1 Chronicles 21:1 Meaning and Explanation
“And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →An adversary rises against Israel and incites David to take a census of the nation.
What Does 1 Chronicles 21:1 Mean?
The chronicler opens a dark episode in David's reign. After chapters celebrating his victories, the focus turns inward to a sin born not on the battlefield but in the king's own heart. An adversary stirs the impulse to number the people.
Temptation rarely announces itself; it works through a thought that seems reasonable, even prudent. A census is not evil in itself, yet here it grows from pride and self-reliance. The verse reminds us that the gravest dangers often come disguised as wisdom, and that we need the Lord's strength to discern the difference.
1 Chronicles 21:1 in the Original Language
satan (שָׂטָן), 'adversary' -- one who stands against or accuses.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Chronicles 21:1
What does 1 Chronicles 21:1 mean?
An adversary rises against Israel and incites David to take a census of the nation.