King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 15:27 Mean?

1 Chronicles 15:27 in the King James Version says “And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah t...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen. song: or, carriage”

1 Chronicles 15:27 · KJV

Context

25

So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.

26

And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.

27

And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen. song: or, carriage

28

Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.

29

And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.

Read 1 Chronicles 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. 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 Ordained worship according to God's prescription. 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: Christ as true temple and worship center.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order 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

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Ordained worship according to God's prescription challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ as true temple and worship center teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
דָּוִ֖יד1 of 18

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מְכֻרְבָּ֣ל׀2 of 18

“was clothed”

H3736

to gird or clothe

בִּמְעִ֣יל3 of 18

“with a robe”

H4598

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

בּ֗וּץ4 of 18

“of fine linen”

H948

probably cotton (of some sort)

וְכָל5 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַלְוִיִּם֙6 of 18

“and all the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

הַנֹּֽשְׂאִ֣ים7 of 18

“that bare”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת8 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽאָר֔וֹן9 of 18

“the ark”

H727

a box

הַמְשֹֽׁרְרִ֑ים10 of 18

“and the singers”

H7891

to sing

וּכְנַנְיָ֛ה11 of 18

“and Chenaniah”

H3663

kenanjah, an israelite

הַשַּׂ֥ר12 of 18

“the master”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַמַּשָּׂ֖א13 of 18

“of the song”

H4853

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

הַמְשֹֽׁרְרִ֑ים14 of 18

“and the singers”

H7891

to sing

וְעַל15 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דָּוִ֖יד16 of 18

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֵפ֥וֹד17 of 18

“also had upon him an ephod”

H646

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

בָּֽד׃18 of 18

“of linen”

H906

flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment

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 15:27 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 15:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 6:141 Samuel 2:18

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 15 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes