King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 9:31 Mean?

1 Chronicles 9:31 in the King James Version says “And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over the things th...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Chronicles 9:31 · KJV

Context

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

32

And other of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the shewbread , to prepare it every sabbath. shewbread: Heb. bread of ordering

33

And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free : for they were employed in that work day and night. they: Heb. upon 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 · 11 words
וּמַתִּתְיָה֙1 of 11

“And Mattithiah”

H4993

mattithjah, the name of four israelites

מִן2 of 11
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם3 of 11

“one of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

ה֥וּא4 of 11
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הַבְּכ֖וֹר5 of 11

“who was the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

לְשַׁלֻּ֣ם6 of 11

“of Shallum”

H7967

shallum, the name of fourteen israelites

הַקָּרְחִ֑י7 of 11

“the Korahite”

H7145

a korchite (collectively) or descendants of korach

בֶּֽאֱמוּנָ֕ה8 of 11

“had the set office”

H530

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

עַ֖ל9 of 11
H5921

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

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה10 of 11

“over the things that were made”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

הַֽחֲבִתִּֽים׃11 of 11

“in the pans”

H2281

something fried, probably a griddle-cake

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 9:31 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 9:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 9:191 Chronicles 9:22Leviticus 2:7Leviticus 2:51 Chronicles 9:171 Chronicles 9:26

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