King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 9:25 Mean?

1 Chronicles 9:25 in the King James Version says “And their brethren, which were in their villages, were to come after seven days from time to time with them.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And their brethren, which were in their villages, were to come after seven days from time to time with them.”

1 Chronicles 9:25 · KJV

Context

23

So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the LORD, namely, the house of the tabernacle, by wards.

24

In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.

25

And their brethren, which were in their villages, were to come after seven days from time to time with them.

26

For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God. set: or, trust chambers: or, storehouses

27

And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them.

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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 · 10 words
וַֽאֲחֵיהֶ֨ם1 of 10

“And their brethren”

H251

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

בְּחַצְרֵיהֶ֜ם2 of 10

“which were in their villages”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

לָב֨וֹא3 of 10

“were to come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְשִׁבְעַ֧ת4 of 10

“after seven”

H7651

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

הַיָּמִ֛ים5 of 10

“days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עֵ֖ת6 of 10

“from time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

אֶל7 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֵ֖ת8 of 10

“from time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

עִם9 of 10
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֵֽלֶּה׃10 of 10
H428

these or those

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 9:25 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 9:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 11:52 Chronicles 23:82 Kings 11:7

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