1 Chronicles 29:12

KJV

Both riches and honour [come] of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand [is] power and might; and in thine hand [it is] to make great, and to give strength unto all.

KJV (with Strong's)

Both riches {H6239} and honour {H3519} come of thee {H6440}, and thou reignest {H4910} over all; and in thine hand {H3027} is power {H3581} and might {H1369}; and in thine hand {H3027} it is to make great {H1431}, and to give strength {H2388} unto all.

Complete Jewish Bible

Riches and honor come from you, you rule everything, in your hand is power and strength, you have the capacity to make great and to give strength to all.

Berean Standard Bible

Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all.

American Standard Version

Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou rulest over all; and in thy hand is power and might; and in thy hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 29:12 is a profound declaration embedded within King David's prayer of thanksgiving and blessing, offered as the people generously contributed towards the future Temple. This verse encapsulates the foundational truth of God's absolute sovereignty, affirming Him as the singular, ultimate source of all material wealth and social standing. It further proclaims His universal reign, His inherent and irresistible power, and His divine prerogative to elevate individuals and nations, bestowing strength upon all according to His perfect will. David's words serve as a timeless testament to God's dominion over every aspect of existence, challenging human pride and fostering a spirit of profound dependence and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a central component of King David's magnificent prayer of praise and worship, recorded in [1 Chronicles 29:10-19](/1_chronicles/29-10-19 "1 Chronicles 29:10-19 - King David's Prayer of Praise and Blessing"). The preceding verses detail the immense, willing contributions of David and the people for the construction of the Temple, a project David passionately initiated but would not live to complete. David's prayer serves as a theological capstone to this period of intense preparation, shifting focus from human generosity to divine ownership. It immediately follows the people's joyful and willing giving ([1 Chronicles 29:9](/1_chronicles/29-9 "1 Chronicles 29:9 - The People's Willing Contributions")), establishing the context that all human ability to give, and all that is given, ultimately originates from God. The prayer also anticipates the transfer of leadership to Solomon, underscoring that even the greatest earthly king and his grandest projects are entirely dependent on God's power and provision, a theme that continues into the subsequent narrative of [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of a central temple was a monumental undertaking in ancient Israel, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people and serving as the focal point of their worship and national identity. In a monarchical society, "riches and honor" were highly valued, often seen as indicators of divine favor and earthly power, as evidenced in many ancient Near Eastern cultures. However, David's prayer subverts this worldly perspective by explicitly attributing these blessings to God alone. The concept of voluntary contributions for sacred purposes was deeply embedded in Israelite culture, stemming from the wilderness tabernacle project. David, as king, was not merely a political leader but also a spiritual shepherd, and his public prayer here models profound humility and theological insight for his people and his successor, Solomon, who would eventually build the Temple. This act of worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty was crucial in establishing the spiritual foundation for the new era of the Temple, highlighting a distinct Israelite understanding of divine authority over human accomplishments.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 29:12](/1_chronicles/29-12 "1 Chronicles 29:12 - God's Sovereignty and Provision") powerfully articulates several core theological themes prevalent throughout the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, asserting God as the ultimate and exclusive source of all material wealth and social standing. This challenges any humanistic notion of self-made success, redirecting all glory and gratitude to the Creator. Secondly, the verse highlights God's **Omnipotence and Universal Dominion**, declaring that "thou reignest over all" and that "in thine hand is power and might." This underscores His active, irresistible control over all creation, history, and human affairs, a truth echoed in [Psalm 103:19](/psalm/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - God's Sovereign Rule Over All"). Finally, it reveals God's **Capacity to Exalt and Empower**, stating that "in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all." This speaks to His active involvement in human destiny, His ability to elevate individuals or nations, and His readiness to empower His people for His purposes, demonstrating that all true strength and achievement ultimately flow from His divine grace, as seen in [Isaiah 40:29](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29 - God Gives Power to the Faint").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Honour (Hebrew, _kâbôwd_):** This term (H3519) refers to weight, but figuratively, it signifies splendor, glory, dignity, and respect. In this context, it speaks to the reputation, esteem, and social standing a person or nation holds. David's declaration attributes the very source of true recognition and lasting respect directly to God, implying that human achievement or ambition alone cannot secure genuine honor; it is divinely bestowed.
* **Reignest (Hebrew, _mâshal_):** This verb (H4910) means to rule, govern, or have dominion. It denotes the exercise of absolute authority and sovereignty. The use of this word emphasizes God's active, comprehensive kingship over the entire cosmos, leaving no aspect of creation or human experience outside of His purview. It highlights His supreme, active control, not merely passive oversight.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd_):** This primitive word (H3027) refers to the hand, often used figuratively to denote power, means, direction, or control. Its repeated use in this verse ("in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great") vividly portrays God's direct, personal, and active control over all things. It signifies His immediate agency and the source of all divine actions, including bestowing power, might, greatness, and strength.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Both riches and honour [come] of thee":** This opening clause establishes God as the singular, ultimate source of all material prosperity (riches) and social prestige or glory (honour). It refutes any notion that wealth or status are solely the product of human effort, luck, or inheritance, firmly rooting their origin in divine providence. This declaration fosters humility and gratitude, recognizing that even the ability to acquire these things is a gift from God's benevolent hand.
* **"and thou reignest over all":** This phrase asserts God's absolute and universal sovereignty. His reign is not limited to Israel or to spiritual matters; it extends over all nations, all creation, and all circumstances. This affirms His supreme authority and comprehensive control, implying that no event, power, or human will can operate outside of His ultimate dominion and oversight.
* **"and in thine hand [is] power and might":** This clause emphasizes God's omnipotence. The phrase "in thine hand" vividly portrays direct, personal control and agency. "Power" (Hebrew: *kôach*, inherent capacity or vigor) and "might" (Hebrew: *gĕbûwrâh*, strength demonstrated in action or valor) together convey the totality of God's irresistible strength and His limitless ability to accomplish anything He wills. It speaks to His inherent and inexhaustible capacity to act.
* **"and in thine hand [it is] to make great, and to give strength unto all":** This final clause highlights God's active involvement in human affairs and His prerogative to elevate and empower. "To make great" (Hebrew: *gâdal*) signifies His ability to grant success, promotion, influence, and prominence to individuals or nations. "To give strength unto all" (Hebrew: *châzaq*) emphasizes His capacity to invigorate, enable, sustain, and fortify anyone for any purpose, whether physical, moral, or spiritual. This underscores that any human achievement or capability ultimately derives from His divine grace and enablement.

#### Literary Devices
The profound theological message of [1 Chronicles 29:12](/1_chronicles/29-12 "1 Chronicles 29:12 - God's Sovereignty and Power") is amplified through several powerful literary devices. **Repetition** is prominently featured with the phrase "in thine hand," appearing twice in quick succession. This anaphoric repetition serves to underscore the direct, personal, and absolute control God exercises over all aspects of existence—His active involvement rather than passive oversight. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, particularly synthetic parallelism, where the second part of a clause expands upon or completes the first. For example, "power and might" function as a **Hendiadys**, using two distinct words ("power" and "might") to express a single, intensified concept of divine strength and capability, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's ability. The sweeping declaration "thou reignest over all" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the boundless and universal nature of God's dominion, encompassing all creation and every sphere of influence. The cumulative effect of these devices is to create a majestic and emphatic affirmation of God's unparalleled supremacy, power, and benevolent control over all things.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 29:12 serves as a pivotal theological statement, grounding all human endeavor and blessing in the absolute sovereignty of God. It compels believers to adopt a posture of profound humility and dependence, recognizing that all material wealth, social standing, inherent abilities, and opportunities are ultimately gifts from His hand. This understanding fosters a spirit of gratitude and liberates individuals from the burdens of self-reliance and pride. Furthermore, the verse underscores the concept of divine providence, asserting that God not only creates but actively sustains and governs all things, orchestrating events and empowering individuals according to His wise and sovereign plan. It calls us to be faithful stewards of the resources and influence entrusted to us, knowing that they are not our own, but belong to the One who reigns over all.

* [Psalm 103:19](/psalm/103-19 "God's Eternal Reign")
* [Proverbs 22:4](/proverbs/22-4 "Reward of Humility")
* [Romans 11:36](/romans/11-36 "All Things From God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless truths of 1 Chronicles 29:12 invite believers to a deeper, more profound worship and a reorientation of their worldview. In a world that often celebrates self-made success and attributes prosperity to human ingenuity alone, this verse serves as a powerful corrective, reminding us that every blessing, every ability, and every opportunity ultimately flows from the benevolent hand of God. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of radical gratitude, acknowledging Him as the ultimate provider and sustainer. When we recognize that God reigns over all and holds all power, our anxieties diminish, and our trust deepens, especially in times of uncertainty or adversity. This understanding also transforms our approach to stewardship: our "riches and honor" are not possessions to hoard or boast about, but resources and influence to be managed faithfully for His glory. It encourages us to seek His strength and guidance in all our endeavors, knowing that true greatness and lasting impact are found in alignment with His will and through His divine enablement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the source of all riches and honor impact my view of personal achievement and material possessions?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to surrender control and more fully acknowledge God's sovereign reign?**
* **How can I actively seek God's strength and guidance in my daily challenges, rather than relying solely on my own capabilities?**

### FAQ
**Why is King David emphasizing God's power and provision at this specific moment?**

Answer: David's emphasis in [1 Chronicles 29:12](/1_chronicles/29-12 "God's Sovereignty in David's Prayer") is profoundly strategic and theological. He has just witnessed an overwhelming outpouring of generosity from the people for the Temple project, a feat that might tempt human pride or self-congratulation. By declaring that "both riches and honour come of thee," David immediately redirects all glory to God, preventing any misplaced credit. Furthermore, David is preparing for his succession, entrusting the massive task of Temple building to his son Solomon. This prayer serves as a vital theological instruction for Solomon and future generations, establishing that the success of the kingdom and the Temple's construction depend entirely on God's sovereignty and strength, not on human might or resources alone. It sets a foundation of humility and dependence for the new era, ensuring that even the greatest human endeavors are seen as divinely enabled.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of human effort and responsibility?**

Answer: [1 Chronicles 29:12](/1_chronicles/29-12 "Divine Source, Human Responsibility") does not negate human effort or responsibility; rather, it places them within their proper divine context. David and the people had exerted immense effort in gathering resources and contributing generously. The verse acknowledges this human activity but clarifies that the *ability* to exert such effort, the *resources* to give, and the *outcome* of their endeavors ultimately originate from God. It's a statement of ultimate causality. Our efforts are not independent but are empowered and blessed by God. This understanding fosters a balanced perspective: we are called to work diligently and steward resources faithfully, but always with the humble recognition that all strength, provision, and success are gifts from the One who reigns over all. It encourages active participation rooted in divine dependence, as seen in [Philippians 2:12-13](/ philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Work Out Your Salvation").

**Does this verse imply a "prosperity gospel"?**

Answer: No, [1 Chronicles 29:12](/1_chronicles/29-12 "Not a Prosperity Gospel") does not support the tenets of a "prosperity gospel" that promises material wealth and health to all believers as a direct result of faith or giving. While the verse states that "riches and honour come of thee," it is a declaration of God's *ultimate source* and *sovereign ability*, not a universal promise of material prosperity for every individual. David's prayer is about God's dominion over all things, including wealth and status, and His prerogative to bestow them as He wills, often in the context of communal blessing (like the Temple project) and for His greater purposes. The focus is on God's glory and His ownership of all things, calling for stewardship and gratitude, not a formula for personal gain. True biblical prosperity is often spiritual, as described in [3 John 1:2](/3_john/1-2 "3 John 1:2 - Spiritual Prosperity").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound declarations of [1 Chronicles 29:12](/1_chronicles/29-12 "God's Sovereignty and Christ's Fulfillment") find their ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. If "riches and honour come of" God, then Christ, being God incarnate, is the very embodiment and dispenser of all true spiritual riches and eternal honor. He is the one "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). The declaration that God "reignest over all" is perfectly realized in Christ, who, after His resurrection, was given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")) and "is head over every ruler and authority" ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Christ, Head of All Rule and Authority")). The "power and might" residing in God's hand are fully manifested in Christ's miracles, His triumph over sin and death, and His ongoing work of redemption and sanctification, for "he is before all things, and in him all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ, the Sustainer of All Things")). Furthermore, Christ is the one who truly "makes great" and "gives strength unto all" who believe, not merely in an earthly sense, but by elevating humanity to new life in Him and empowering believers through His Spirit to "do all things through Christ who strengthens" them ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - Strength Through Christ")). Thus, David's ancient prayer points forward to the supreme reign, power, and life-giving capacity of the Son, through whom all blessings flow and to whom all glory is due, culminating in His return when "every knee should bow" to Him ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Christ")).

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

Ephesians 3:16

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Deuteronomy 8:18

But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as [it is] this day.

2 Chronicles 20:6

And said, O LORD God of our fathers, [art] not thou God in heaven? and rulest [not] thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand [is there not] power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Daniel 6:26

I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he [is] the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion [shall be even] unto the end.

Romans 11:35

Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

Romans 11:36

For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.