King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 23:13 Mean?

1 Chronicles 23:13 in the King James Version says “The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his so... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Chronicles 23:13 · KJV


Context

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.

14

Now concerning Moses the man of God, his sons were named of the tribe of Levi.

15

The sons of Moses were, Gershom, and Eliezer.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The description of Aaron's consecration: 'Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, that he should burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.' Aaron's line was 'separated' (hivdil - set apart) for unique priestly functions - sanctifying holy things, burning incense, ministering, and pronouncing blessings. The repetition 'for ever' emphasizes the perpetual nature of this priesthood. Yet Hebrews 7-10 shows this earthly priesthood pointed to Christ, the eternal High Priest whose ministry truly is 'forever.' Believers now participate in Christ's priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices and blessings.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David's organization of Levites (c. 975 BCE) prepared for Solomon's temple by systematizing priestly duties. This structure, though modified post-exile, shaped Judaism until the temple's destruction in 70 CE, when Christ's priesthood was revealed as the fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding your calling as part of Christ's royal priesthood affect your daily life and worship?
  2. What 'spiritual incense' - prayers and praises - are you offering as a priest before God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וּבָנָיו֙1 of 21

The sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמְרָ֖ם2 of 21

of Amram

H6019

amram, the name of two israelites

אַֽהֲרֹ֡ן3 of 21

Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וּמֹשֶׁ֑ה4 of 21

and Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וַיִּבָּדֵ֣ל5 of 21

was separated

H914

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

אַֽהֲרֹ֡ן6 of 21

Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

לְֽהַקְדִּישׁוֹ֩7 of 21

that he should sanctify

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

קָֽדָשִׁ֤ים8 of 21

holy things

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

קָֽדָשִׁ֤ים9 of 21

holy things

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הֽוּא10 of 21
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וּבָנָיו֙11 of 21

The sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַד12 of 21

for

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עוֹלָֽם׃13 of 21

ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

לְהַקְטִיר֩14 of 21

to burn incense

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

לִפְנֵ֨י15 of 21

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֧ה16 of 21

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְשָֽׁרְת֛וֹ17 of 21

to minister

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

וּלְבָרֵ֥ךְ18 of 21

unto him and to bless

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

בִּשְׁמ֖וֹ19 of 21

in his name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

עַד20 of 21

for

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עוֹלָֽם׃21 of 21

ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial


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 23:13 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 23:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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