Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 22:12
Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David addresses his son Solomon as he prepares to transfer national leadership and oversee the temple construction. The blessing occurs during David’s final written instructions before his death.
The words — The Hebrew אַךְ ('akh) translates literally as "only" or "above all," establishing priority. The verb יִתֵּן (yi.ten) means "may he give," framing the request as a divine grant rather than a human achievement.
The thread — This petition for governing wisdom parallels Solomon’s request in 1 Kings 3:9 and 2 Chronicles 1:10, and aligns with the New Testament instruction in James 1:5 to ask God for wisdom without finding fault.
Why it lands — The text commands the reader to seek divine insight specifically for leadership and obedience to God’s Law. It demands that authority be exercised through submitted understanding rather than independent judgment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God.
Cross-references
- James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
- 1 Kings 3:9 Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
- 2 Chronicles 1:10 Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
- Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.
- Deuteronomy 4:6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”
- Psalms 72:1 Of Solomon. Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness.
- Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
- Luke 21:15 For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
- 1 John 2:3 By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.
- 1 Kings 11:1 King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women.