1 Chronicles 29:11

KJV

Thine, O LORD, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all [that is] in the heaven and in the earth [is thine]; thine [is] the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thine, O LORD {H3068}, is the greatness {H1420}, and the power {H1369}, and the glory {H8597}, and the victory {H5331}, and the majesty {H1935}: for all that is in the heaven {H8064} and in the earth {H776} is thine; thine is the kingdom {H4467}, O LORD {H3068}, and thou art exalted {H4984} as head {H7218} above all.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yours, ADONAI, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory and the majesty; for everything in heaven and on earth is yours. The kingdom is yours, ADONAI; and you are exalted as head over all.

Berean Standard Bible

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth belongs to You. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all.

American Standard Version

Thine, O Jehovah, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Jehovah, and thou art exalted as head above all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 29:11 stands as the magnificent core of King David's prayer of thanksgiving, a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty, inherent glory, and comprehensive dominion. This verse articulates a theology of divine ownership, asserting that all power, honor, victory, and majesty reside exclusively with the LORD, for everything in heaven and on earth belongs to Him. It culminates in the affirmation of God's eternal kingdom and His supreme exaltation as head over all creation, serving as a timeless model for worship centered on God's incomparable worth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful verse is embedded within King David's final public prayer, recorded in [1 Chronicles 29:10-19](/1_chronicles/29-10 "1 Chronicles 29:10-19 - David's Prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving"). The immediate preceding verses detail the extraordinary generosity of the people of Israel, who, inspired by David's example, offered immense wealth and resources for the construction of the Temple. David, though forbidden by God to build the Temple himself, meticulously prepared for its construction and now leads the nation in a profound act of worship and dedication. His prayer is not merely a personal expression but a public theological statement, acknowledging that all the lavish contributions, and indeed the very capacity to give, originate from God. It serves as a crucial transition point, as David prepares to hand over the kingdom to his son Solomon, ensuring that the focus remains on God's ultimate kingship rather than human succession or achievement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the twilight of King David's illustrious reign, a period of national consolidation and spiritual renewal. The immense undertaking of building a permanent Temple for the LORD was a monumental aspiration, reflecting the desire for a central place of worship after centuries of the tabernacle. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings were often seen as divine representatives or even deities, but David's prayer starkly contrasts this, humbly positioning himself and the entire nation under God's supreme authority. The voluntary and abundant offerings for the Temple were a significant cultural practice, demonstrating devotion and communal commitment. David's public prayer also served a pedagogical purpose, instructing the people and his successor, Solomon, on the true nature of kingship—not as absolute human power, but as stewardship under the divine King. The emphasis on God's ownership of "all that is in the heaven and in the earth" directly challenges any notion of human autonomy over resources, reinforcing a theology of stewardship deeply embedded in Israelite faith.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 29:11](/1_chronicles/29-11 "1 Chronicles 29:11 - David's Declaration of God's Sovereignty") encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of Chronicles and biblical theology. First and foremost is **Divine Sovereignty and Supremacy**, emphatically declaring God's comprehensive control and preeminence over all creation and human affairs. This is reinforced by the comprehensive list of attributes ascribed to Him. Second, the theme of **God's Ownership of All Things** is pivotal, highlighted by the phrase "for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine." This truth undergirds the entire act of giving for the Temple, transforming it from a human achievement into a return of God's own blessings, as also seen in [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the LORD's"). Third, the verse underscores **The Eternal Kingdom of God**, asserting "Thine is the kingdom, O LORD." Unlike fleeting earthly monarchies, God's dominion is universal and everlasting, a concept echoed throughout Scripture, from the prophetic vision in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom") to the New Testament's proclamation of Christ's reign. Finally, the concluding affirmation, "and thou art exalted as head above all," summarizes the theme of **God Exalted Above All**, positioning Him as the ultimate authority to whom all creation must bow, shaping a proper posture of worship and humility for all believers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Greatness (Hebrew, _gedullah'_):** This term signifies magnitude, preeminence, and inherent dignity. It speaks to God's immense stature and His incomparable nature, suggesting a majesty that transcends all earthly measures. In the context of David's prayer, it highlights that God's "greatness" far surpasses any human king's power or influence, making Him the ultimate object of awe and reverence.
* **Victory (Hebrew, _netzach'_):** More than just a single triumph, _netzach_ conveys enduring success, perpetuity, and lasting dominion. It implies an eternal quality of God's triumph, suggesting that His purposes will always prevail, and His reign will never end. This term provides assurance that God's plans cannot be thwarted, and His ultimate victory is guaranteed, regardless of temporal circumstances or human opposition.
* **Majesty (Hebrew, _hod'_):** This word denotes splendor, honor, and kingly dignity. It speaks to the awe-inspiring presence and inherent glory of God, often associated with His visible manifestation or the grandeur of His divine rule. _Hod_ evokes a sense of profound reverence and adoration, acknowledging God's rightful place as the supreme sovereign worthy of all praise and homage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thine, O LORD, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty:"** This opening clause is a comprehensive ascription of divine attributes, establishing God's inherent and exclusive possession of all supreme qualities. "Greatness" speaks to His infinite being, "power" to His omnipotence, "glory" to His radiant splendor, "victory" to His enduring triumph over all opposition, and "majesty" to His royal dignity and awe-inspiring presence. The repetition of "Thine, O LORD" emphasizes the singular ownership and unparalleled nature of God.
* **"for all [that is] in the heaven and in the earth [is thine];"** This explanatory clause provides the theological basis for the preceding attributes. It declares God's absolute and universal ownership over all creation—everything in the cosmos, both seen and unseen, belongs to Him. This foundational truth underscores that human possessions and achievements, including the vast wealth offered for the Temple, are merely held in stewardship under God's ultimate dominion.
* **"thine [is] the kingdom, O LORD,"** This powerful declaration affirms God's eternal and universal reign. Unlike earthly kingdoms that rise and fall, God's kingdom is everlasting and encompasses all realms. It is the ultimate authority, transcending all human governance and demonstrating that true sovereignty resides with Him alone. The repetition of "O LORD" reinforces this central truth.
* **"and thou art exalted as head above all."** This concluding phrase serves as a climactic summary, emphasizing God's supreme position and preeminence. It signifies that God is elevated above every other authority, power, or entity. He is the ultimate ruler, the sovereign over all things, to whom all creation must ultimately submit and render homage.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 29:11 is rich with literary artistry that amplifies its theological message. The most prominent device is **Enumeration** or **Accumulation**, where a series of divine attributes ("greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty") are listed to convey the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of God's perfections. This extensive list creates a sense of overwhelming awe and leaves no room for doubt regarding God's supreme character. The recurring phrase "Thine, O LORD" at the beginning and within the verse exemplifies **Anaphora**, a rhetorical device of repetition that powerfully emphasizes God's exclusive ownership and the central theme of divine sovereignty. Furthermore, the declaration "for all that is in the heaven and in the earth [is thine]" employs **Hyperbole** or a statement of **Totality**, using expansive language to convey the absolute and universal scope of God's dominion, leaving no part of creation outside His ownership. These devices collectively contribute to the verse's profound impact, transforming it into a majestic anthem of praise that elevates God above all.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 29:11 is a theological cornerstone, profoundly shaping our understanding of God's inherent nature and humanity's proper response. It establishes God as the ultimate source and owner of all things, challenging any notion of human autonomy or self-sufficiency. This truth has profound implications for stewardship, worship, and trust. If all greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty belong to the LORD, then our lives, resources, and abilities are not our own but are gifts to be stewarded for His purposes. This perspective transforms giving from a burden into a joyful act of returning what is already His. Moreover, the declaration of God's universal kingdom and His exaltation as "head above all" provides an anchor of stability in a world of flux, reminding us that an unchanging, sovereign God ultimately governs all circumstances, inspiring unwavering trust and humble submission.

* [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the LORD's, and the Fullness Thereof")
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-35 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise of God's Eternal Dominion")
* [Revelation 4:11](/revelation/4-11 "Revelation 4:11 - Worthy Are You, Our Lord and God, to Receive Glory and Honor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 29:11 offers a timeless blueprint for authentic worship and a God-centered life. David's prayer, uttered at the zenith of his earthly power, models a profound humility that recognizes God as the true and ultimate King. For believers today, this verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of worship that transcends mere ritual, focusing instead on God's inherent worth and absolute sovereignty. It challenges us to surrender our perceived ownership of possessions, talents, and even our very lives, embracing a posture of humble stewardship, knowing that "all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine." In a world often characterized by anxiety and a relentless pursuit of control, the declaration that God is "exalted as head above all" provides immense comfort and assurance. It reminds us that His plans will prevail, His kingdom will endure, and His ultimate control brings peace amidst uncertainty. This perspective encourages us to live with open hands, trusting in His provision and direction, and to continually reorient our lives around His supreme authority, just as David did in preparing for the Temple.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging God's absolute ownership (1 Chron 29:11) transform your perspective on your possessions and resources?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender control and truly acknowledge God as "exalted as head above all"?**
* **How can David's comprehensive prayer of praise inspire a deeper, more holistic approach to your personal worship and daily living?**

### FAQ

**Why is David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:11 so significant, especially given the context of temple building?**

Answer: This verse is profoundly significant because it grounds the entire monumental undertaking of building the Temple in God's sovereignty, not human achievement. David, despite his immense efforts in preparing for the Temple, publicly acknowledges that all the resources and the very ability to give come from God. By declaring "Thine, O LORD, is the greatness... for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine," David prevents any human pride from overshadowing the divine initiative. It sets a theological foundation for stewardship, emphasizing that the Temple, and indeed all creation, belongs to God. This perspective ensures that the focus remains on God's glory and ownership, rather than the generosity or power of the people or the king, providing a crucial lesson for all future generations about the nature of true worship and giving.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of God's "kingdom" in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The declaration "thine is the kingdom, O LORD" in [1 Chronicles 29:11](/1_chronicles/29-11 "1 Chronicles 29:11 - God's Kingdom Declared") is a pivotal statement regarding God's kingdom in the Old Testament. It affirms that God's reign is not merely temporal or limited to Israel, but is eternal, universal, and absolute. While David was an earthly king, he understood that his kingdom was merely a reflection and instrument of God's ultimate dominion. This verse distinguishes God's kingdom from all earthly monarchies, highlighting its boundless nature and enduring power. It reinforces the theological truth that God is the supreme sovereign, the ultimate King over all creation, whose dominion knows no end. This concept is foundational to the prophetic visions of God's everlasting kingdom, such as in [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-35 - God's Eternal Dominion"), and sets the stage for the New Testament understanding of the Kingdom of God embodied in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 29:11, with its majestic declaration of God's greatness, power, glory, victory, majesty, and kingdom, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the visible embodiment of these divine attributes, the very "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" as described in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory"). The "greatness" and "power" of God are perfectly displayed in Christ's miracles, His authority over creation, and His triumph over sin and death. He is the "Lamb of God" who achieved the ultimate "victory" over evil, as celebrated in [Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy Is the Lamb"). The "glory" and "majesty" of God are uniquely revealed in Him, for He is "the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation," through whom "all things were created" and "in him all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ's Supremacy Over Creation")). Furthermore, the declaration "thine is the kingdom, O LORD" is perfectly realized in Christ, who inaugurated God's eternal kingdom on earth and will ultimately reign as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Christ as King of Kings")). As the resurrected and ascended Lord, He is indeed "exalted as head above all" principalities and powers, with all things put under His feet ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ Exalted Above All Authority")). Thus, David's prayer, though uttered centuries before Christ, beautifully foreshadows the One in whom all divine perfections are perfectly manifested and through whom God's kingdom is eternally established.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 1:3

Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Daniel 4:34

¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation:

Daniel 4:35

And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

1 Timothy 1:17

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Jude 1:25

To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Isaiah 12:4

¶ And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

Revelation 5:12

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.