1 Chronicles 29:14

KJV

But who [am] I, and what [is] my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things [come] of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

But who am I, and what is my people {H5971}, that we should be {H6113} able {H3581} to offer so willingly {H5068} after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own {H3027} have we given {H5414} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to give so willingly in this way? For all things come from you, so that we have given you what is already yours.

Berean Standard Bible

But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You.

American Standard Version

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 29:14 encapsulates King David's profound humility and theological insight, delivered as part of a prayer of thanksgiving following the people of Israel's extraordinarily generous contributions toward the building of the Temple. This verse articulates the foundational truth that all possessions, abilities, and even the very desire to give willingly, originate from God. It serves as a powerful confession of divine ownership and human stewardship, acknowledging that any offering made is simply a return of what God has already graciously provided from His own inexhaustible abundance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within David's magnificent prayer of thanksgiving and blessing, found in [1 Chronicles 29:10-19](/1_chronicles/29-10-19 "1 Chronicles 29:10-19 - David's Prayer of Thanksgiving and Blessing"). The prayer immediately follows the overwhelming generosity of David and the people of Israel in contributing materials and resources for the construction of the Temple, a project David passionately initiated but would be completed by his son, Solomon. David himself set the example by offering immense personal wealth from his own treasury ([1 Chronicles 29:3](/1_chronicles/29-3 "1 Chronicles 29:3 - David's Personal Offering for the Temple")). Inspired by his devotion, the leaders and the people responded with extraordinary enthusiasm and willingness, giving gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious stones with "a perfect heart" ([1 Chronicles 29:9](/1_chronicles/29-9 "1 Chronicles 29:9 - The People's Willing Offerings")). David's prayer, therefore, is not a request for provision, but a humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the source of all blessing, reflecting on the nature of true worship and giving in light of this divine provision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of a central Temple in Jerusalem was a monumental undertaking, symbolizing the establishment of God's dwelling place among His people and the centralization of Israelite worship. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings often initiated grand building projects to solidify their legacy and honor their deities. However, David's approach here transcends mere human ambition. The communal giving described in this chapter reflects the ancient Israelite practice of freewill offerings and the deep connection between material possessions and spiritual devotion. The concept of God's ultimate ownership of the land and its resources was a fundamental tenet of Israelite faith, rooted in the covenant at Sinai. Thus, the people's giving was not merely a financial transaction but an act of worship, a tangible expression of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, recognizing that all their prosperity was a gift from Him. This act of national unity and generosity for a sacred purpose was culturally significant, demonstrating Israel's devotion and commitment to their unique relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes profoundly to several key themes within [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "The Book of 1 Chronicles") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Profound Humility**, as David, despite his immense power and the people's unprecedented generosity, utterly disclaims personal credit, attributing all ability and desire to give to God's grace. This stands in stark contrast to human pride and self-sufficiency. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Ownership and Sovereignty**, encapsulated in the declaration "for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee." This affirms God as the ultimate Creator and Possessor of everything in the universe, a truth echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's and Everything in It"). Human beings are merely stewards of His resources, entrusted with managing what is inherently His. Lastly, the verse emphasizes **Willing and Joyful Giving**, noting "that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort." This demonstrates that true generosity is not coerced but flows from a heart of devotion, enabled by God Himself, foreshadowing New Testament principles of cheerful giving found in passages like [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **People (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** This term (עַם) refers to a congregated unit, specifically a nation or tribe, often implying a collective identity and shared purpose. In this context, David is not just speaking of individuals but of the entire Israelite nation, united in their extraordinary generosity. It underscores the communal aspect of their worship and offering.
* **Able (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** This word (כּוֹחַ) signifies vigor, force, capacity, or means. It denotes the inherent strength or ability to perform an action. David's rhetorical question, "that we should be able to offer so willingly," acknowledges that even the capacity to give, let alone the immense scale of their giving, was not an inherent human capability but a divine endowment.
* **Willingly (Hebrew, _nâdab'_):** This verb (נָדַב) signifies a spontaneous, uncoerced, and generous spirit. It implies a free, voluntary offering, often associated with a noble or princely disposition. In the context of giving, it emphasizes that the act is not compelled by law or obligation, but flows from an inner desire and devotion, a gift of grace enabling the response. This highlights the miraculous nature of the people's unified and abundant generosity.
* **Thine Own (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** While literally meaning "hand" (יָד), in this context, _yad_ functions as a metonymy for power, possession, or ownership. The phrase "of thine own have we given thee" powerfully asserts that what was offered back to God originated from His own possession, power, and provision. It underscores that humanity has nothing inherently to give that was not first received from God's "hand."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But who [am] I, and what [is] my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort?"**: This opening is a profound rhetorical question, expressing David's deep humility and astonishment. Despite being a powerful king and leading a prosperous nation capable of such immense contributions, David immediately deflects all credit. He recognizes that neither his personal ability nor the collective capacity of his people could have generated such a magnificent and willing outpouring of generosity on their own. It implies a recognition of divine enablement—that the very desire and means to give were themselves gifts from God, fostering a spirit of utter dependence and gratitude rather than pride. This humility stands as a model for all who seek to serve God.
* **"for all things [come] of thee,"**: This clause serves as the theological bedrock of the verse, providing the reason for David's humble astonishment. It is a declarative statement of God's absolute sovereignty and ultimate ownership over all creation. Everything that exists, every resource, every talent, every material possession, every breath, originates from God. There is nothing that humanity possesses or produces that does not ultimately trace its source back to the Creator. This truth dismantles any notion of self-sufficiency or independent wealth, establishing God as the sole proprietor of the universe.
* **"and of thine own have we given thee."**: This concluding phrase is the practical and worshipful application of the preceding theological truth. If all things come from God, then any act of giving back to Him is simply a return of what was already His. It transforms giving from a burdensome obligation into a joyous act of stewardship and worship, acknowledging God's supreme proprietorship. It signifies that human generosity is not a loss or a sacrifice of one's own, but a grateful acknowledgment of God's prior and greater generosity, returning a portion of His abundance for His purposes and glory.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The opening "But who [am] I, and what [is] my people...?" is a classic **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit an answer but to emphasize David's profound humility and the miraculous nature of the people's generosity. It functions as a **Confession** of human inadequacy and divine enablement, redirecting all praise to God. The core statement, "for all things [come] of thee, and of thine own have we given thee," presents a theological **Paradox**: humans give, yet they give nothing that is truly their own. This paradox highlights the unique nature of biblical stewardship, where giving is an act of acknowledging God's ultimate ownership rather than a transfer of personal property. Furthermore, the use of "thine own" (referring to God's "hand" or "power") can be seen as **Metonymy**, where a part (hand) represents the whole (God's possession and authority), underscoring the divine origin of all resources. The entire verse functions as a profound **Doxology**, a spontaneous expression of praise and glory to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 29:14 stands as a cornerstone of biblical theology regarding divine ownership, human stewardship, and the nature of true worship. It powerfully asserts that God is the ultimate source of all wealth, ability, and even the very inclination to give generously. This truth liberates believers from the burden of self-sufficiency and the illusion of personal accumulation, inviting them into a posture of grateful dependence. Our giving, therefore, is never a transaction where we enrich God, but rather an act of worshipful acknowledgment that all we have is a gift from Him, to be used for His glory and purposes. This perspective transforms giving from an obligation into a joyous privilege, reflecting God's own character of boundless generosity and inviting us to participate in His redemptive work in the world.

* [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's")
* [Romans 11:36](/romans/11-36 "Romans 11:36 - From Him and Through Him and To Him")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:14 offers timeless and transformative lessons for believers today, challenging our modern notions of ownership, success, and generosity. In a world that often measures worth by what one accumulates, this verse radically reorients our perspective, reminding us that true wealth lies not in possession but in recognizing God as the ultimate provider and owner of all things. It calls us to cultivate a profound humility, acknowledging that every talent, every resource, every opportunity, and even the very desire to do good, are divine endowments. When we give—whether our time, talents, or treasures—we are not sacrificing our own, but joyfully participating in God's ongoing work, returning a portion of what He has already so generously entrusted to us. This understanding fosters a spirit of gratitude, liberates us from the grip of materialism, and transforms acts of giving into profound expressions of worship and trust in God's unfailing provision, enabling us to live as faithful stewards of His boundless grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's confession, "who am I, and what is my people," challenge my own tendencies toward pride or self-reliance in my achievements or possessions?**
* **In what practical ways can I live out the truth that "for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee" in my daily life, beyond just financial giving?**
* **What does it mean for me to "offer so willingly" in my service and generosity, and what might hinder me from doing so?**
* **How does understanding God's ultimate ownership change my perspective on stewardship and the resources He has entrusted to me, prompting greater gratitude and purpose?**

### FAQ
**What does David mean by "who am I, and what is my people"?**

Answer: David is expressing profound humility and a sense of unworthiness, despite being a powerful king and leading a prosperous nation. He recognizes that neither his personal ability nor the collective capacity of his people could have generated such a magnificent and willing outpouring of generosity for the Temple project on their own. It's a rhetorical question that implies a recognition of divine enablement—that the very desire and means to give were themselves gifts from God. He's essentially saying, "We are nothing in ourselves to be capable of such great things; it is only by Your grace and provision that we can do this." This attitude stands in stark contrast to human pride and self-sufficiency, redirecting all glory to God, acknowledging that even the capacity to be generous is a gift from the Almighty.

**How does this verse relate to modern Christian giving and stewardship?**

Answer: This verse is foundational for understanding Christian giving and stewardship today. It teaches us that true generosity stems from acknowledging God's ultimate ownership of everything. When we give, we are not sacrificing our own possessions or earning favor with God; rather, we are simply returning a portion of what He has already provided from His abundance. This transforms giving from a burdensome obligation into a joyful act of worship and an expression of trust in God's continued provision. It also underscores that our "willingness" to give is itself a gift from God, enabled by His Spirit, as seen in the example of the Macedonian churches in [2 Corinthians 8:1-5](/2_corinthians/8-1-5 "2 Corinthians 8:1-5 - The Generosity of the Macedonian Churches"). It calls us to be faithful stewards of all resources—time, talents, and treasures—for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

**Is this verse only about financial or material giving?**

Answer: While the immediate context is about material contributions for the Temple, the theological principle extends far beyond just money or possessions. The phrase "all things come of thee" encompasses every aspect of our lives: our talents, abilities, time, relationships, health, and even our very breath. Therefore, "of thine own have we given thee" applies to offering our whole lives back to God in worship and service. This includes dedicating our skills to His purposes, using our time wisely for His kingdom, and fostering relationships that honor Him. It's a holistic call to surrender and stewardship, recognizing that our entire existence is a gift from God, to be used for His glory, as articulated in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices"). Our entire being is to be offered as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 29:14, with its profound declaration of divine ownership and the principle of returning to God what is already His, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While David and Israel offered material wealth from God's provision for a physical temple, Christ embodies the ultimate "giving of His own" and the supreme "gift from God." Jesus, being fully God, did not cling to His divine prerogatives but "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He, who owned all things as the Creator and Sustainer, willingly offered Himself—His very life—as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity, "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). In Christ, we see the ultimate act of God giving of His own (His Son) for us ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), and in response, our ability to "give back" to God is made possible only through His finished work. Our spiritual offerings of praise, service, and material resources are made acceptable to God not by our inherent worthiness, but by being presented "through Jesus Christ" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices Through Christ")). Thus, David's humble confession foreshadows the perfect humility and self-giving of the Son, through whom all things exist and to whom all glory ultimately returns, "for from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen" ([Romans 11:36](/romans/11-36 "Romans 11:36 - From Him and Through Him and To Him")).

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

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

2 Corinthians 3:5

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;

Romans 11:36

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

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:11

¶ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

Psalms 115:1

¶ Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, [and] for thy truth's sake.

Psalms 50:10

For every beast of the forest [is] mine, [and] the cattle upon a thousand hills.