King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 23:22 Mean?

1 Chronicles 23:22 in the King James Version says “And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters: and their brethren the sons of Kish took them. brethren: or, kinsmen” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters: and their brethren the sons of Kish took them. brethren: or, kinsmen”

1 Chronicles 23:22 · KJV

Context

20

Of the sons of Uzziel; Michah the first, and Jesiah the second.

21

The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. The sons of Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish.

22

And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters: and their brethren the sons of Kish took them. brethren: or, kinsmen

23

The sons of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three.

24

These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. 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 Ordered worship according to divine pattern. 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: Priesthood of all believers under Christ.

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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 Levitical divisions and temple service organization 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 Ordered worship according to divine pattern challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Priesthood of all believers under Christ 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 · 13 words
וַיָּ֙מָת֙1 of 13

“died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אֶלְעָזָ֔ר2 of 13

“And Eleazar”

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

וְלֹא3 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָ֥יוּ4 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ל֛וֹ5 of 13
H0
בְּנֵי6 of 13

“and had no 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

כִּ֣י7 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם8 of 13
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בָּנ֑וֹת9 of 13

“but daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וַיִּשָּׂא֥וּם10 of 13

“took”

H5375

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

בְּנֵי11 of 13

“and had no 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

קִ֖ישׁ12 of 13

“of Kish”

H7027

kish, the name of five israelites

אֲחֵיהֶֽם׃13 of 13

“and their brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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 23:22 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 23:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 24:28Numbers 36:6-8

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