1 Chronicles 29:12
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Spoken in the same closing prayer of David's reign in 1 Chronicles 29, this verse follows David's declaration that all greatness belongs to the Lord. The people have just given lavishly toward the temple, and David acknowledges that their very capacity to give came from God. The chronicler preserves this prayer to teach a restored Israel that prosperity and position are stewardships entrusted by God.
What Does 1 Chronicles 29:12 Mean?
This verse continues David's great prayer of praise by tracing every good thing back to its true source: God. Riches and honor, the very things people spend their lives chasing, are said to "come of thee." They are not self-made achievements but gifts that flow from the hand of God. David is not denying human effort; he is insisting that even our ability to gain wealth and gain honor is itself granted by the One who reigns over all.
The image of God's "hand" appears twice, picturing His active rule and generous giving. "In thine hand is power and might" means all real strength is held by God. And "in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all" means that whatever greatness any person enjoys was placed there by God's choice. This is profoundly humbling and profoundly freeing. It frees us from the crushing pressure to manufacture our own significance, and it humbles us so we never look down on others or boast in ourselves. David prays this at the height of his kingdom's prosperity, the very moment when a ruler might be tempted to take the credit. Instead he gives it all back to God. The verse calls every reader to hold success loosely and gratefully, knowing that the God who gives strength to all is the One who deserves the thanks.
In the Original Language
The Hebrew "osher" (riches) means wealth and abundance. "Yad" (hand) pictures God's active power and giving, while "koach" (strength) denotes the vigor and ability God grants to all.
Cross References
“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth.”
- Deuteronomy 8:18
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.”
- James 1:17
“The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.”
- 1 Samuel 2:7
Application
Hold your achievements, wealth, and influence with open hands, recognizing they came from God. Let this free you from the pressure to prove your own worth and guard you from pride. Whatever strength or success you have, return the thanks to the One who gave it.