King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 9:13 Mean?

1 Chronicles 9:13 in the King James Version says “And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God. very: Heb. mighty men of valour”

1 Chronicles 9:13 · KJV

Context

11

And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God;

12

And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasiai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;

13

And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God. very: Heb. mighty men of valour

14

And of the Levites; Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;

15

And Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Post-exilic restoration community section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term שְׁאֵרִית (she'erit) - remnant 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 God preserves faithful remnant.

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 Post-exilic returnees and Jerusalem's inhabitants. 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 God preserves faithful remnant connect to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַֽאֲחֵיהֶ֗ם1 of 14

“And their brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

רָאשִׁים֙2 of 14

“heads”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

בֵּית3 of 14

“of the house”

H1004

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

אֲבוֹתָ֔ם4 of 14

“of their fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אֶ֕לֶף5 of 14

“a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וּשְׁבַ֥ע6 of 14

“and seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

מֵא֖וֹת7 of 14

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְשִׁשִּׁ֑ים8 of 14

“and threescore”

H8346

sixty

גִּבּ֣וֹרֵי9 of 14

“men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

חֵ֔יל10 of 14

“very able”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

מְלֶ֖אכֶת11 of 14

“for the work”

H4399

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

עֲבוֹדַ֥ת12 of 14

“of the service”

H5656

work of any kind

בֵּית13 of 14

“of the house”

H1004

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃14 of 14

“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 9:13 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 9:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 26:32Nehemiah 11:141 Chronicles 26:301 Chronicles 26:6

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