King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 6:32 Mean?

1 Chronicles 6:32 in the King James Version says “And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had buil...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order.”

1 Chronicles 6:32 · KJV

Context

30

Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.

31

And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest.

32

And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order.

33

And these are they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel, waited: Heb. stood

34

The son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Levitical priesthood and worship section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term כֹּהֵן (kohen) - priest is central to understanding this passage's purpose. The Chronicler, writing to post-exilic Israel (c. 450-400 BCE), uses these genealogies not merely as historical records but as theological statements about covenant continuity and divine faithfulness.

The genealogical structure serves multiple purposes: (1) establishing Israel's connection to God's creatio n plan from Adam, (2) legitimizing post-exilic community's claim to covenant promises, (3) emphasizing Judah and Levi's special roles in God's redemptive plan, and (4) demonstrating that despite exile, God's covenant purposes continue. The selection and arrangement of names is intentional, highlighting Mediatorial role of priesthood.

Chronicles diverges from Genesis and Samuel-Kings in its genealogical presentation, reflecting the Chronicler's distinct theological agenda. Where earlier texts focus on narrative history, Chronicles emphasizes continuity, legitimacy, and hope for restoration. This verse contributes to the larger argument that the post-exilic community is the rightful heir of God's ancient covenant promises.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Post-Exilic Context: The Chronicler wrote during the Persian period (450-400 BCE) to a community returned from Babylonian exile, struggling with identity and purpose. These genealogies answered crucial questions: Who are we? What is our relationship to ancient Israel? Do God's promises still apply to us?

The historical setting influences the text's emphasis on Levitical genealogies and priestly lines. Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued genealogies for establishing land rights, royal legitimacy, and tribal identity. Chronicles' genealogies served similar functions while adding theological depth. The inclusion of specific names and details reflects the author's access to temple archives, royal records, and earlier biblical texts.

Archaeological evidence from Persian-period Judah shows a small, struggling community centered around Jerusalem and the rebuilt temple. The genealogies reinforced their connection to the glorious past and provided hope for future restoration through God's covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding genealogies as theological statements rather than mere historical records change your reading of Chronicles and other biblical genealogies?
  2. What does this verse teach about God's faithfulness across generations, and how does that apply to your own family's spiritual legacy?
  3. How does Mediatorial role of priesthood connect to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיִּֽהְי֨וּ1 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מְשָֽׁרְתִ֜ים2 of 18

“And they ministered”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

לִפְנֵ֨י3 of 18

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מִשְׁכַּ֤ן4 of 18

“the dwelling”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

אֹֽהֶל5 of 18

“place of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵד֙6 of 18

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

בַּשִּׁ֔יר7 of 18

“with singing”

H7892

a song; abstractly, singing

עַד8 of 18
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בְּנ֧וֹת9 of 18

“had built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

שְׁלֹמֹ֛ה10 of 18

“until Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אֶת11 of 18
H853

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

בֵּ֥ית12 of 18

“the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֖ה13 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם14 of 18

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וַיַּֽעַמְד֥וּ15 of 18

“and then they waited”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

כְמִשְׁפָּטָ֖ם16 of 18

“according to their order”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

עַל17 of 18
H5921

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

עֲבֽוֹדָתָֽם׃18 of 18

“on their office”

H5656

work of any kind

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 6:32 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 6:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 135:1-32 Chronicles 35:15Psalms 68:24-252 Chronicles 31:21 Chronicles 9:331 Chronicles 16:37-42

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 6 →

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