1 Chronicles 29:15

KJV

For we [are] strangers before thee, and sojourners, as [were] all our fathers: our days on the earth [are] as a shadow, and [there is] none abiding.

KJV (with Strong's)

For we are strangers {H1616} before {H6440} thee, and sojourners {H8453}, as were all our fathers {H1}: our days {H3117} on the earth {H776} are as a shadow {H6738}, and there is none abiding {H4723}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For in your presence we are temporary residents, just passing through, as all our ancestors were - our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.

Berean Standard Bible

For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.

American Standard Version

For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as all our fathers were: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is no abiding.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Chronicles 29:15, King David, amidst a grand national effort to prepare for the Temple's construction, offers a profound theological reflection on the transient nature of human existence and the enduring sovereignty of God. This verse serves as a humble acknowledgment that despite their immense earthly achievements and generous contributions, humanity's time on earth is fleeting and impermanent, akin to a passing shadow, contrasting sharply with the eternal, abiding presence of the Almighty. It underscores a foundational biblical truth: all human endeavors and lives are temporary before an eternal God, fostering humility and an eternal perspective.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within David's magnificent prayer of thanksgiving and blessing to God, recorded in [1 Chronicles 29](/1_chronicles/29 "1 Chronicles 29 - David's Prayer and Preparations for the Temple"). The chapter details David's final preparations for the Temple, which his son Solomon would ultimately build. David, having gathered immense wealth and resources, encouraged the people to give willingly for this sacred project, and they responded with overwhelming generosity. In his prayer, David attributes all glory, power, and provision to God, explicitly stating in [1 Chronicles 29:14](/1_chronicles/29-14 "1 Chronicles 29:14 - All Things Come From God") that "all things come from You, and from Your own hand we have given You." It is within this context of unparalleled earthly achievement and spiritual fervor that David shifts focus, reminding both himself and the people of their inherent mortality and the brevity of human life. This perspective serves to temper pride, underscore humility, and redirect their ultimate hope and dependence entirely upon God, even as they engage in a monumental project for His glory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the culmination of David's reign, a period of relative peace and prosperity for Israel, preparing for the construction of the central place of worship, the Temple in Jerusalem. The concepts of "strangers" (Hebrew: *ger*) and "sojourners" (Hebrew: *toshab*) were deeply rooted in Israel's historical experience. Their patriarch Abraham was a sojourner in the land promised to him ([Genesis 23:4](/genesis/23-4 "Genesis 23:4 - Abraham a Sojourner")), and the entire nation experienced a long period of sojourning in Egypt and the wilderness before entering the Promised Land. This historical memory instilled a consciousness that even in their own land, their ultimate ownership and security rested with God, who was the true owner of the land ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")). Culturally, life was often precarious and short, making the metaphor of a "shadow" particularly poignant in conveying brevity and insubstantiality. David's prayer reflects a mature understanding of Israel's covenant relationship with God, where even their dwelling in the land was contingent on their faithfulness and recognition of God's ultimate sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching biblical themes. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the **Human Transience and Mortality**, emphasizing that earthly existence is temporary and impermanent. Like guests in a foreign land, humans do not have a lasting dwelling here, and their days are fleeting, much like a shadow that passes quickly and leaves no trace. Secondly, it implicitly highlights **Divine Eternity and Sovereignty**, contrasting human impermanence with God's everlasting and unchanging nature. While humans do not abide, God does, encouraging a focus on what is eternal rather than temporal. Thirdly, it establishes a foundational biblical concept of **Pilgrim Status and Heavenly Citizenship**, reminding believers that they are not truly "at home" in this world. This idea resonates throughout Scripture, from the patriarchs who lived in tents ([Hebrews 11:9-10](/hebrews/11-9-10 "Hebrews 11:9-10 - Abraham's Faith and Heavenly City")) to New Testament believers who are called "strangers and exiles" ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Appeal to Strangers and Pilgrims")), pointing to an ultimate heavenly citizenship and a future dwelling with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **strangers (Hebrew, _gêr_):** This term refers to a resident alien, a foreigner living in a land that is not their native home. They had certain rights and protections under Israelite law but did not possess inherited land or full tribal status. In a theological sense, it conveys the idea of not being permanently settled, having no lasting claim or possession in the earthly realm.
* **sojourners (Hebrew, _tôwshâb_):** Similar to *gêr*, this word emphasizes a temporary stay or residence. It denotes someone who dwells in a place for a period but does not own it or have permanent roots there. Together with *gêr*, it paints a vivid picture of humanity's temporary status on earth, underscoring that our true home and ultimate security are not found in this world.
* **shadow (Hebrew, _tsêl_):** A common and powerful biblical metaphor, *tsêl* signifies something fleeting, insubstantial, and quickly disappearing. It highlights the brevity and ephemeral nature of human life. Just as a shadow has no substance and vanishes with the changing light, so too are our days on earth in the grand scheme of eternity, emphasizing fragility and impermanence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners":** David begins by humbly acknowledging humanity's transient status in the presence of God. The terms "strangers" and "sojourners" convey that humans are not permanent residents on earth; they are temporary inhabitants, guests in God's world, without inherent claim or lasting possession. This declaration is made "before thee," emphasizing that this reality is understood and affirmed in God's sovereign presence.
* **"as were all our fathers":** This clause connects the current generation to their ancestors, establishing a continuity of human transience. It grounds the statement in Israel's historical and theological memory, reminding them that this temporary status is not unique to them but has been the experience of all humanity, including the revered patriarchs who lived as nomads in the promised land.
* **"our days on the earth are as a shadow":** This vivid metaphor underscores the extreme brevity and insubstantiality of human life. A shadow is fleeting, without substance, and quickly passes away, leaving no trace. This imagery powerfully conveys that human existence, in comparison to God's eternity, is incredibly short and fragile, a mere wisp in the grand scope of time.
* **"and there is none abiding":** This concluding phrase reinforces the absolute lack of permanence or inherent stability in human life. It means that there is no lasting, enduring quality to human existence itself, no self-sustaining power or eternal hope found apart from God. It emphasizes the complete dependence of humanity on God for any true and lasting reality.

#### Literary Devices
David's prayer in [1 Chronicles 29:15](/1_chronicles/29-15 "1 Chronicles 29:15 - Human Transience") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "our days on the earth are as a shadow." This comparison vividly illustrates the brevity, insubstantiality, and fleeting nature of human life, much like a shadow that appears and disappears without leaving a trace. The use of "strangers" and "sojourners" functions as a powerful **Analogy**, drawing a parallel between human existence and the temporary status of resident aliens in a foreign land. This highlights our non-permanent dwelling on earth. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing human transience ("none abiding") with the implied eternal and abiding nature of God, before whom they are "strangers." This contrast elevates God's sovereignty and permanence. Finally, the phrase "none abiding" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the complete lack of inherent human permanence or self-sufficiency, driving home the point that true security and lasting hope are found only in God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 29:15 is a pivotal verse that encapsulates a profound biblical anthropology, affirming humanity's fleeting nature before an eternal God. It aligns with the pervasive "pilgrim" motif found throughout Scripture, reminding us that this world is not our ultimate home. From Abraham, who lived in tents, looking forward to "the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God" ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham's Heavenly City")), to the New Testament exhortations for believers to live as "strangers and exiles" ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Appeal to Strangers and Pilgrims")), this theme calls for a detachment from worldly attachments and an orientation towards eternal realities. David's words, spoken amidst the preparation for a physical temple, paradoxically underscore that true worship and lasting significance are not found in material structures or earthly accomplishments, but in a humble recognition of God's eternal nature and humanity's temporary stewardship. This theological truth compels believers to invest in what truly lasts: their relationship with God and the advancement of His eternal kingdom.

* [Psalm 39:12](/psalms/39-12 "Psalm 39:12 - A Prayer for Understanding")
* [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13 - The Faith of the Patriarchs")
* [1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Appeal to Strangers and Pilgrims")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's humble acknowledgment in 1 Chronicles 29:15 offers timeless lessons for believers today, inviting us to recalibrate our perspectives and priorities. Understanding our transient nature on earth fosters profound humility, reminding us that all our days, resources, and abilities are not our own but precious gifts from God, to be stewarded for His glory. This truth should motivate us to live with an eternal perspective, investing our time, talents, and treasures in pursuits that have lasting spiritual value rather than solely chasing fleeting worldly gains. The brevity of life, "as a shadow," serves as a powerful impetus to redeem the time, to live purposefully, and to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. It encourages a detachment from the temporal and a deep longing for our true, eternal home with God, shaping our daily decisions and ultimate hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing your transient status as a "stranger and sojourner" on earth impact your daily priorities and long-term goals?**
* **In what ways might the "shadow-like" brevity of life motivate you to live more intentionally for God's glory?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that "there is none abiding" in human life, and how does this truth direct your trust and hope towards God?**
* **How can you cultivate a stronger sense of heavenly citizenship while still faithfully engaging with your responsibilities in this earthly realm?**

### FAQ
**How does this verse, emphasizing human transience, reconcile with the grand project of building a permanent Temple for God?**

Answer: This verse highlights a profound paradox. While the Temple was a monumental and seemingly permanent structure, designed to be the dwelling place for God's presence among His people, David's prayer clarifies that the permanence lies not in the human builders or the physical edifice itself, but in the eternal God whom it serves. The Temple was a symbol of God's abiding covenant and presence, not a monument to human lastingness. David's words underscore that even the greatest human achievements are temporary before God's eternity. It teaches that our ultimate hope and security are not found in what we build or accumulate on earth, but in the eternal, abiding God who transcends all time and space. The Temple's significance was in pointing to God's enduring faithfulness, not in providing human permanence.

**What is the deeper significance of the phrase "none abiding" in the context of this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "none abiding" (or "no hope" in some translations) profoundly emphasizes the complete lack of inherent permanence, stability, or lasting hope within human existence itself. It means that without God, humanity has no enduring foundation or self-sustaining power. Our lives are not self-generated or self-perpetuating; they are utterly dependent on God. This phrase serves as a stark contrast to God's eternal nature and His ability to provide true and lasting security. It is a call to humility and absolute reliance on the One who *does* abide. For the believer, it points to the necessity of finding one's "abiding" reality not in earthly life or possessions, but in God and His eternal promises, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's profound confession in [1 Chronicles 29:15](/1_chronicles/29-15 "1 Chronicles 29:15 - Human Transience") finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament concept of humanity as "strangers and sojourners" yearning for an "abiding" reality is perfectly addressed in the person and work of Christ. Jesus Himself became the ultimate sojourner, leaving His glorious heavenly home to enter our transient, shadow-like existence, taking on human flesh to dwell among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He lived a life of perfect obedience, without a permanent earthly dwelling place ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Foxes Have Holes")), ultimately offering His life as the perfect sacrifice. Through His resurrection, Christ conquered death and impermanence, becoming the source of true, abiding life for all who believe ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus the Resurrection and the Life")). He is the one who "abides forever" ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Abiding Priesthood")), and in Him, believers find their true and permanent home, a heavenly citizenship that is eternal ([Philippians 3:20](/phillipians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")). The "none abiding" of human life is overcome by the "abiding" presence and promise of Christ, who prepares an eternal dwelling for His people, not made with human hands, but secured by His finished work ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Thus, the transient nature of our earthly days points us directly to the eternal hope and secure dwelling found only in our Lord and Savior, Jesus 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

Leviticus 25:23

¶ The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land [is] mine; for ye [are] strangers and sojourners with me.

Psalms 144:4

Man is like to vanity: his days [are] as a shadow that passeth away.

Psalms 102:11

My days [are] like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.

James 4:14

Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Psalms 39:12

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I [am] a stranger with thee, [and] a sojourner, as all my fathers [were].

Job 14:2

He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

Psalms 90:9

For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale [that is told].