1 Chronicles 22:12
New International Version
May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.

New Living Translation
And may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, that you may obey the Law of the LORD your God as you rule over Israel.

English Standard Version
Only, may the LORD grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the LORD your God.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Only may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.

New American Standard Bible
Only the LORD give you discretion and understanding, and put you in charge of Israel, so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God.

NASB 1995
“Only the LORD give you discretion and understanding, and give you charge over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.

NASB 1977
“Only the LORD give you discretion and understanding, and give you charge over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.

Legacy Standard Bible
Only Yahweh give you insight and understanding, and give you command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of Yahweh your God.

Amplified Bible
Only may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.

Christian Standard Bible
Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when he puts you in charge of Israel so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He puts you in charge of Israel so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.

American Standard Version
Only Jehovah give thee discretion and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel; that so thou mayest keep the law of Jehovah thy God.

Contemporary English Version
May he give you wisdom and knowledge, so that you can rule Israel according to his Law.

English Revised Version
Only the LORD give thee discretion and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel; that so thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD will give you insight and understanding as he commands you to take charge of Israel and to follow the Teachings of the LORD your God.

Good News Translation
And may the LORD your God give you insight and wisdom so that you may govern Israel according to his Law.

International Standard Version
"Only may the LORD give you discretion and understanding as he places you in charge over Israel, so you can keep the Law of the LORD your God.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Only may the LORD give you insight and understanding when he places you in charge of Israel, so you may obey the law of the LORD your God.

New Heart English Bible
May the LORD give you discretion and understanding, and put you in charge of Israel; that so you may keep the law of the LORD your God.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
May Yahweh give you discretion and understanding, and put you in charge of Israel, so that you may keep the law of Yahweh your God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Only, may YHWH give wisdom and understanding to you, and charge you concerning Israel, even to keep the Law of your God YHWH;

Young's Literal Translation
Only, Jehovah give to thee wisdom and understanding, and charge thee concerning Israel, even to keep the law of Jehovah thy God;

Smith's Literal Translation
Surely Jehovah will give to thee wisdom and understanding, and he will command thee concerning Israel, and to watch the law of Jehovah thy God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The Lord also give thee wisdom and understanding, that thou mayest be able to rule Israel, and to keep the law of the Lord thy God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Also, may the Lord give you prudence and understanding, so that you may be able to rule Israel and to guard the law of the Lord your God.

New American Bible
But may the LORD give you prudence and discernment when he gives you command over Israel, so that you keep the law of the LORD, your God.

New Revised Standard Version
Only, may the LORD grant you discretion and understanding, so that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the LORD your God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Only may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God, just as he has commanded you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he shall give to you wisdom and prophecy, and he shall command you concerning Israel, and you shall keep the laws of LORD JEHOVAH your God, just as he has commanded you, and then you shall prosper.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Only the LORD give thee discretion and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel; that so thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Only may the Lord give thee wisdom and prudence, and strengthen thee over Israel, both to keep and to do the law of the Lord thy God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon Anointed to Build the Temple
11Now, my son, may the LORD be with you, and may you succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as He said you would. 12Above 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. 13Then you will succeed, if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.…

Cross References
Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

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.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Colossians 1:9
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

Ephesians 1:17
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.

2 Timothy 3:15
From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 119:34
Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart.

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?”

Philippians 1:9-10
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Luke 21:15
For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.


Treasury of Scripture

Only the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.

Only the

1 Kings 3:9-12
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? …

2 Chronicles 1:10
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?

Psalm 72:1
A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.

that thou mayest

Deuteronomy 4:6
Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

1 Kings 11:1-10
But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; …

Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

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Charge Command Discretion Gives Grant Israel Law Mayest Puts Understanding Wisdom
1 Chronicles 22
1. David, foreknowing the place of the temple, prepares abundance for building it.
6. He instructs Solomon in God's promises, and his duty in building the temple.
17. He charges the princes to assist his son














Above all
This phrase emphasizes the supreme importance of what follows. In the Hebrew text, the idea of priority is conveyed, suggesting that the subsequent request is of utmost significance. It sets the stage for the divine wisdom and guidance that Solomon, David's son, will need. Historically, this reflects the biblical principle that spiritual insight and obedience to God are paramount in leadership.

may the LORD give you
Here, David is expressing a prayerful wish for Solomon. The Hebrew verb "natan" (to give) is used, indicating a divine bestowal of gifts. This reflects the belief that true wisdom and understanding are gifts from God, not merely human achievements. It underscores the dependence on God for successful leadership.

insight and understanding
These terms are often paired in the wisdom literature of the Bible, such as Proverbs. "Insight" (Hebrew: "binah") refers to the ability to discern and comprehend deeper truths, while "understanding" (Hebrew: "tebunah") involves the practical application of that knowledge. Together, they form the foundation of wise and effective governance, which is crucial for Solomon as he prepares to lead Israel.

when He puts you in command over Israel
This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty in appointing leaders. The Hebrew verb "yashar" (to put or set) implies divine placement and purpose. Historically, Israel's kings were seen as God's chosen instruments to lead His people, and this divine appointment carried both privilege and responsibility.

so that you may keep
The phrase "so that" introduces the purpose of the divine gifts of insight and understanding. The Hebrew verb "shamar" (to keep, guard, observe) is used here, emphasizing the active role of the leader in maintaining and adhering to God's law. It suggests vigilance and dedication in upholding divine commandments.

the law of the LORD your God
This refers to the Torah, the divine instructions given to Israel. The phrase underscores the centrality of God's law in the life of the nation and its leaders. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) highlights the covenant relationship between God and Israel, while "your God" personalizes this relationship for Solomon, reminding him of his duty to lead in accordance with God's will.

(12) Only the Lord give thee wisdom.--Better, at least may the Lord give, &c.; restricting the wish to one supremely important point. (For Solomon's wisdom, comp. 1Kings 3:9-15.)

And give thee charge concerning Israel.--Rather, and appoint thee over Israel (2Samuel 7:11). Solomon had been indicated as David's successor, and David intended it so; yet his wish and prayer for the Divine ratification of this Divine appointment was by no means superfluous, unless Solomon were exempt from human liability to err.

That thou mayest keep.--Rather, and mayest thou keep (the infinitive construct): a favourite continuative construction with the chronicler.

Verse 12. - The father's prayer for the son, and in his hearing, will have often recurred to the memory of Solomon, and may have been the germ of the son's own prayer, which "pleased the Lord" (1 Kings 3:5-14; 2 Chronicles 1:7-12).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Above all,
אַ֣ךְ (’aḵ)
Adverb
Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely

may the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

give
יִֽתֶּן־ (yit·ten-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

you insight
שֵׂ֣כֶל (śê·ḵel)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7922: Intelligence, success

and understanding
וּבִינָ֔ה (ū·ḇî·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 998: An understanding

when He puts you in command
וִֽיצַוְּךָ֖ (wî·ṣaw·wə·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

so that you may keep
וְלִשְׁמ֕וֹר (wə·liš·mō·wr)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

the law
תּוֹרַ֖ת (tō·w·raṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

of the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God.
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 22:12 May Yahweh give you discretion and understanding (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 22:11
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