King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 4:23 Mean?
“These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.”
Context
21
The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were, Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea,
22
And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubilehem. And these are ancient things.
23
These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.
24
The sons of Simeon were, Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul: Nemuel: or, Jemuel Jarib, Zerah: or, Jachin Zohar
25
Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(23) **These were the potters.**—Viz., the clans enumerated in 1Chronicles 4:22.
**And those that dwelt among plants and hedges.**—Rather, *and inhabitants of Net aim and Gederah.* Netaim means “plantations” (Isaiah 17:10). Solomon had pleasure-gardens near Bethlehem. See also the notice of Uzziah’s farms and vineyards (2Chronicles 26:10). Gederah (Joshua 15:36), a town in the Shephelah.
**There they dwelt with the king.**—Literally, *with the king in his work they dwelt there.* This seems to say that the potteries of Netaim and Gederah were a royal establishment, as those of Sevres used to be. Perhaps the linen-weaving of Beth-Ashbea (1Chronicles 4:21) should be included.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 4:23 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 4:23
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge