King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 27:32 Mean?

1 Chronicles 27:32 in the King James Version says “Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons: scribe: or, secretary son: or, Hachmonite”

1 Chronicles 27:32 · KJV

Context

30

Over the camels also was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite:

31

And over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David's.

32

Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons: scribe: or, secretary son: or, Hachmonite

33

And Ahithophel was the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king's companion:

34

And after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king's army was Joab.

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 · 14 words
וִיהֽוֹנָתָ֤ן1 of 14

“Also Jonathan”

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

דּוֹד2 of 14

“uncle”

H1730

(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle

דָּוִיד֙3 of 14

“David's”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

יוֹעֵ֔ץ4 of 14

“was a counsellor”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

אִישׁ5 of 14

“man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מֵבִ֥ין6 of 14

“a wise”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

וְסוֹפֵ֖ר7 of 14

“and a 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

ה֑וּא8 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וִֽיחִיאֵ֥ל9 of 14

“and Jehiel”

H3171

jechiel (or jechavel), the name of eight israelites

בְּנֵ֥י10 of 14

“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

חַכְמוֹנִ֖י11 of 14

“of Hachmoni”

H2453

chakmoni, an israelite

עִם12 of 14
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

בְּנֵ֥י13 of 14

“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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃14 of 14

“was with the king's”

H4428

a king

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 27:32 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 27:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 11:112 Samuel 21:212 Samuel 13:3

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