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1 Chronicles 28:3

1 Chronicles 28:3 in Multiple Translations

but God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for My Name, because you are a man of war who has spilled blood.’

But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.

But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build a house for my name, because thou art a man of war, and hast shed blood.

But God said to me, You are not to be the builder of a house for my name, because you are a man of war and have taken life;

But God told me, ‘You are not to build a house to honor me because you are a man of war who has spilled blood.’

But God sayde vnto me, Thou shalt not buylde an house for my Name, because thou hast bene a man of warre, and hast shed blood.

and God hath said to me, Thou dost not build a house to My name, for a man of wars thou [art], and blood thou hast shed.

But God said to me, ‘You shall not build a house for my name, because you are a man of war and have shed blood.’

But God said to me, Thou shalt not build a house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.

And God said to me: Thou shalt not build a house to my name: because thou art a man of war, and hast shed blood.

But God said to me, ‘You are not the one who will arrange to build a temple for me [MTY], because you are a warrior and you have killed many people [MTY] in battles.’

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 28:3

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 28:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/הָ/אֱלֹהִים֙ אָ֣מַר לִ֔/י לֹא תִבְנֶ֥ה בַ֖יִת לִ/שְׁמִ֑/י כִּ֣י אִ֧ישׁ מִלְחָמ֛וֹת אַ֖תָּה וְ/דָמִ֥ים שָׁפָֽכְתָּ
וְ/הָ/אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Conj | Art | N-mp
אָ֣מַר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ֔/י Prep | Suff
לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part
תִבְנֶ֥ה bânâh H1129 to build V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בַ֖יִת bayith H1004 place N-ms
לִ/שְׁמִ֑/י shêm H8034 name Prep | N-ms | Suff
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
אִ֧ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
מִלְחָמ֛וֹת milchâmâh H4421 battle N-fp
אַ֖תָּה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron
וְ/דָמִ֥ים dâm H1818 blood Conj | N-mp
שָׁפָֽכְתָּ shâphak H8210 to pour V-Qal-Perf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 28:3

וְ/הָ/אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Conj | Art | 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.
אָ֣מַר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לִ֔/י "" Prep | Suff
לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִבְנֶ֥ה bânâh H1129 "to build" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
בַ֖יִת bayith H1004 "place" N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
לִ/שְׁמִ֑/י shêm H8034 "name" Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
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.
אִ֧ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מִלְחָמ֛וֹת milchâmâh H4421 "battle" N-fp
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
אַ֖תָּה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וְ/דָמִ֥ים dâm H1818 "blood" Conj | N-mp
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
שָׁפָֽכְתָּ shâphak H8210 "to pour" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 28:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Chronicles 22:8 but this word of the LORD came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and waged great wars. You are not to build a house for My Name because you have shed so much blood on the ground before Me.
2 1 Chronicles 17:4 “Go and tell My servant David that this is what the LORD says: You are not the one to build Me a house in which to dwell.
3 2 Chronicles 6:8–9 But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Since it was in your heart to build a house for My Name, you have done well to have this in your heart. Nevertheless, you are not the one to build it; but your son, your own offspring, will build the house for My Name.’
4 1 Kings 5:3 “As you are well aware, due to the wars waged on all sides against my father David, he could not build a house for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD had put his enemies under his feet.
5 2 Samuel 7:5–13 “Go and tell My servant David that this is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build for Me a house to dwell in? For I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt until this day, but I have moved about with a tent as My dwelling. In all My journeys with all the Israelites, have I ever asked any of the leaders I appointed to shepherd My people Israel, ‘Why haven’t you built Me a house of cedar?’ Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make for you a name like the greatest in the land. And I will provide a place for My people Israel and will plant them so that they may dwell in a place of their own and be disturbed no more. No longer will the sons of wickedness oppress them as they did at the beginning and have done since the day I appointed judges over My people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD declares to you that He Himself will establish a house for you. And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

1 Chronicles 28:3 Summary

[This verse tells us that God did not allow David to build the temple because of his past as a warrior. God wanted someone with a cleaner record to build a house for Him. This teaches us that God is holy and desires those who serve Him to be holy too, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45. It also reminds us that our past mistakes do not disqualify us from serving God, but rather, it is our response to those mistakes and our willingness to follow Him that matters.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God not allow David to build the temple?

God did not allow David to build the temple because he was a man of war who had spilled blood, as stated in 1 Chronicles 28:3, which aligns with the principle that God desires those who serve Him to have clean hands and a pure heart, as seen in Psalms 24:3-4.

Does this mean that people who have been involved in war or violence cannot serve God?

No, it does not mean that, as evident from the story of David himself, who was a man after God's own heart, according to Acts 13:22, and was still used mightily by God, even though he had been involved in war and had made mistakes.

What is the significance of God saying 'you are a man of war who has spilled blood'?

This statement highlights the importance of holiness and purity in serving God, as also emphasized in Isaiah 52:11, where God commands His people to depart from unclean things, and not to touch any unclean thing, so that they may be bearers of the vessels of the Lord.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's kingdom and leadership?

This verse shows that God is very particular about who He chooses to lead and serve Him, as seen in the way He chose Solomon, a man of peace, to build the temple, according to 1 Chronicles 28:5, and it emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience in leadership, as taught in Matthew 20:26-28.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be 'spilling blood' or causing harm to others, and how can I make amends and seek forgiveness?
  2. How can I, like David, acknowledge my limitations and weaknesses, and trust God to use me despite them?
  3. In what ways can I prioritize holiness and purity in my own life, and how can I seek to be a 'vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work', as described in 2 Timothy 2:21?
  4. What does it mean for me to be a 'man or woman of peace' in a world filled with conflict and violence, and how can I reflect the heart of God in my relationships and interactions with others?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 28:3

But God said unto me, thou shalt not build an house for my name,.... This he said by Nathan the prophet, 2 Samuel 7:5 because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood: see 1 Chronicles 22:8.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 28:3

But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood. Thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 28:3

1 Chronicles 28:3 But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou [hast been] a man of war, and hast shed blood.Ver. 3. But God said unto me, Thou shalt not.] The best are sometimes crossed in their desires, and must submit to God; going on to do their duty, though they should not have the fruit of it till they come to heaven; howbeit "in the doing" - not only for the doing - of God’ s will, "there is great reward." This, an ancient calleth Praemium ante praemium.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 28:3

(3) But God said unto me.—The emphasis lies on the word God, which is in direct contrast with the “I—in my heart it was,” of 1 Chronicles 28:2. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 22:8, of which this verse is a summary.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 28:3

Verse 3. Thou shalt not build a house] See 2 Samuel 7:6; 2 Samuel 7:13, and the observations at the end of that chapter.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 28:3

3. thou hast been a man of war] R.V. thou art a man of war. See note on 1 Chronicles 22:8.

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 28:3

SermonDescription
Andrew Bonar 'The Value of a Thought' by Andrew Bonar Andrew Bonar emphasizes the immense value of a single thought when it is acted upon, illustrating this with the creation of a model of the Tabernacle that he built over many years.

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