1 Chronicles 24:31

24:30 The sons also of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites after the house of their fathers.

These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.

KJV

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These likewise cast lots even as their brothers the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the priests and of the Levites; the fathers’ households of the chief even as those of his younger brother.

These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.

These likewise cast lots over against their brothers the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brothers.

What does 1 Chronicles 24:31 mean?

1 Chronicles 24:31 is a verse in the book of 1 Chronicles, in the Old Testament. In the original Hebrew, key words include נָפַל (nâphal), גּוֹרָל (gôwrâl), עֻמָּה (ʻummâh). It connects to 15 cross-referenced passages elsewhere in Scripture.

Hebrew interlinear

These

likewise

castנָפַלnâphal/naw-fal'/H5307to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

lotsגּוֹרָלgôwrâl/go-rawl'/H1486properly, a pebble, i.e. a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

over

againstעֻמָּהʻummâh/oom-maw'/H5980conjunction, i.e. society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

their

brethrenאָחʼâch/awkh/H251a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father))

the

sonsבֵּןbên/bane/H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)

AaronאַהֲרוֹןʼAhărôwn/a-har-one'/H175Aharon, the brother of Moses

the

presenceפָּנִיםpânîym/paw-neem'/H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.)

DavidדָּוִדDâvid/daw-veed'/H1732David, the youngest son of Jesse

the

king,מֶלֶךְmelek/meh'-lek/H4428a king

and

Zadok,צָדוֹקTsâdôwq/tsaw-doke'/H6659Tsadok, the name of eight or nine Israelites

and

Ahimelech,אֲחִימֶלֶךְʼĂchîymelek/akh-ee-meh'-lek/H288Achimelek, the name of an Israelite and of a Hittite

and

the

chiefרֹאשׁrôʼsh/roshe/H7218the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

the

fathersאָבʼâb/awb/H1father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

the

priestsכֹּהֵןkôhên/ko-hane'/H3548literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

and

Levites,לֵוִיִּיLêvîyîy/lay-vee-ee'/H3881a Levite or descendant of Levi

even

the

principalרֹאשׁrôʼsh/roshe/H7218the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

fathersאָבʼâb/awb/H1father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

over

againstעֻמָּהʻummâh/oom-maw'/H5980conjunction, i.e. society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

their

youngerקָטָןqâṭân/kaw-tawn'/H6996abbreviated, i.e. diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

brethren.אָחʼâch/awkh/H251a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father))

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 24:31

CLARKE · whole chapter

sons of Levi were disposed of, 1Chr 24:20-31 . Verse 2 Nadab and Abihu died before their father - That is, during his lifetime. Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office - These two served the office during the life of their father Aaron; after his death Eleazar succeeded in the high priesthood. And under Eli the high priest, the family of Ithamar re-entered into that office. Verse 3 And Ahimelech - Ahimelech is put here for Abiathar, who was high priest in the days of David. Abiathar had also the name of Ahimelech, as well as his father. See Calmet. Verse 5 They divided by lot - This prevented jealousies: for, as all the families were equally noble, they had equal right to all ecclesiastical and civil distinctions. Verse 6 And Shemaiah - "Moses the great scribe, who is called Shemaiah, the son of Nethaneel, of the tribe of Levi, wrote them down." - T. One principal household - for Eleazar - The family of Eleazar was the most illustrious of the sacerdotal families, because Eleazar was the first-born of Aaron, Ithamar's family was the second in order and dignity; therefore one of the principal families of Eleazar was first taken, and then one of Ithamar's, and thus alternately till the whole was finished. Verse 19 Under Aaron their father - That is, they followed the order and plans laid down by Aaron during his lifetime. Verse 26 The sons of Merari - It is remarkable that not a word is here spoken of the family of Gershom. Verse 31 These likewise cast lots - The Levites were divided into twenty-four orders; and these were appointed by lot to serve under the twenty-four orders of the priests: the first order of Levities under the first order of priests, and so on. The meaning is not very clear: "both elder and younger," says Bishop Patrick, "had their places by lot, not by seniority of houses. They who were of greater dignity drew lots against those who were of less; and were to take their courses according to the lot they drew." This may have been the case; but we are very little interested in the subject. Introduction The number and offices of the sin

HENRY_FULL · 1 Chronicles 24:20–31

And the rest of the sons of Levi were these: Of the sons of Amram; Shubael: of the sons of Shubael; Jehdeiah. 21 Concerning Rehabiah: of the sons of Rehabiah, the first was Isshiah. 22 Of the Izharites; Shelomoth: of the sons of Shelomoth; Jahath. 23 And the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth. 24 Of the sons of Uzziel; Michah: of the sons of Michah; Shamir. 25 The brother of Michah was Isshiah: of the sons of Isshiah; Zechariah. 26 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi: the sons of Jaaziah; Beno. 27 The sons of Merari by Jaaziah; Beno, and Shoham, and Zaccur, and Ibri. 28 Of Mahli came Eleazar, who had no sons. 29 Concerning Kish: the son of Kish was Jerahmeel. 30 The sons also of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites after the house of their fathers. 31 These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren. Most of the Levites here named were mentioned before, ch. xxiii. 16 , &c. They were of those who were to attend the priests in the service of the house of God. But they are here mentioned again as heads of the twenty-four courses of Levites (and about so many are here named), who were to attend the twenty-four courses of the priests: they are therefore said to cast lots over against their brethren (so they are called, not their lords ), the sons of Aaron, who were not to lord it over God's clergy, as the original word is, 1 Pet. v. 3 . And, that the whole disposal of the affair might be of the Lord, the principal fathers cast lots over against their younger brethren; that is, those that were of the elder house came upon he level with those of the younger families, and took their place, not by seniority, but as God by the lot directed. Note, In Christ no difference is made between bond and free, elder and younger. The younger brethren, if they be faithful and sincere, shall be no less acceptable to Christ than the principal fathers.

WESLEY · 1 Chronicles 24:31

Over against - Answerable for number and order to those of the priests, so that there should be a course of the Levites for each course of the priests.

Cross-references

Related passages from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

1 Samuel 15:28

And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.

2 Samuel 7:14

I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:

2 Samuel 7:15

But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.

2 Samuel 7:16

And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

1 Kings 11:12

Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.

1 Kings 11:13

Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

1 Kings 11:36

And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there. light: Heb. lamp, or, candle

1 Chronicles 10:14

And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. Jesse: Heb. Isai

1 Chronicles 24:12

The eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,

Psalms 2:7

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. the decree: or, for a decree

Psalms 2:12

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Isaiah 55:3

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Luke 9:35

And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

John 3:35

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

Hebrews 1:5

For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

Topics

Lot, The Porters Priests

People & places in this verse

People

David Aaron Ahimelech Zadok

Verses like this

Other verses that share key original-language words with 1 Chronicles 24:31.

Genesis 10:21

Unto Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were children born.

Genesis 10:25

And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name was Joktan. Peleg: that is Division

Genesis 16:12

And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

Genesis 17:17

Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

Genesis 17:3

And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

Genesis 25:18

And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren. died: Heb. fell

Genesis 4:5

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

Genesis 4:6

And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

Frequently asked questions

What does 1 Chronicles 24:31 say?

1 Chronicles 24:31 (King James Version) reads: "These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren."

Is 1 Chronicles 24:31 in the Old or New Testament?

1 Chronicles 24:31 is in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the book of 1 Chronicles.

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