1 Chronicles 13:12
1 Chronicles 13:12 in Multiple Translations
That day David feared God and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?”
And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?
And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?
And so great was David's fear of God that day, that he said, How may I let the ark of God come to me?
David became afraid of God that day. “How can I ever bring back the Ark of God home to me?” he asked.
And Dauid feared God that day, saying, Howe shall I bring in to me the Arke of God?
And David feareth God on that day, saying, 'How do I bring in unto me the ark of God?'
David was afraid of God that day, saying, “How can I bring God’s ark home to me?”
And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?
And he feared God at that time, saying: How can I bring in the ark of God to me?
That day, David was afraid of God. He asked himself, “◄How can I bring God’s Sacred Chest to my city?/I am afraid to bring God’s Sacred Chest to my city.►” [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 13:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Chronicles 13:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּירָ֤א
דָוִיד֙
אֶת
הָ֣/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
בַּ/יּ֥וֹם
הַ/ה֖וּא
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
הֵ֚יךְ
אָבִ֣יא
אֵלַ֔/י
אֵ֖ת
אֲר֥וֹן
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
וַ/יִּירָ֤א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָוִיד֙
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ֣/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
בַּ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הֵ֚יךְ
hêyk
H1963
how?
Part
אָבִ֣יא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אֵלַ֔/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲר֥וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
N-cs
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 13:12
וַ/יִּירָ֤א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
דָוִיד֙
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ֣/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
בַּ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הֵ֚יךְ
hêyk
H1963
"how?"
Part
The Hebrew word for how is an interrogative word used to ask questions. It is like saying how did this happen or how can this be in the Bible.
Definition: how
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: how. See also: 1 Chronicles 13:12; Daniel 10:17.
אָבִ֣יא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלַ֔/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲר֥וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 13:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Uzzah Touches the Ark
10And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God.
11Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah. So he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day.
12That day David feared God and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?”
13So he did not move the ark with him to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 14Thus the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house for three months, and the LORD blessed his household and everything he owned.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:120 | My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 8:27 | But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built. |
| 3 | Job 25:5–6 | If even the moon does not shine, and the stars are not pure in His sight, how much less man, who is but a maggot, and the son of man, who is but a worm!” |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 5:10–11 | So they sent the ark of God to Ekron, but as it arrived, the Ekronites cried out, “They have brought us the ark of the God of Israel in order to kill us and our people!” Then the Ekronites assembled all the rulers of the Philistines and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel. It must return to its place, so that it will not kill us and our people!” For a deadly confusion had pervaded the city; the hand of God was heavy upon it. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 6:20 | The men of Beth-shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom should the ark go up from here?” |
| 6 | Numbers 17:12–13 | Then the Israelites declared to Moses, “Look, we are perishing! We are lost; we are all lost! Anyone who comes near the tabernacle of the LORD will die. Are we all going to perish?” |
| 7 | Matthew 25:24 | Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. |
| 8 | Luke 5:8–9 | When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.” For he and his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, |
| 9 | Isaiah 6:5 | Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” |
1 Chronicles 13:12 Summary
[In 1 Chronicles 13:12, David realized that he needed to treat God's presence with reverence and respect, and this realization made him hesitant to bring the ark of God to himself. This verse teaches us that God's holiness is not something to be taken lightly, and we should approach Him with humility and awe, as seen in Psalm 95:6 and Hebrews 10:31. By fearing God and acknowledging His power, we can cultivate a deeper reverence for Him in our daily lives. As we read in Proverbs 1:7, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and it is this fear that guides us towards a more intimate and respectful relationship with our Creator.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered David's fear of God in 1 Chronicles 13:12?
David's fear of God was triggered by the Lord's judgment on Uzzah in 1 Chronicles 13:10, which made him realize the gravity of handling the ark of God improperly, as seen in Numbers 4:15 and Numbers 7:9.
How did David's fear of God affect his decision regarding the ark?
David's fear of God led him to question whether he could ever bring the ark of God to himself, and ultimately, he decided not to move it to the City of David, choosing instead to leave it with the family of Obed-edom, as stated in 1 Chronicles 13:13-14.
What does David's response reveal about his character?
David's response in 1 Chronicles 13:12 reveals a humble and reverent character, willing to acknowledge and learn from his mistakes, much like the attitude expressed in Psalm 51:17 and Proverbs 9:10.
How does this event relate to the broader theme of God's holiness?
This event highlights the importance of treating God's presence and holy things with reverence and respect, as emphasized in Leviticus 11:44-45 and Hebrews 12:28-29, demonstrating that God's holiness demands a corresponding reverence from His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be treating God's presence or holy things carelessly, and how can I adjust my attitude to reflect a deeper reverence for Him?
- How do I respond when God disciplines or corrects me, and what can I learn from David's example in this verse?
- In what ways can I cultivate a greater sense of awe and fear of God in my daily life, as seen in Psalm 119:120 and Isaiah 6:1-5?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that I am handling God's Word and His presence in my life with the respect and care that they deserve?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 13:12
[See comments on 1 Chronicles 13:5].
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 13:12
1 Chronicles 13:12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God [home] to me?Ver. 12. And David was afraid of God.] See on 2 Samuel 6:9. How shall I bring the ark?] Why, well enough, if you will take but better heed to the manner; which is either the making or marring of any action. But David was frightened, and for present, unresolved. So suddenly can God change the scene; dash all our comforts, - “ Nulla est sincera voluptas. Sollicitumque aliquid laetis intervenit. ”
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 13:12
(12) God . . . ark of God.—Here and in 1 Chronicles 13:8; 1 Chronicles 13:14, &c. Samuel has Jehovah. The chronicler or his authority has avoided the frequent use of that most holy Name. Saying.—Samuel, “and said.” How.—Hêk, an Aramaic form, perhaps due to a transcriber rather than to the author. Shall I bring.—Samuel, “shall come.” Two different voices of the same verb.
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 13:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Don't Take Away the Job From Jesus by Hans Peter Royer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God is the master and we are His servants. He highlights the tendency for us to try to make God follow our |
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And David Was Afraid of God That Day. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer discusses the fear David experienced when he disobeyed God's commands regarding the transport of the Ark of the Covenant. By placing the Ark on a cart instead of having |
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Sola Scriptura 2 by Anton Bosch | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding that God operates by order and structure. He uses the example of the law of gravity to illustrate that just |
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Sensitive to Warning by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of being sensitive to God's warnings, as exemplified by King Josiah, who humbled himself and trembled at God's Word. Spurgeon highlights tha |
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That They Have Great Effects on the Body, Is No Sign by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards discusses the effects of affections on the body, emphasizing that all affections, whether spiritual or not, have some impact on the body due to the close connectio |
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Fear and Awe by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the distinction between fleshly fear and reverential awe of God, urging believers to recognize the power of God's judgments rather than succumbing to anx |
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Attributes of God (Series 1): God's Omnipresence and Immanence by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the distance between humanity and God. He shares a personal experience of praying with a friend on a hill, feeling both the darkness and the |