1 Chronicles 21:4
1 Chronicles 21:4 in Multiple Translations
Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and traveled throughout Israel, and then he returned to Jerusalem.
Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.
Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.
But the king's word was stronger than Joab's. So Joab went out and went through all Israel and came to Jerusalem.
But the king was adamant so Joab left and went all over Israel. Eventually he returned to Jerusalem,
Neuerthelesse the Kings word preuailed against Ioab. And Ioab departed and went thorowe all Israel, and returned to Ierusalem.
And the word of the king [is] severe against Joab, and Joab goeth out, and goeth up and down in all Israel, and cometh in to Jerusalem.
Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Therefore Joab departed and went throughout all Israel, then came to Jerusalem.
Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.
But the king’s word rather prevailed: and Joab departed, and went through all Israel: and returned to Jerusalem.
But David would not change his mind. So Joab and his soldiers went everywhere in Israel and in Judah, and counted the people. Then they returned to Jerusalem,
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 21:4
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 21:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/דְבַר
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
חָזַ֣ק
עַל
יוֹאָ֑ב
וַ/יֵּצֵ֣א
יוֹאָ֗ב
וַ/יִּתְהַלֵּךְ֙
בְּ/כָל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם
וּ/דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Conj | N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
חָזַ֣ק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יוֹאָ֑ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
וַ/יֵּצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹאָ֗ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
וַ/יִּתְהַלֵּךְ֙
hâlak
H1980
to go
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 21:4
וּ/דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Conj | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
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.
חָזַ֣ק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
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.
יוֹאָ֑ב
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.
וַ/יֵּצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
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.
וַ/יִּתְהַלֵּךְ֙
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 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) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
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.
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 21:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David’s Military Census
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. 6But Joab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the count, because the king’s command was detestable to him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 5:29 | But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. |
| 2 | Exodus 1:17 | The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live. |
| 3 | Daniel 3:18 | But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 24:3–8 | But Joab replied to the king, “May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?” Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab and against the commanders of the army. So Joab and the commanders of the army departed from the presence of the king to count the troops of Israel. They crossed the Jordan and camped near Aroer, south of the town in the middle of the valley, and proceeded toward Gad and Jazer. Then they went to Gilead and the land of Tahtim-hodshi, and on to Dan-jaan and around to Sidon. They went toward the fortress of Tyre and all the cities of the Hivites and Canaanites. Finally, they went on to the Negev of Judah, to Beersheba. At the end of nine months and twenty days, having gone through the whole land, they returned to Jerusalem. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 8:4 | For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” |
1 Chronicles 21:4 Summary
This verse shows us that King David's command prevailed over Joab's objections, and Joab had to obey, even though he didn't agree. This teaches us about the importance of obeying those in authority, as seen in Romans 13:1-2, and trusting in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Psalm 23:4. We can learn from Joab's example to speak up when we have concerns, but ultimately submit to authority and trust in God's goodness. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper faith and trust in God, even in difficult circumstances, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King David's command prevail over Joab's objections?
King David's command prevailed because, as the king, he had the authority to make decisions, even if they were unwise, as seen in 1 Chronicles 21:4, and Joab, despite his reservations, was bound to obey his king, similar to the principle in Romans 13:1-2.
What can we learn from Joab's reluctance to carry out the king's command?
We can learn from Joab's example that it's essential to speak up when we have concerns, as he did in 1 Chronicles 21:3, but ultimately, we must submit to authority, as taught in Hebrews 13:17, and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 21:1.
How does this verse relate to the concept of obedience to authority?
This verse illustrates the importance of obeying those in authority, even when we disagree, as Joab did, and it reminds us that our obedience is ultimately to God, as taught in Acts 5:29, and that He can use even difficult circumstances for His glory, as seen in Genesis 50:20.
What role does faith play in our response to difficult commands or situations?
Faith plays a crucial role in our response, as we see in Joab's actions, and it's essential to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, as expressed in Psalm 23:4, and to remember that He is working all things together for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times when I have had to obey someone in authority, even when I disagreed, and how did I respond?
- How can I, like Joab, speak up when I have concerns, while still submitting to authority and trusting in God's sovereignty?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, especially in difficult circumstances, and how can I apply this to my life?
- How can I balance my desire to do what is right with my need to obey those in authority, and what role does faith play in this balance?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 21:4
See Gill "1 Chronicles 21:1".
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 21:4
Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:4
(4) Wherefore Joab departed.—“Went out” scil, from the king’s presence (Samuel). The chronicler omits the account of the route of Joab and his party, as described in 2 Samuel 24:4-8. They crossed Jordan, and went to Aroer, Jazer, Gilead, and Dan; then round to Zidon, “the fortress of Tyre, and all the cities of the Hivite and Canaanite, and came out at the nageb of Judah, to Beersheba.” The business occupied nine months and twenty days; and the fact that the generalissimo of David’s forces and his chief officers found leisure for the undertaking indicates a time of settled peace. The census, therefore, belongs to the later years of the reign.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 21:4
4. came to Jerusalem] In 2 Samuel 24:4-8 the route is described and the time taken in the numbering is stated, nine months and twenty days.
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 21:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Calling of God by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker tells a parable about a master who returns to his estate and rewards his servants based on their faithfulness and diligence. The master is pleased with |
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(First Baptist Church) #4 - the Welsh Revival of 1904-05 by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the impact of a revival on the community and the role of the police during this time. The speaker shares that before the revival, t |
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Obedience - the Pathway to Blessing by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and living by the Word of God. He highlights the need for individuals and families to recognize their own shortcomi |
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Family Series Part 1 (Adolescence and Obedience) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living in obedience to God and following His word. He highlights the tendency for people to prioritize trivial matters ove |
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Major Ian Thomas - Part 2 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He highlights how the early church was transformed by their rediscovery of a |
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Saving Life of Christ - Part 2 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of faith fading into mere form and how the church has lost touch with the true essence of Christianity. He emphasizes that history |
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(John - Part 31): The Unpopularity of Jesus and His Doctrines by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being free to follow God's leading, even if it means going against the expectations of others. He encourages the audience |