King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 6:49 Mean?

1 Chronicles 6:49 in the King James Version says “But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of the burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, and were appointed for...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of the burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, and were appointed for all the work of the place most holy, and to make an atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.”

1 Chronicles 6:49 · KJV

Context

47

The son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.

48

Their brethren also the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God.

49

But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of the burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, and were appointed for all the work of the place most holy, and to make an atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

50

And these are the sons of Aaron; Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,

51

Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Aaron and his sons (וְאַהֲרֹן וּבָנָיו)—this emphatic contrast distinguishes the exclusive priestly duties from broader Levitical service. Only Aaron's descendants could offered upon the altar of the burnt offering (עֹלָה olah, the sacrifice wholly consumed by fire) and the altar of incense (קְטֹרֶת qetoret, the fragrant smoke rising before the Holy of Holies). These two altars represented complete dedication to God (burnt offering) and intercessory prayer (incense).

Appointed for all the work of the place most holy (קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים qodesh haqodashim)—only Aaron's line could enter the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur. The phrase to make an atonement (לְכַפֵּר lechapper) uses the Hebrew root meaning 'to cover'—priestly ministry covered Israel's sin through blood sacrifice, prefiguring Christ who 'covers' definitively through His own blood (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:11-14).

According to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded—this appeal to Mosaic authority validates post-exilic priestly practice against Samaritan competing claims. The Aaronic priesthood derives authority not from human appointment but from divine command through Moses (Exodus 28-29; Leviticus 8-9). Christ's priesthood similarly rests on God's oath, not Levitical law (Hebrews 7:20-22).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written after exile when the restored community faced questions about proper worship procedures, this verse reasserts Aaronic exclusivity in sacrificial duties. During the Second Temple period (515 BC-AD 70), Zadokite priests (descended from Aaron through Zadok) maintained these functions until Christ's death made the temple veil-tearing (Matthew 27:51) obsolete the old system. The Chronicler emphasizes Mosaic authorization to counter syncretistic worship proposals from neighboring peoples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the two altars (burnt offering and incense) picture the twin aspects of Christian life: complete consecration and constant prayer?
  2. Since Christ fulfilled Aaron's priestly role definitively, how does Hebrews 10:19-22's invitation to boldly approach God transform your prayer life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְֽאַהֲרֹ֨ן1 of 22

“But Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וּבָנָ֜יו2 of 22

“and his 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

מַקְטִירִ֨ים3 of 22

“offered”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

עַל4 of 22
H5921

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

מִזְבַּ֣ח5 of 22

“and on the altar”

H4196

an altar

הָֽעוֹלָה֙6 of 22

“of the burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וְעַל7 of 22
H5921

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

מִזְבַּ֣ח8 of 22

“and on the altar”

H4196

an altar

הַקְּטֹ֔רֶת9 of 22

“of incense”

H7004

a fumigation

לְכֹ֕ל10 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מְלֶ֖אכֶת11 of 22

“and were appointed for all the work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

הַקֳּדָשִׁ֑ים12 of 22

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הַקֳּדָשִׁ֑ים13 of 22

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וּלְכַפֵּר֙14 of 22

“and to make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עַל15 of 22
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל16 of 22

“for Israel”

H3478

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

כְּכֹל֙17 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר18 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֔ה19 of 22

“had commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֹשֶׁ֖ה20 of 22

“according to all that Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עֶ֥בֶד21 of 22

“the servant”

H5650

a servant

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃22 of 22

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 6:49 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 6:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:20Exodus 27:1-8Exodus 30:10-16Exodus 30:1-7Hebrews 7:11-14Exodus 29:33

Places in This Verse

Most Holy Place 2Altar · Modern: Mount Moriah · 31.78°N, 35.24°E24 verses across 7 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 6 →

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