1 Chronicles 21:8

And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

And David {H1732} said {H559} unto God {H430}, I have sinned {H2398} greatly {H3966}, because I have done {H6213} this thing {H1697}: but now, I beseech thee, do away {H5674} the iniquity {H5771} of thy servant {H5650}; for I have done very {H3966} foolishly {H5528}.

David said to God, "I have greatly sinned by doing this. But now, please! Put aside your servant's sin, for I have done a very foolish thing."

Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly because I have done this thing. Now I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.”

And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, in that I have done this thing: but now, put away, I beseech thee, the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

1 Chronicles 21:8 captures King David's profound confession and plea for forgiveness after his sin of numbering Israel. This powerful verse highlights the immediate and heartfelt repentance of a leader described as a man after God's own heart, demonstrating his humility and reliance on divine mercy.

Context

The preceding verses in 1 Chronicles 21 describe how Satan incited David to conduct a census of Israel. This act, while seemingly administrative, was considered a grave sin because it reflected a lack of trust in God's power and provision, instead relying on human strength and numbers. Despite the warnings from Joab, David proceeded with the census, which displeased God and led to a severe plague upon Israel. This verse, 1 Chronicles 21:8, records David's immediate response to the divine judgment, acknowledging his culpability and seeking God's intervention. A parallel account of this event is found in 2 Samuel 24.

Key Themes

  • Confession and Repentance: David's direct admission, "I have sinned greatly," exemplifies genuine remorse and a willingness to take full responsibility for his actions, rather than blame others or circumstances.
  • Consequences of Sin: The narrative clearly illustrates that disobedience, even from a king, brings divine judgment. David's sin resulted in widespread suffering for his people, underscoring the ripple effect of our choices.
  • Humility Before God: Despite his immense power and status, David humbles himself before God, admitting his "very foolish" behavior and acknowledging his own moral failing.
  • Seeking Divine Forgiveness: David's plea, "do away the iniquity of thy servant," reflects his understanding that only God can remove the stain and consequences of sin, highlighting the necessity of divine mercy.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "sinned greatly" (chata' gâdôl, חָטָא גָּדוֹל) emphasizes the enormity and severity of David's transgression. The word "iniquity" ('avon, עָוֹן) often conveys not just the sin itself, but also the guilt, punishment, or moral perversity associated with it, suggesting David desires a complete removal of its effects. His admission of acting "very foolishly" (sakal, סָכַל) implies a profound lack of wisdom and spiritual insight in his actions, acknowledging a misguided choice.

Practical Application

David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 21:8 serves as a timeless model for believers today. It teaches us the importance of immediate and sincere confession when we realize we have sinned. No sin, regardless of who commits it, goes unnoticed by God. True repentance involves acknowledging our foolishness and appealing directly to God's mercy and forgiveness. This verse encourages us to approach God with honesty about our failings, trusting that He is faithful to forgive those who genuinely humble themselves and seek His pardon. For a deeper look into David's prayer of repentance, see Psalm 51.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Samuel 12:13

    And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

  • Psalms 51:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

  • Psalms 51:3

    For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin [is] ever before me.

  • 1 John 1:9

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • Luke 15:18

    I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

  • Luke 15:19

    And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

  • John 1:29

    ¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
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