King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 9:26 Mean?

1 Chronicles 9:26 in the King James Version says “For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the ho...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Chronicles 9:26 · KJV

Context

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.

28

And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale . bring: Heb. bring them in by tale, and carry them out by tale

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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 · 15 words
כִּ֣י1 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בֶֽאֱמוּנָ֞ה2 of 15

“were in their set office”

H530

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

הֵ֗מָּה3 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אַרְבַּ֙עַת֙4 of 15

“the four”

H702

four

גִּבֹּרֵ֣י5 of 15

“chief”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

הַשֹּֽׁעֲרִ֔ים6 of 15

“porters”

H7778

a janitor

הֵ֖ם7 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הַלְוִיִּ֑ם8 of 15

“For these Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וְהָיוּ֙9 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עַל10 of 15
H5921

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

הַלְּשָׁכ֔וֹת11 of 15

“and were over the chambers”

H3957

a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)

וְעַ֥ל12 of 15
H5921

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

הָאֹֽצְר֖וֹת13 of 15

“and treasuries”

H214

a depository

בֵּ֥ית14 of 15

“of the house”

H1004

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃15 of 15

“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 9:26 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 9:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 31:5-12Nehemiah 10:38-391 Chronicles 26:20-27Nehemiah 13:5

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