King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 12:30 Mean?
“And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valour, famous throughout the house of their fathers. famous: Heb. men of names”
1 Chronicles 12:30 · KJV
Context
28
And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father's house twenty and two captains.
29
And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul. kindred: Heb. brethren the greatest: Heb. a multitude of them
30
And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valour, famous throughout the house of their fathers. famous: Heb. men of names
31
And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.
32
And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryTheological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Warriors who joined David - unity of Israel. The Hebrew term גִּבּוֹר (gibbor) - mighty warrior is theologically significant here, pointing to Unity of God's people under chosen leader. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.
Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.
Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Unity of God's people under chosen leader. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Church united under Christ's headship.
Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.
Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Unity of God's people under chosen leader. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Church united under Christ's headship.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.
The historical setting of Warriors who joined David - unity of Israel occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.
Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.
The historical setting of Warriors who joined David - unity of Israel occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.
Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse's emphasis on Unity of God's people under chosen leader challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
- What does Church united under Christ's headship teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
- In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsבְּנֵ֣י2 of 13
“And of the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶפְרַ֔יִם3 of 13
“of Ephraim”
H669ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
אֶ֖לֶף5 of 13
“thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וּשְׁמוֹנֶ֣ה6 of 13
“and eight”
H8083a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
חַ֔יִל9 of 13
“of valour”
H2428probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
אַנְשֵׁ֥י10 of 13
“men”
H582properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
שֵׁמ֖וֹת11 of 13
“famous”
H8034an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
לְבֵ֥ית12 of 13
“throughout the house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֲבוֹתָֽם׃13 of 13
“of their fathers”
H1father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Chronicles 12:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Chronicles 12:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge