King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 26:31 Mean?

1 Chronicles 26:31 in the King James Version says “Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers. In t... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valour at Jazer of Gilead.

1 Chronicles 26:31 · KJV


Context

29

Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.

30

And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the LORD, and in the service of the king. officers: Heb. over the charge

31

Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valour at Jazer of Gilead.

32

And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king. affairs: Heb. thing


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Gatekeepers and treasurers - temple administration. The Hebrew term אוֹצָר (otsar) - treasury/storehouse is theologically significant here, pointing to Stewardship of sacred resources. 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 Stewardship of sacred resources. 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 as source of all spiritual riches.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 Gatekeepers and treasurers - temple administration 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 Stewardship of sacred resources challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ as source of all spiritual riches 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 · 17 words
לַֽחֶבְרוֹנִ֥י1 of 17

Among the Hebronites

H2276

chebronite (collectively), an inhabitant of chebron

יְרִיָּ֣ה2 of 17

was Jerijah

H3404

jerijah, an israelite

הָרֹ֔אשׁ3 of 17

the chief

H7218

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

לַֽחֶבְרוֹנִ֥י4 of 17

Among the Hebronites

H2276

chebronite (collectively), an inhabitant of chebron

לְתֹֽלְדֹתָ֖יו5 of 17

according to the generations

H8435

(plural only) descent, i.e., family; (figuratively) history

לְאָב֑וֹת6 of 17

of his fathers

H1

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

בִּשְׁנַ֨ת7 of 17

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הָֽאַרְבָּעִ֜ים8 of 17

In the fortieth

H705

forty

לְמַלְכ֤וּת9 of 17

of the reign

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

דָּוִיד֙10 of 17

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

נִדְרָ֔שׁוּ11 of 17

they were sought

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

וַיִּמָּצֵ֥א12 of 17

for and there were found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

בָהֶ֛ם13 of 17
H0
גִּבּ֥וֹרֵי14 of 17

among them mighty men

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

חַ֖יִל15 of 17

of valour

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

בְּיַעְזֵ֥יר16 of 17

at Jazer

H3270

jaazer or jazer, a place east of the jordan

גִּלְעָֽד׃17 of 17

of Gilead

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites


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 26:31 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 26:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study