King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 23:11 Mean?
“And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father's house. had: Heb. did not multiply sons”
Context
9
The sons of Shimei; Shelomith , and Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the chief of the fathers of Laadan.
10
And the sons of Shimei were, Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei. Zina: or, Zizah
11
And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father's house. had: Heb. did not multiply sons
12
The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.
13
The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(11) **But Jeush and Beriah had not many sons.**—*Now Jeush and Beriah had not multiplied sons; so they became* (one) *father-home* (*bêth-âb*), *one class* (or *muster—pĕquddāh*)*.* Altogether, then, there were nine Gershonite clans: viz., six of the sons of Laadan, and three of the sons of Shimei, among the 24,000 Levites of 1Chronicles 23:4.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 23:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.