1 Chronicles 16:3 Meaning: Every Person Received a Gift
He gave to everyone of Israel, both man and woman, to everyone a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins.
And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.
And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a portion of flesh, and a cake of raisins.
and giveth a portion to every man of Israel, both man and woman: to each a cake of bread, and a measure of wine, and a grape-cake.
And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread and a measure [of wine] and a raisin-cake.
Meaning in one sentence
David distributes bread, meat, and raisin cake to every Israelite after the ark arrives in Jerusalem, showing generous celebration and God's provision.
Context
David had just brought the ark of God into Jerusalem, a moment charged with joy and reverence. After offering sacrifices and blessing the people, he did something simple and profound. He gave every man and woman in Israel three gifts: bread, meat, and a raisin cake. It was a king sharing the feast with the whole nation, not as a duty but as an overflow of celebration. The ark was home, and the people tasted it.
Key Words
Three Hebrew words stand out in this verse, each naming a gift that carried meaning beyond its taste.
The first gift, kikkar lechem, is a round loaf of bread. This was everyday food, the basic sustainer of life. By giving bread, David acknowledged that worship begins with thanking God for what keeps us alive.
The second gift is eshpar, a word found only here and in 2 Samuel 6. Its meaning is uncertain, but it likely refers to a portion of meat from the peace offerings. This was not everyday fare, meat was rare and special, reserved for festivals. David was saying, This day is not ordinary.
The third gift is ashishah, a cake of pressed raisins. Some older translations call it a flagon of wine, but the Hebrew points to a sweet dried fruit confection. It was a treat, a little extra that made the meal memorable. Together, these three gifts show a God who gives not just enough, but good things for celebration and delight.
How Christians Read This Verse
Commentators note that the exact items in the list vary across translations. The Geneva Bible calls the third item a 'bottel of wine,' while modern versions agree on raisin cake. Keil and Delitzsch see these gifts as the king's portion from the peace offerings, shared with the whole nation. Matthew Henry highlights that David gave to every person, including women, a detail that underscores the inclusive joy of the day.
Christians across traditions agree that this act reflects a heart of gratitude and the communal nature of worship. Some see a picture of God's lavish provision; others, a type of the fellowship meal we share in Christ. All recognize a king who did not keep the celebration to himself.
A common misunderstanding
Many readers, relying on the King James Version, assume David gave wine, a 'flagon of wine', to everyone. In fact, the Hebrew word ashishah means a cake of pressed raisins, a sweet dried fruit confection, not an alcoholic drink. This matters because the gift was a wholesome treat for the whole family, emphasizing that the celebration was joyful but also appropriate for everyone, including children.
Living This Out
You might not have an ark to welcome home, but you do have moments when God's presence feels near. Maybe after a good Sunday service, an answered prayer, or a quiet sense of peace. What do you do with that joy? David did not keep it to himself. He turned it into something everyone could taste. This week, consider one concrete way to share God's goodness with someone else, a meal, a treat, or perhaps a small gift. Let your worship become generosity that reaches another person.
Main takeaway: A joyful heart cannot keep the celebration to itself; it reaches out with gifts that everyone can share.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
King David was so happy that God's ark came to Jerusalem. He gave everyone bread, meat, and a sweet raisin cake. That is what happens when God is with us: we want to share.
For ages 9, 12
David did not just worship God and then go home. He gave a gift to every single person in Israel, men, women, boys, and girls. The bread was for strength, the meat for celebration, and the raisin cake was a special treat. In the same way, when God does something good in your life, look for a way to share it with others. Maybe you can give a treat to a friend, or help someone who needs food. Worship is not just singing; it is sharing.
Questions People Ask
What did David give to the people in 1 Chronicles 16:3?
David gave every man and woman in Israel a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a raisin cake. These were gifts from the king after celebrating the ark's arrival.
Why did David give food to the people?
Because the ark of God had come to Jerusalem, and David wanted to share the joy. He had offered peace offerings, which included meat, and he distributed the food generously to everyone as part of the celebration.
What is a raisin cake in the Bible?
A raisin cake (Hebrew: ashishah) was a pressed cake of dried grapes. It was a sweet treat used in festive occasions. Some older translations like the KJV call it a 'flagon of wine,' but scholars agree it was a raisin cake.
How is 1 Chronicles 16:3 different from the parallel account in 2 Samuel 6?
In 2 Samuel 6:19, David distributes similar gifts but includes a 'portion of flesh' and a 'cake of raisins' as well. The Chronicles account adds detail about the Levites' ministry afterward (vs. 4-7) which is not in Samuel.
What does 1 Chronicles 16:3 teach about worship?
It shows that genuine worship overflows into tangible generosity. David did not only offer sacrifices and bless the people; he made sure every person received a personal gift. Worship that pleases God often includes sharing what we have with others.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study