What number verse is 1 Chronicles 16:33 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 16:33 is the 10,854th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 1 Chronicles 16:33 sits at position 10,854.

16:3216:32

1 Chronicles 16:33

Q: What does "he cometh to judge the earth" mean in this context? Is it a threat?

In this context, "judge the earth" (Hebrew: šāphaṭ) is not primarily a threat of condemnation but a promise of righteous governance, vindication, and the establishment of perfect order. While divine judgment certainly includes accountability for sin, its broader biblical meaning, especially in prophetic and psalmic literature, encompasses God's role as the supreme Ruler who sets all things right. For the righteous and the oppressed, God's coming to judge is a cause for celebration because it means the end of injustice, the defeat of evil, and the full establishment of His just and peaceful kingdom. It signifies that God will administer perfect justice, bringing ultimate peace and righteousness to the world, as echoed in Psalm 9:8.

16:3416:34

Translation

King James Version

Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.

Ask

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall the trees ^H6086 of the wood ^H3293 sing out ^H7442 at the presence ^H6440 of the LORD ^H3068, because he cometh ^H935 to judge ^H8199 the earth ^H776.

Ask

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the trees in the forest will sing before ADONAI, because he has come to judge the earth.

Ask

Berean Standard Bible

Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD, for He is coming to judge the earth.

Ask

American Standard Version

Then shall the trees of the wood sing for joy before Jehovah; For he cometh to judge the earth.

Ask

World English Bible Messianic

Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.

Ask

Geneva Bible (1599)

Let the trees of the wood then reioyce at the presence of the Lord: for he commeth to iudge the earth.

Ask

Young's Literal Translation

Then sing do trees of the forest, From the presence of Jehovah, For He hath come to judge the earth!

Ask

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 16:33 presents a magnificent vision from David's psalm of thanksgiving, portraying all of creation, specifically "the trees of the wood," joining in a resounding chorus of joyful praise. This cosmic exultation is a profound and unreserved response to the glorious and active presence of the LORD, who is depicted as "coming to judge the earth." Far from a fearful condemnation, this divine judgment signifies the establishment of perfect justice, order, and righteousness, bringing ultimate vindication and restoration to all creation under God's sovereign and benevolent rule.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is an integral and climactic part of the grand psalm of thanksgiving and praise recited by King David upon the successful transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 16:1-36). The entire chapter marks a pivotal moment in Israelite history, establishing Jerusalem as the spiritual and political heart of the nation. David's psalm, a masterful compilation drawing heavily from Psalm 105, Psalm 96, and Psalm 106, functions as a communal liturgy. It invites the people to reflect on God's past faithfulness, celebrate His present glory, and anticipate His future reign. Verse 33, specifically, is almost identical to Psalm 96:13, underscoring the universal scope of God's dominion and the eschatological hope embedded within this worshipful song. It culminates a series of calls for creation to rejoice, beginning in 1 Chronicles 16:31.
Historical & Cultural Context: The bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem was a monumental event in Israelite history, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people and solidifying David's kingship. This act was a deliberate move to centralize worship and national identity, shifting the focus from previous, less stable cultic sites to the newly conquered Jebusite city. In the ancient Near East, kings often established their rule through military might and grand displays of power. David, however, establishes his reign by prioritizing the presence of Yahweh, the true King of Israel, demonstrating a profound theological understanding of his role as God's vice-regent. The concept of a deity "coming to judge" was not unique to Israel, but Israel's understanding of Yahweh's judgment was distinct: it was not arbitrary or capricious but rooted in His covenant faithfulness, righteousness, and unwavering commitment to justice, particularly for the oppressed. The celebration described here reflects a profound cultural understanding of God's active involvement in both human history and the natural world.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights God's Universal Sovereignty, demonstrating that His dominion extends beyond the nation of Israel to encompass all creation. The imagery of nature responding to God's presence underscores His absolute authority and rightful claim over everything He has made. Secondly, it emphasizes Cosmic Worship and Anticipation, portraying creation as an active participant in praising God, thereby setting a precedent for human worship to align with this universal chorus. It suggests that the entire cosmos is attuned to the divine presence. Thirdly, the verse introduces the crucial theme of Righteous Judgment and Divine Vindication. The "coming to judge" is not presented as a threat but as a promise of ultimate justice, where God will set all things right, vindicate the righteous, and establish His perfect order. This theme resonates with the prophetic hope found throughout the Old Testament, such as in Isaiah 65:17-25, envisioning a renewed creation under God's righteous and redemptive rule.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Sing out (Hebrew, rânan', H7442): A primitive root, properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e. to shout (usually for joy); aloud for joy, cry out, be joyful (greatly, make to) rejoice, (cause to) shout (for joy), (cause to) sing (aloud, for joy, out), triumph. This verb signifies a ringing cry, a shout of joy, exultation, or triumph. It implies a vibrant, unrestrained, and loud expression of delight and jubilation. In this context, it depicts the trees not merely whispering but bursting forth with a triumphant chorus, reflecting the overwhelming joy at God's presence.
Presence (Hebrew, pânîym', H6440): Plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from פָּנָה); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.); [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. This word, often translated "face," denotes the manifest, active, and personal appearance or manifestation of God. It implies a direct encounter or a tangible display of His glory and authority. The "presence of the LORD" is not merely His abstract existence but His active, powerful, and glorious engagement with His creation.
Judge (Hebrew, shâphaṭ', H8199): A primitive root; to judge, i.e. pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literally or figuratively); [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. This word is rich in meaning, encompassing more than just the modern English connotation of condemnation. While it certainly includes the idea of discerning and pronouncing judgment (guilty or innocent), its broader scope includes governing, ruling, delivering justice, vindicating the oppressed, maintaining order, and setting things right. For the righteous, God's "judgment" is a cause for celebration because it signifies the establishment of perfect justice, the end of all evil and oppression, and the dawn of His righteous reign.

Verse Breakdown

"Then shall the trees of the wood sing out": This clause employs vivid personification, attributing human-like vocal expression to inanimate trees. It is a poetic and hyperbolic declaration emphasizing the universal scope of God's praise. The "trees of the wood" represent all of creation, suggesting that even the natural world intuitively recognizes and responds with exuberant joy to the presence of its Creator. It sets a cosmic stage for divine activity, indicating that the entire created order is poised to acknowledge and celebrate God's dominion.
"at the presence of the LORD": This phrase identifies the catalyst for creation's exuberant praise. The "presence of the LORD" (Hebrew: pânîym H6440, often associated with the Ark of the Covenant in this chapter's immediate context, but here expanded to a universal manifestation) is a powerful, glorious, and transformative force. It is God's manifest glory and active involvement in His creation that elicits such a profound and joyful response from the natural world. This presence is not static but dynamic, inspiring a spontaneous and overwhelming declaration of joy.
"because he cometh to judge the earth": This final clause provides the profound theological reason for the cosmic rejoicing. The "coming" of the LORD is an eschatological anticipation, pointing to a future, definitive manifestation of God's power and authority. As explored in the "Key Word Analysis," "judge" (Hebrew: shâphaṭ H8199) here means to govern, to set things right, to establish justice, and to vindicate. For a world groaning under sin and injustice, the coming of God to "judge" is not a threat of condemnation for the righteous but a promise of ultimate liberation, restoration, and the establishment of His perfect, righteous kingdom. It is the assurance that divine order will be fully imposed.

Literary Devices

The verse is rich in Personification, most notably in the phrase "the trees of the wood sing out." This device imbues inanimate objects with human qualities, vividly portraying creation as an active, conscious participant in worship and celebration. This is a common biblical motif, seen elsewhere in passages where mountains skip like rams or fields rejoice. The use of Hyperbole is also evident, as the literal singing of trees is an exaggeration designed to convey the immense, overwhelming scale of creation's joyful response to God's presence and coming. Furthermore, the verse functions as a Prophecy or Anticipation, looking forward to a future, definitive manifestation of God's reign and judgment, which will bring about ultimate justice and order. The overall tone is one of Exultation and Triumph, celebrating God's imminent and righteous rule over all creation.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

1 Chronicles 16:33 offers a profound theological statement about God's universal dominion and the ultimate trajectory of history. It reminds us that creation itself is not a silent backdrop but an active participant in the divine drama, eagerly awaiting and celebrating the full manifestation of God's righteous rule. This cosmic anticipation underscores the biblical truth that God is sovereign over all things, and His purposes for justice and restoration will ultimately prevail. The "judgment" spoken of is not merely punitive but redemptive, signifying the setting right of all wrongs and the establishment of a perfect, just order, bringing profound hope to those who long for righteousness and peace. It aligns human worship with a broader, universal chorus, inviting us to share in creation's joyful expectation of God's glorious reign and to live in light of that coming reality.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

1 Chronicles 16:33 invites us to expand our understanding of worship and hope. If even the trees are depicted as "singing out" in joyful anticipation of God's coming reign and righteous judgment, how much more should humanity, created in God's image and recipients of His covenant love and redemptive grace, offer Him unbridled praise? This verse challenges us to align our hearts and lives with the cosmic expectation of God's ultimate justice. It provides profound comfort and hope for those who suffer injustice, reminding us that a day is coming when God will indeed set all things right, bringing perfect order and peace to the earth. Our worship, then, becomes not just a response to past blessings but an active participation in the future triumph of God's kingdom, motivating us to live justly and mercifully in the present, anticipating the full establishment of His righteous rule and striving to reflect His character in a world still awaiting His complete restoration.

Questions for Reflection

How does the imagery of creation praising God challenge or expand your understanding of worship?
In what ways does the promise of God "coming to judge the earth" bring you hope rather than fear?
How can we, as believers, better align our lives with the cosmic anticipation of God's righteous reign and justice?

FAQ

Is the "singing" of trees literal in 1 Chronicles 16:33?

Answer: No, the "singing" of trees in 1 Chronicles 16:33 is a poetic personification, not a literal description. It is a powerful literary device used to convey the idea that all of creation, from the heavens to the earth, is so profoundly affected by the presence and coming of the LORD that it responds with exuberant joy and praise. This imagery emphasizes the universal scope of God's sovereignty and the natural world's inherent recognition of its Creator. Similar poetic expressions are found elsewhere in Scripture, such as Isaiah 55:12 where "the trees of the field will clap their hands."

What does "he cometh to judge the earth" mean in this context? Is it a threat?

Answer: In this context, "judge the earth" (Hebrew: šāphaṭ) is not primarily a threat of condemnation but a promise of righteous governance, vindication, and the establishment of perfect order. While divine judgment certainly includes accountability for sin, its broader biblical meaning, especially in prophetic and psalmic literature, encompasses God's role as the supreme Ruler who sets all things right. For the righteous and the oppressed, God's coming to judge is a cause for celebration because it means the end of injustice, the defeat of evil, and the full establishment of His just and peaceful kingdom. It signifies that God will administer perfect justice, bringing ultimate peace and righteousness to the world, as echoed in Psalm 9:8.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

1 Chronicles 16:33, with its cosmic anticipation of God "coming to judge the earth," finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament looked forward to Yahweh's direct intervention, the New Testament reveals that this divine "coming" is realized through the Son. Jesus' first advent was indeed a "coming to judge" in a profound sense, as He exposed the darkness of sin and established His spiritual kingdom, bringing judgment upon the powers of evil and offering salvation to all who believe (John 3:17-19). His resurrection and ascension marked His enthronement as King, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" (Matthew 28:18). The full, glorious realization of the "trees of the wood sing[ing] out" will occur at Christ's second coming, when He returns not only to judge the living and the dead but also to fully establish His righteous kingdom, bringing cosmic renewal and setting all things right (Acts 17:31; Revelation 20:11-15). Thus, the ancient hope for God's just reign is perfectly embodied and will be fully consummated in the triumphant return of the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom all creation will ultimately bow and give praise (Philippians 2:9-11).

Copy as

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 16 verses 7–36

7 ¶ Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.

8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.

10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

13 O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

15 Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;

16 Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;

17 And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,

18 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance;

19 When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it.

20 And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people;

21 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,

22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

23 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation.

24 Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.

25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.

26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.

27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.

28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.

31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.

32 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.

33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.

34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

35 And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.

36 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.

We have here the thanksgiving psalm which David, by the Spirit, composed, and delivered to the chief musician, to be sung upon occasion of the public entry the ark made into the tent prepared for it. Some think he appointed this hymn to be daily used in the temple service, as duly as the day came; whatever other psalms they sung, they must not omit this. David had penned many psalms before this, some in the time of his trouble by Saul. This was composed before, but was now first delivered into the hand of Asaph, for the use of the church. It is gathered out of several psalms (from the beginning to Ch1 16:23 is taken from Psa 105:1, etc.; and then Ch1 16:23 is the whole 96th psalm, with little variation; Ch1 16:34 is taken from Psa 136:1 and divers others; and then the last two verses are taken from the close of Ps. 106), which some think warrants us to do likewise, and make up hymns out of David's psalms, a part of one and a part of another put together so as may be most proper to express and excite the devotion of Christians. These psalms will be best expounded in their proper places (if the Lord will); here we take them as they are put together, with a design to thank the Lord (Ch1 16:7), a great duty, to which we need to be excited and in which we need to be assisted. 1. Let God be glorified in our praises; let his honour be the centre in which all the lines meet. Let us glorify him by our thanksgivings (Give thanks to the Lord), by our prayers (Call on his name, Ch1 16:8), by our songs (Sing psalms unto him), by our discourse - Talk of all his wondrous works, Ch1 16:9. Let us glorify him as a great God, and greatly to be praised (Ch1 16:25), as supreme God (above all gods), as sole God, for all others are idols, Ch1 16:26. Let us glorify him as most bright and blessed in himself (Glory and honour are in his presence, Ch1 16:27), as creator (The Lord made the heavens), as the ruler of the whole creation (His judgments are in all the earth, Ch1 16:14), and as ours - He is the Lord our God. Thus must we give unto the Lord the glory due to his name (Ch1 16:28, Ch1 16:29), and own it, and much more, his due. 2. Let other be edified and instructed: Make known his deeds among the people (Ch1 16:8), declare his glory among the heathen (Ch1 16:24), that those who are strangers to him may be led into acquaintance with him, allegiance to him, and the adoration of him. Thus must we serve the interests of his kingdom among men, that all the earth may fear before him, Ch1 16:30. 3. Let us be ourselves encouraged to triumph and trust in God. Those that give glory to God's name are allowed to glory in it (Ch1 16:10), to value themselves upon their relation to God and venture themselves upon his promise to them. Let the heart of those rejoice that seek the Lord, much more of those that have found him. Seek him, and his strength, and his face: that is, seek him by the ark of his strength, in which he manifests himself. 4. Let the everlasting covenant be the great matter of our joy and praise (Ch1 16:15): Be mindful of his covenant. In the parallel place it is, He will be ever mindful of it, Psa 105:8. Seeing God never will forget it, we never must. The covenant is said to be commanded, because God has obliged us to obey the conditions of it, and because he has both authority to make the promise and ability to make it good. This covenant was ancient, yet never to be forgotten. It was made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were long since dead (Ch1 16:16-18), yet still sure to the spiritual seed, and the promises of it pleadable. 5. Let God's former mercies to his people of old, to our ancestors and our predecessors in profession, be commemorated by us now with thankfulness to his praise. Let it be remembered how God protected the patriarchs in their unsettled condition. When they came strangers to Canaan and were sojourners in it, when they were few and might easily have been swallowed up, when they were continually upon the remove and so exposed, when there were many that bore them ill-will and sought to do them mischief, yet no man was suffered to do them wrong - not the Canaanites, Philistines, Egyptians. Kings were reproved and plagued for their sakes. Pharaoh was so, and Abimelech. They were the anointed of the Lord, sanctified by his grace, sanctified by his glory, and had received the unction of the Spirit. They were his prophets, instructed in the things of God themselves and commissioned to instruct others (and prophets are said to be anointed, Kg1 19:16; Isa 61:1); therefore, if any touch them, they touch the apple of God's eye; if any harm them, it is at their peril, Ch1 16:19-22. 6. Let the great salvation of the Lord be especially the subject of our praises (Ch1 16:23): Show forth from day to day his salvation, that is (says bishop Patrick), his promised salvation by Christ. We have reason to celebrate that from day to day; for we daily receive the benefits of it, and it is a subject that can never be exhausted. 7. Let God be praised by a due and constant attendance upon him in the ordinances he has appointed: Bring an offering, then the fruit of the ground, now the fruit of the lips, of the heart (Heb 13:15), and worship him in the beauty of holiness, in the holy places and in a holy manner, Ch1 16:29. Holiness is the beauty of the Lord, the beauty of all sanctified souls and all religious performances. 8. Let God's universal monarchy be the fear and joy of all people. Let us reverence it: Fear before him, all the earth. And let us rejoice in it: Let the heavens be glad and rejoice, because the Lord reigns, and by his providence establishes the world, so that, though it be moved, it cannot be removed, nor the measures broken which Infinite Wisdom has taken in the government of it, Ch1 16:30, Ch1 16:31. 9. Let the prospect of the judgment to come inspire us with an awful pleasure, Let earth and sea, fields and woods, though in the great day of the Lord they will all be consumed, yet rejoice that he will come, doth come, to judge the earth, Ch1 16:32, Ch1 16:33. 10. In the midst of our praises we must not forget to pray for the succour and relief of those saints and servants of God that are in distress (Ch1 16:35): Save us, gather us, deliver us from the heathen, those of us that are scattered and oppressed. When we are rejoicing in God's favours to us we must remember our afflicted brethren, and pray for their salvation and deliverance as our own. We are members one of another; and therefore when we mean, "Lord, save them," it is not improper to say, "Lord, save us." Lastly, Let us make God the Alpha and Omega of our praises. David begins with (Ch1 16:8), Give thanks to the Lord; he concludes (Ch1 16:36), Blessed be the Lord. And whereas in the place whence this doxology is taken (Psa 106:48) it is added, Let all the people say, Amen, Hallelujah, here we find they did according to that directory: All the people said, Amen, and praised the Lord. When the Levites had finished this psalm or prayer and praise, then, and not till then, the people that attended signified their consent and concurrence by saying, Amen, And so they praised the Lord, much affected no doubt with this newly instituted way of devotion, which had been hitherto used in the schools of the prophets only, Sa1 10:5. And, if this way of praising God please the Lord better than an ox or a bullock that has horns and hoofs, the humble shall see it and be glad, Psa 69:31, Psa 69:32.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 7–36. Public domain.

Copy as

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

Copy as

Continue studying 1 Chronicles 16:33 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.

Cross-References

Psalms 98:9
Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
Psalms 96:12
Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
Psalms 96:13
Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
2 Thessalonians 1:8
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Ezekiel 17:22
¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:
Ezekiel 17:24
And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done it.
Revelation 11:17
Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.