King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 9:19 Mean?

1 Chronicles 9:19 in the King James Version says “And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Ko...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the LORD, were keepers of the entry. gates: Heb. thresholds”

1 Chronicles 9:19 · KJV

Context

17

And the porters were, Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum was the chief;

18

Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.

19

And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the LORD, were keepers of the entry. gates: Heb. thresholds

20

And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, and the LORD was with him.

21

And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

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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 · 23 words
וְשַׁלּ֣וּם1 of 23

“And Shallum”

H7967

shallum, the name of fourteen israelites

בֶּן2 of 23

“the son”

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

ק֠וֹרֵא3 of 23

“of Kore”

H6981

kore, the name of two israelites

בֶּן4 of 23

“the son”

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

אֶבְיָסָ֨ף5 of 23

“of Ebiasaph”

H43

ebjasaph, an israelite

בֶּן6 of 23

“the son”

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

קֹ֜רַח7 of 23

“of Korah”

H7141

korach, the name of two edomites and three israelites

וְֽאֶחָ֧יו8 of 23

“and his brethren”

H251

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

לְבֵית9 of 23

“of the house”

H1004

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

וַאֲבֹֽתֵיהֶם֙10 of 23

“and their fathers”

H1

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

הַקָּרְחִ֗ים11 of 23

“the Korahites”

H7145

a korchite (collectively) or descendants of korach

עַ֚ל12 of 23
H5921

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

מְלֶ֣אכֶת13 of 23

“were over the work”

H4399

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

הָֽעֲבוֹדָ֔ה14 of 23

“of the service”

H5656

work of any kind

שֹֽׁמְרֵ֖י15 of 23

“keepers”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

הַסִּפִּ֖ים16 of 23

“of the gates”

H5592

a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)

לָאֹ֑הֶל17 of 23

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

וַאֲבֹֽתֵיהֶם֙18 of 23

“and their fathers”

H1

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

עַל19 of 23
H5921

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

מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה20 of 23

“being over the host”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

יְהוָ֔ה21 of 23

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

שֹֽׁמְרֵ֖י22 of 23

“keepers”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

הַמָּבֽוֹא׃23 of 23

“of the entry”

H3996

an entrance (the place or the act); specifically sunset or the west; also (adverb with preposition) towards

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 9:19 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 9:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:9-112 Kings 11:91 Chronicles 6:22-231 Chronicles 26:7-8Psalms 84:102 Chronicles 23:4-10

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