King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 23:13 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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

The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.

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.

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

The sons of Moses were, Gershom, and Eliezer.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **And Aaron was separated.**—Aaron and his sons, as priests, are thus excluded from present consideration. They form the proper subject of 1Chronicles 25:1-19, and are only mentioned here for the sake of completeness in the reckoning. **That he should sanctify the most holy-things.**—Rather, *to hallow* (or *consecrate*)* him as most holy;* literally, *holy of holies* (*qôdesh qŏdāshîm*)*,* an expression not applied to Aaron in any other passage of Scripture. The meaning is that the priests represented a higher grade of holiness, a more thorough consecration, than the mere Levites, because they were called to the discharge of a higher and holier ministry. **He and his sons.**—All the priests are included with Aaron. **To burn incense.**—The Hebrew term means to burn victims as well as incense. **To minister unto him, and to bless in his name**—The same words occur (Deuteronomy 10:8) with reference to the purpose for which the tribe of Levi was “separated.” The tribe obviously includes the Aaronite clan. (Comp. also Deuteronomy 21:5.) **And to bless in his name.**—This appears right from Numbers 6:23. Others render, *and to bless His name.*

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 23:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.