King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 24:6 Mean?

1 Chronicles 24:6 in the King James Version says “And Shemaiah the son of Nethaneel the scribe, one of the Levites, wrote them before the king, and the princes, and Zadok... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Shemaiah the son of Nethaneel the scribe, one of the Levites, wrote them before the king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and before the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites: one principal household being taken for Eleazar, and one taken for Ithamar. principal: Heb. house of the father

1 Chronicles 24:6 · KJV


Context

4

And there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and thus were they divided. Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the house of their fathers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers.

5

Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

6

And Shemaiah the son of Nethaneel the scribe, one of the Levites, wrote them before the king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and before the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites: one principal household being taken for Eleazar, and one taken for Ithamar. principal: Heb. house of the father

7

Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,

8

The third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Priestly divisions - 24 courses for temple service. The Hebrew term מִשְׁמָר (mishmar) - division/watch is theologically significant here, pointing to Systematic approach to ministry and worship. 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 Systematic approach to ministry and worship. 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's perpetual priesthood.

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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 Priestly divisions - 24 courses for temple service 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 Systematic approach to ministry and worship challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ's perpetual priesthood 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 · 27 words
וַֽיִּכְתְּבֵ֡ם1 of 27

wrote

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

שְֽׁמַעְיָה֩2 of 27

And Shemaiah

H8098

shemajah, the name of twenty-five israelites

בֶּן3 of 27

the son

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

נְתַנְאֵ֨ל4 of 27

of Nethaneel

H5417

nethanel, the name of ten israelites

הַסּוֹפֵ֜ר5 of 27

the scribe

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

מִן6 of 27
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

וְלַלְוִיִּ֑ם7 of 27

and Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

לִפְנֵ֨י8 of 27

them 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

הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ9 of 27

the king

H4428

a king

וְהַשָּׂרִים֙10 of 27

and the princes

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וְצָד֣וֹק11 of 27

and Zadok

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

לַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים12 of 27

of the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וַֽאֲחִימֶ֙לֶךְ֙13 of 27

and Ahimelech

H288

achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite

בֶּן14 of 27

the son

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

אֶבְיָתָ֔ר15 of 27

of Abiathar

H54

ebjathar, an israelite

וְרָאשֵׁי֙16 of 27

and before the chief

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אָ֣ב17 of 27

of the fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים18 of 27

of the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְלַלְוִיִּ֑ם19 of 27

and Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

בֵּֽית20 of 27

household

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָ֣ב21 of 27

of the fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אֶחָ֗ד22 of 27

one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

אָחֻ֖ז23 of 27

and one taken

H270

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

לְאֶלְעָזָ֔ר24 of 27

for Eleazar

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

אָחֻ֖ז25 of 27

and one taken

H270

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

אָחֻ֖ז26 of 27

and one taken

H270

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

לְאִֽיתָמָֽר׃27 of 27

for Ithamar

H385

ithamar, a son of aaron


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 24:6 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 24:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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