply His troops a hundred times over' implies that Israel's strength comes from God, not from their military might, a concept also seen in Psalm 20:7 where the psalmist trusts in God's name and not in chariots or horses.

What can we learn from Joab's example about speaking truth to those in authority?

Joab's example teaches us the importance of speaking truth to those in authority, even if it's difficult or uncomfortable, as seen in 1 Chronicles 21:3, and this is also reflected in the example of Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:1-14, where he confronts David about his sin, demonstrating the value of honest counsel in leadership, as emphasized in Proverbs 27:6.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be trusting in my own strength or abilities, rather than God's sovereignty?
How can I, like Joab, speak truth to those in authority, even if it's challenging or uncomfortable?
What are some ways I can demonstrate loyalty and commitment to God's kingdom, like Joab's loyalty to David?
How can I apply the concept of trusting in God's sovereignty to my everyday life, especially in situations that seem uncertain or overwhelming?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 21:3

See Gill "1 Chronicles 21:1".

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 21:3

And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:3

Or, why will he be, or why should this be, a trespass, or a cause of trespass, or an occasion of punishment, (for Hebrew words signifying sin are oft used to note the punishment of sin,) or a desolation, or a cause of desolation or destruction, (for the verb whence this noun proceeds is oft used in that sense,) to or against Israel? Why wilt thou provoke God by this sin to punish Israel? Thus he speaks, because God commonly punisheth the people for the sins of their rulers, because they are for the most part guilty of their sins in one kind or other; or at least God takes this occasion to punish people for all their sins.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:3

1 Chronicles 21:3 And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they [be]: but, my lord the king, [are] they not all my lord’ s servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?Ver. 3. Why then doth my lord require this thing?] Or, Delight in this thing? which showeth that David was somewhat tickled and taken with the multitude of his people. See on 2 Samuel 24:3.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:3

(3) Answered.—Hebrew, said.The Lord . . . as they be.—Literally, Jehovah add upon his people like them an hundred times, an abridged form of what is read in Samuel. But, my lord the king, are they not . . .?—Instead of this, Samuel records another wish, “And may the eyes of my lord the king be seeing,” that is, living (Genesis 16:13). Why then doth my lord require this thing?—So Samuel, in slightly different terms: “And my lord the king, why desireth he this proposal?” Why will he be (why should he become) a cause of trespass to Israel?—Not in Samuel. It is an explanatory addition by the chronicler.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 21:3

3. moe] Cp. 1 Chronicles 14:3, note. are they not all my lord’s servants?] Joab foresees some disaster to the people, and asks why David should destroy his own. why will he be a cause of guilt to Israel?] Cp. Leviticus 4:3, “if the anointed priest shall sin so as to bring guilt on the people” (R.V.).

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 21:3

	Sermon	Description
	Let Us Behave Ourselves Valiantly for Our People, by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of behaving valiantly for our people and cities, drawing inspiration from Joab's commitment to God amidst battle. He critiques the societal rel
	(Genesis) Genesis 20 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on chapter 20 of the book of Genesis. Abraham and Sarah are on a journey and they end up in a place called Gira. Abraham, out of fear, lies to
	A Bit of the Old Nature by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer discusses the hidden sins that can linger in our hearts, drawing parallels to Abraham's past deceit regarding Sarah, which resurfaced in a moment of fear. He emphasizes
	Great Danger to a Christian by A Van Eeden	This sermon delves into the danger of sliding into a lukewarm state as a Christian, using the example of the Israelites worshipping the golden calf in Exodus 32. It emphasizes the
	The Deadliness of Discouragement by Randy Amos	Randy Amos preaches about the deadly sin of discouragement that kept many Israelites from entering the Promised Land, caused by negative attitudes and reports from their own brethr