1 Chronicles 29:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Gratitude is often delayed until circumstances are easy, yet David's prayer shows it growing from clear sight of who God is. After speaking of God's kingdom, power, riches, and strength, he gathers the congregation into a simple and fitting answer: thanks and praise.
Having confessed God's universal greatness and generous power, David leads Israel in a direct response: thanksgiving to their God and praise for his glorious name.
The Context of 1 Chronicles 29:13
Verse 13 comes in David's public blessing of the LORD after Israel gives willingly for the temple. He has just declared that all greatness, power, glory, victory, majesty, riches, honor, and strength belong to or come from God. Now he says, "Now therefore," drawing a response from those truths. In the following verses David confesses the smallness and passing life of himself and the people, acknowledges that their offerings came from God, and prays for lasting devotion in Israel and a faithful heart in Solomon. The congregation later bows in worship and sacrifices with great gladness.
What Does 1 Chronicles 29:13 Mean?
The words are brief, yet they are full of relationship and worship. David says, "our God," not merely "God," as he speaks with and for the congregation before the LORD. "We thank thee" acknowledges received goodness. "We praise thy glorious name" honors God as he has made himself known. In the Bible, God's name is bound to his revealed character, acts, and covenant faithfulness. David does not praise an abstract idea of greatness. He praises the LORD God of Israel, whom the chapter calls the God of their fathers and who has enabled the people to prepare for his holy house. Thanksgiving and praise answer the God who has first given.
"Now therefore" is important. David's worship is grounded in the convictions of verses 11 and 12. Because the kingdom is God's, because all things in heaven and earth are his, and because riches, honor, power, and strength come from his hand, the congregation gives thanks and praise. The next verses continue the same reasoning: they have offered willingly, yet everything comes from God. This is not a passing religious phrase attached to a successful campaign. It is the chapter's spiritual interpretation of the whole event. Israel's gifts, Solomon's future work, and the temple's purpose belong within thankful dependence on the LORD.
The final words of the Lord's Prayer in many Christian worship settings resemble David's preceding praise of God's kingdom, power, and glory. More directly, the New Testament repeatedly joins thanksgiving to God with praise through Christ. Hebrews calls believers to offer praise to God through Jesus, while also urging good and sharing. That pairing fits this chapter, where praise accompanies real gifts and service. Christ's own life of faithful thanksgiving and obedience gives a sure pattern for worship. Our thanks can be voiced in prayer and embodied in generous, reverent participation in the good God places before us.
Bible Verses Related to 1 Chronicles 29:13
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
- Psalm 100:4
“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.”
- 1 Chronicles 29:14
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”
- Ephesians 5:20
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
- Hebrews 13:15-16
Where 1 Chronicles 29:13 Echoes in Scripture
Hebrews 13:15-16 provides a strong later echo by joining praise to God through Jesus Christ with doing good and sharing. David's congregation praises God after willingly giving for the holy house; Hebrews likewise keeps worship and generous action together. The later passage does not erase David's setting. It shows that thankful praise remains fitting wherever God's people offer their lives and resources in response to his grace.
How to Apply 1 Chronicles 29:13 Today
A simple practice can bring this verse into ordinary life: name a particular gift from God, thank him for it, and let the thanks shape one concrete action. We may thank God for a meal by sharing it, for strength by serving faithfully, for forgiveness by seeking peace, or for a gathered people by supporting their common worship and care. Praise also helps during unfinished work. David gives thanks before the temple is built and before Solomon's long reign unfolds. We can thank God for his character and gifts while still praying for wisdom, endurance, and a faithful heart.
Reflection & Prayer
What specific gift, provision, or act of God calls for thanks from us today, and how could our praise take visible form? Pray: "Our God, we thank thee. Make our words of praise honest, and let grateful hearts guide our actions for thy glorious name."