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1 Chronicles 21:30

1 Chronicles 21:30 in Multiple Translations

but David could not go before it to inquire of God, because he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD.

But David could not go before it to enquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD.

But David could not go before it to inquire of God; for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of Jehovah.

But David was not able to go before it to get directions from the Lord, so great was his fear of the sword of the angel of the Lord.

But David did not want to go there to ask God's will, because he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the Lord.

And Dauid could not go before it to aske counsel at God: for he was afraide of the sworde of the Angel of the Lord.)

and David is not able to go before it to seek God, for he hath been afraid because of the sword of the messenger of Jehovah.

But David couldn’t go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid because of the sword of the LORD’s angel.

But David could not go before it to inquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD.

And David could not go to the altar there to pray to God: for he was seized with an exceeding great fear, seeing the sword of the angel of the Lord.

But David did not want to go there to request God to tell him what he wanted him to do, because he was afraid that the angel sent from Yahweh might strike him with his sword.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 21:30

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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 21:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/לֹא יָכֹ֥ל דָּוִ֛יד לָ/לֶ֥כֶת לְ/פָנָ֖י/ו לִ/דְרֹ֣שׁ אֱלֹהִ֑ים כִּ֣י נִבְעַ֔ת מִ/פְּנֵ֕י חֶ֖רֶב מַלְאַ֥ךְ יְהוָֽה
וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
יָכֹ֥ל yâkôl H3201 be able V-Qal-Perf-3ms
דָּוִ֛יד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
לָ/לֶ֥כֶת yâlak H3212 to walk Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לְ/פָנָ֖י/ו pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff
לִ/דְרֹ֣שׁ dârash H1875 to seek Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֱלֹהִ֑ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
נִבְעַ֔ת bâʻath H1204 to terrify V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
מִ/פְּנֵ֕י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
חֶ֖רֶב chereb H2719 sword N-fs
מַלְאַ֥ךְ mălʼâk H4397 messenger N-ms
יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 21:30

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.
יָכֹ֥ל yâkôl H3201 "be able" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
דָּוִ֛יד 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.
לָ/לֶ֥כֶת yâlak H3212 "to walk" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
לְ/פָנָ֖י/ו pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לִ/דְרֹ֣שׁ dârash H1875 "to seek" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
אֱלֹהִ֑ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נִבְעַ֔ת bâʻath H1204 "to terrify" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to terrify or startle someone, causing them to be overtaken by sudden fear or panic. It is used to describe a strong emotional response to a situation.
Definition: 1) to terrify, startle, fall upon, dismay, be overtaken by sudden terror 1a) (Niphal) to be terrified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to fall upon, overwhelm 1b2) to terrify
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, terrify, trouble. See also: 1 Samuel 16:14; Job 13:11; Psalms 18:5.
מִ/פְּנֵ֕י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
חֶ֖רֶב chereb H2719 "sword" N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
מַלְאַ֥ךְ mălʼâk H4397 "messenger" 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.
יְהוָֽה 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.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 21:30

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Revelation 1:17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,
2 Hebrews 12:28–29 Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. “For our God is a consuming fire.”
3 Revelation 15:4 Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.”
4 2 Samuel 6:9 That day David feared the LORD and asked, “How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?”
5 Psalms 119:120 My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments.
6 Jeremiah 10:7 Who would not fear You, O King of nations? This is Your due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You.
7 1 Chronicles 21:16 When David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem, David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown.
8 Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,
9 Jeremiah 5:22 Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD. “Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as the boundary for the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves surge, but they cannot prevail. They roar but cannot cross it.
10 Psalms 90:11 Who knows the power of Your anger? Your wrath matches the fear You are due.

1 Chronicles 21:30 Summary

This verse shows that David was afraid to approach God because he knew he had sinned and was in the presence of a powerful and holy angel. He recognized that he needed to be careful and humble before God, just like we do when we come to Him in prayer (Psalm 51:17). David's fear was not a bad thing, but rather a sign of his respect and reverence for God's power and holiness (Proverbs 1:7). We can learn from David's example by approaching God with humility and a recognition of our own sinfulness, and seeking His mercy and forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was David afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD?

David was afraid because he had seen the angel's sword and understood its power, as seen in the context of 1 Chronicles 21:16 where the angel was about to destroy Jerusalem, but relented at the last moment, and also in Ezekiel 1:22 which describes the heavenly host and their role in executing God's judgments.

What is the significance of David not being able to go before the altar to inquire of God?

This highlights David's recognition of his own sin and the need for atonement, as expressed in Psalm 51:17, where David acknowledges that a broken spirit is what God desires, and also in Isaiah 6:5 where the prophet Isaiah is overwhelmed by his own sinfulness in the presence of God's holiness.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible's teaching on fear and reverence for God?

This verse illustrates the biblical concept of fearing God, as taught in Proverbs 1:7 and Acts 9:31, which involves a deep respect and awe for God's power and holiness, recognizing that this fear is the beginning of wisdom and leads to a life of obedience and trust in Him.

What can we learn from David's response to the angel's presence?

We can learn the importance of humility and recognizing our own limitations and sinfulness, as seen in 1 Chronicles 21:30, and also the value of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness, as expressed in Psalm 130:4, where the psalmist affirms that with God there is forgiveness, and therefore we can have hope.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge my own limitations and sinfulness, and seek God's mercy and forgiveness?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's power and holiness, as seen in David's response to the angel?
  3. In what ways can I apply the principle of fearing God, as taught in Scripture, to my daily life and decisions?
  4. What are some ways that I can demonstrate humility and recognition of my own sinfulness, as David did in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 21:30

But David could not go before it to inquire of God,.... Which yet was the proper place to seek the Lord in: the reason follows, for he was afraid, because of the sword of the angel of the Lord; which

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:30

David could not, i.e. durst not. Before it, i.e. before the tabernacle, where the altar stood. To inquire of God, Heb. to seek God, i.e. humbly to beg his favour by prayer and sacrifice. Because of the sword of the angel of the Lord, i.e. when he saw the angel stand with his drawn sword over Jerusalem, as is related above, ,16, he durst not go away thence to Gibeon, lest the angel in the mean time should destroy Jerusalem; for the prevention whereof he thought it most proper to continue to worship God in that place, which he had consecrated by his special presence and gracious acceptance.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:30

(30) But (and) David could not go before it—i.e., the Tabernacle at Gibeon and the altar of burnt offering (1 Chronicles 16:4; 1 Chronicles 16:37; 1 Chronicles 16:39). To enquire of God.—To seek Him, that is, to seek His favour by sacrifice and prayer. (But comp. 1 Chronicles 13:3; 1 Chronicles 15:13.) For he was afraid because of the sword.—“David could not go to Gibeon,” says Keil, “because of the sword of the angel of Jehovah: i.e., on account of the pestilence which raged at Gibeon.” Others have thought that the awful vision of the angel had stricken him with some bodily weakness. A more natural explanation is that the menacing aspect of the apparition overawed the king, so that he durst not follow the usual course in the present instance. It made, as we should say, an indelible impression upon his mind as to the sanctity of the place where it appeared. (Comp. Genesis 28:17; Exodus 3:5; Joshua 5:15; Judges 6:21; Judges 6:26.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:30

Verse 30. Because of the sword of the angel] This is given as a reason why David built an altar in the threshing-floor of Ornan: he was afraid to go to Gibeon, because of the sword of the destroying angel, or he was afraid of delaying the offerings so long as his going thither would require, lest the destroying angel should in the mean while exterminate the people; therefore he hastily built an altar in that place, and on it made the requisite offerings, and by the fire from heaven God showed that he had accepted his act and his devotion. Such interventions as these must necessarily maintain in the minds of the people a full persuasion of the truth and Divine origin of their religion. For a more circumstantial account of these transactions, see the notes on 2 Samuel 24:1, Ac., in which several difficulties of the text are removed.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 21:30

30. he was afraid] Or, he was terrified. The Heb. word is unusual.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 21:30

David, knowing that by sacrifice on this altar he had caused the angel to stay his hand, was afraid to transfer his offerings elsewhere, lest the Angel should resume his task and pestilence again break out.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:30

30. David could not go before it to inquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel — It was a moral and spiritual, not a physical cause, that hindered David from going to Gibeon.

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 21:30

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Leonard Ravenhill Pure Heart and Pure Church by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the state of the church and individuals who are filled with carnality, pride, anger, and secret lust. He emphasizes the need for restoratio
Francis Chan My Own Resurrection by Francis Chan This sermon emphasizes the power of God, particularly focusing on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the transformative impact it can have on individuals. It delves into the conc
Zac Poonen The Way of the Cross by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making a choice to follow God's way. He highlights the concept of falling into the ground and dying, which leads to bearin
A.W. Tozer (John - Part 21): The Impotent Man at the Pool of Bethesda by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith in taking a leap and daring to believe in Christ. He tells the story of a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years an
A.W. Tozer Five Spiritual Vows by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. Despite his long-standing discouragement, the man had to make a decision to obey and
Gerhard Du Toit Being Filled With the Holy Spirit by Gerhard Du Toit In this sermon, the speaker begins by inviting the congregation to share any testimonies or words that God has spoken to them. They emphasize the power of the Word of God, describi

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