King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 6:67 Mean?

1 Chronicles 6:67 in the King James Version says “And they gave unto them, of the cities of refuge, Shechem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; they gave also Gezer with h...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they gave unto them, of the cities of refuge, Shechem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; they gave also Gezer with her suburbs,”

1 Chronicles 6:67 · KJV

Context

65

And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities, which are called by their names.

66

And the residue of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their coasts out of the tribe of Ephraim.

67

And they gave unto them, of the cities of refuge, Shechem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; they gave also Gezer with her suburbs,

68

And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs,

69

And Aijalon with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs:

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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 · 15 words
וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ1 of 15

“And they gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶ֜ם2 of 15
H0
אֶת3 of 15
H853

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

עָרֵ֧י4 of 15

“unto them of the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַמִּקְלָ֛ט5 of 15

“of refuge”

H4733

an asylum (as a receptacle)

אֶת6 of 15
H853

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

שְׁכֶ֥ם7 of 15

“Shechem”

H7927

shekem, a place in palestine

וְאֶת8 of 15
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶֽׁיהָ׃9 of 15

“with her suburbs”

H4054

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

בְּהַ֣ר10 of 15

“in mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

אֶפְרָ֑יִם11 of 15

“Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְאֶת12 of 15
H853

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

גֶּ֖זֶר13 of 15

“they gave also Gezer”

H1507

gezer, a place in palestine

וְאֶת14 of 15
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶֽׁיהָ׃15 of 15

“with her suburbs”

H4054

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

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 6:67 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 6:67 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 21:211 Kings 9:16Genesis 35:4Joshua 20:7Joshua 12:12Genesis 33:18

Places in This Verse

GezerSettlement · Modern: Tel Gezer · 31.86°N, 34.92°E14 verses across 5 books
ShechemSettlement · Modern: Tell Balatah · 32.21°N, 35.28°E45 verses across 10 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 6 →

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