Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 29:17
I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David addresses the assembled congregation of Israel while overseeing temple preparations. He speaks to God and the people present, acknowledging their voluntary contributions.
The words — The Hebrew verb בֹּחֵן (bo.Chen) means "testing" or "searching," paired with לֵבָב (le.Vav), literally "heart." David declares that God examines inner motives and finds pleasure in uprightness (מֵישָׁרִים, mei.sha.Rim).
The thread — The theme of God examining the heart appears in Jeremiah 17:10, which states the Lord searches the heart and rewards according to deeds. Proverbs 11:20 contrasts the perverse heart with the blameless walk that delights God.
Why it lands — The text demands honest self-examination regarding the motives behind one's giving. It requires readers to align their actions with an upright heart rather than relying on external appearances.
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
I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
Cross-references
- Jeremiah 17:10 I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.
- Proverbs 11:20 The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight.
- 1 Chronicles 28:9 As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”
- Psalms 51:6 Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
- John 1:47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.”
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed.
- Philemon 1:7 I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
- Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.