King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 9:33 Mean?

1 Chronicles 9:33 in the King James Version says “And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free : for they were ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Chronicles 9:33 · KJV

Context

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

34

These chief fathers of the Levites were chief throughout their generations; these dwelt at Jerusalem.

35

And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon , Jehiel, whose wife's name was Maachah:

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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 · 12 words
וְאֵ֣לֶּה1 of 12
H428

these or those

הַ֠מְשֹֽׁרְרִים2 of 12

“And these are the singers”

H7891

to sing

רָאשֵׁ֨י3 of 12

“chief”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אָב֧וֹת4 of 12

“of the fathers”

H1

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

לַלְוִיִּ֛ם5 of 12

“of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

בַּלְּשָׁכֹ֖ת6 of 12

“who remaining in the chambers”

H3957

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

פְּטיּרִ֑ים7 of 12
H6359

open, i.e., unoccupied

כִּֽי8 of 12
H3588

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

יוֹמָ֥ם9 of 12

“day”

H3119

daily

וָלַ֛יְלָה10 of 12

“and night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם11 of 12
H5921

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

בַּמְּלָאכָֽה׃12 of 12

“for they were employed in that work”

H4399

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

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 9:33 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 9:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 6:31-33Psalms 134:1-21 Chronicles 16:4-61 Chronicles 25:1-31Psalms 135:1-3Ezra 7:24

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