King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 27:13 Mean?

1 Chronicles 27:13 in the King James Version says “The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and f...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.”

1 Chronicles 27:13 · KJV

Context

11

The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

12

The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

13

The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

14

The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

15

The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand. Heldai: or, Heled, Chap.11.30.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Military and civil administration - kingdom organization. The Hebrew term שָׂרִים (sarim) - princes/officers is theologically significant here, pointing to Godly governance and administration. 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 Godly governance and administration. 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 kingdom administration.

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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 Military and civil administration - kingdom 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 Godly governance and administration challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ's kingdom administration 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 · 11 words
הָֽעֲשִׂירִ֔י1 of 11

“The tenth”

H6224

tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part

לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ2 of 11

“month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הָֽעֲשִׂירִ֔י3 of 11

“The tenth”

H6224

tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part

מַהְרַ֥י4 of 11

“was Maharai”

H4121

maharai, an israelite

הַנְּטֽוֹפָתִ֖י5 of 11

“the Netophathite”

H5200

a netophathite, or inhabitant of netophah

לַזַּרְחִ֑י6 of 11

“of the Zarhites”

H2227

a zarchite or descendant of zerach

וְעַל֙7 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מַֽחֲלֻקְתּ֔וֹ8 of 11

“and in his course”

H4256

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים9 of 11

“were twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְאַרְבָּעָ֖ה10 of 11

“and four”

H702

four

אָֽלֶף׃11 of 11

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

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 27:13 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 27:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 11:302 Samuel 23:28

Places in This Verse

NetophahSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Badd Faluh · 31.67°N, 35.22°E8 verses across 4 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 27 →

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