King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 9:29 Mean?

1 Chronicles 9:29 in the King James Version says “Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, a...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices. instruments: or, vessels”

1 Chronicles 9:29 · KJV

Context

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

29

Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices. instruments: or, vessels

30

And some of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices.

31

And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over the things that were made in the pans. set: or, trust in: or, on flat plates, or, slices

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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
וּמֵהֶ֗ם1 of 14
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מְמֻנִּים֙2 of 14

“Some of them also were appointed”

H4487

properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll

עַל3 of 14
H5921

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

כְּלֵ֣י4 of 14

“and all the instruments”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וְעַ֖ל5 of 14
H5921

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

כָּל6 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כְּלֵ֣י7 of 14

“and all the instruments”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ8 of 14

“of the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְעַל9 of 14
H5921

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

הַסֹּ֙לֶת֙10 of 14

“and the fine flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

וְהַיַּ֣יִן11 of 14

“and the wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

וְהַשֶּׁ֔מֶן12 of 14

“and the oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וְהַלְּבוֹנָ֖ה13 of 14

“and the frankincense”

H3828

frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)

וְהַבְּשָׂמִֽים׃14 of 14

“and the spices”

H1314

fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant

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 9:29 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 9:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 23:29Exodus 27:20Exodus 30:23-38

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