King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 27:23 Mean?

1 Chronicles 27:23 in the King James Version says “But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israe...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.”

1 Chronicles 27:23 · KJV

Context

21

Of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner:

22

Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel.

23

But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.

24

Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David. was: Heb. ascended

25

And over the king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:

Read 1 Chronicles 27 full chapter

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 · 16 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 16
H3808

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

נָשָׂ֤א2 of 16

“took”

H5375

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

דָוִיד֙3 of 16

“But David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מִסְפָּרָ֔ם4 of 16

“not the number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

לְמִבֶּ֛ן5 of 16

“old”

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

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים6 of 16

“of them from twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

שָׁנָ֖ה7 of 16

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וּלְמָ֑טָּה8 of 16

“and under”

H4295

downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes

כִּ֚י9 of 16
H3588

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

אָמַ֣ר10 of 16

“had said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה11 of 16

“because the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְהַרְבּ֥וֹת12 of 16

“he would increase”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

אֶת13 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל14 of 16

“Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כְּכֽוֹכְבֵ֥י15 of 16

“like to the stars”

H3556

a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince

הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃16 of 16

“of the heavens”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

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 27:23 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 27:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 15:51 Chronicles 21:2-5Numbers 1:18Hebrews 11:12

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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