1 Chronicles 12:32
1 Chronicles 12:32 in Multiple Translations
From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.
And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
And of the children of Issachar, men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
And of the children of Issachar, there were two hundred chiefs, men who had expert knowledge of the times and what it was best for Israel to do, and all their brothers were under their orders.
From the tribe of Issachar came leaders who knew and could understand the signs of the times and what Israel should do—a total of 200 leaders of the tribe together with their relatives.
And of the children of Issachar which were men that had vnderstanding of the times, to knowe what Israel ought to doe: the heades of them were two hundreth, and all their brethren were at their commandement.
And of the sons of Issachar, having understanding for the times, to know what Israel should do; their heads [are] two hundred, and all their brethren [are] at their command.
Of the children of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their heads were two hundred; and all their brothers were at their command.
And of the children of Issachar, who were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command.
Also of the sons of Issachar men of understanding, that knew all times to order what Israel should do, two hundred principal men: and all the rest of the tribe followed their counsel.
There were 200 men who were leaders from the tribe of Issachar, along with their relatives. Those leaders always knew what the Israelis should do, and they knew the right time to do it.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 12:32
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Chronicles 12:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מֵ/חֲצִי֙
מַטֵּ֣ה
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
שְׁמוֹנָ֥ה
עָשָׂ֖ר
אָ֑לֶף
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
נִקְּבוּ֙
בְּ/שֵׁמ֔וֹת
לָ/ב֖וֹא
לְ/הַמְלִ֥יךְ
אֶת
דָּוִֽיד
וּ/מֵ/חֲצִי֙
chêtsîy
H2677
half
Conj | Prep | N-ms
מַטֵּ֣ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
N-ms
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
Mᵉnashsheh
H4519
Moses
N-proper
שְׁמוֹנָ֥ה
shᵉmôneh
H8083
eight
Adj
עָשָׂ֖ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
אָ֑לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נִקְּבוּ֙
nâqab
H5344
to pierce
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
בְּ/שֵׁמ֔וֹת
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-mp
לָ/ב֖וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לְ/הַמְלִ֥יךְ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דָּוִֽיד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 12:32
וּ/מֵ/חֲצִי֙
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
מַטֵּ֣ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
Mᵉnashsheh
H4519
"Moses"
N-proper
Manasseh was a grandson of Jacob and the ancestor of a large tribe in the Bible, mentioned in Genesis 41:51 and throughout the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) Another name of mo.sheh (מֹשֶׁה "Moses" H4872) § Manasseh = "causing to forget" 1) the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh 1a) the tribe descended from Manasseh 1b) the territory occupied by the tribe of Manasseh 2) son of king Hezekiah of Judah and himself king of Judah; he was the immediate and direct cause for the exile 3) a descendant of Pahath-moab who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 4) a descendant of Hashum who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Manasseh. See also: Genesis 41:51; Joshua 22:21; Psalms 60:9.
שְׁמוֹנָ֥ה
shᵉmôneh
H8083
"eight"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number eight, which was considered a special number in biblical times. It is used to describe quantities, such as eight days or eight years, and also appears in ordinal forms, like eighth or eighth day.
Definition: 1) eight, eighth 1a) eight (as cardinal number) 1b) eighth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: eight(-een, -eenth), eighth. See also: Genesis 5:4; 1 Chronicles 16:38; Jeremiah 32:1.
עָשָׂ֖ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
אָ֑לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נִקְּבוּ֙
nâqab
H5344
"to pierce"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to curse or blaspheme, often with a sense of violence or strong emotion. It can also mean to pierce or strike through, as seen in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to pierce, perforate, bore, appoint 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pierce, bore 1a2) to prick off, designate 1b) (Niphal) to be pricked off, be designated, be specified
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: appoint, blaspheme, bore, curse, express, with holes, name, pierce, strike through. See also: Genesis 30:28; 2 Chronicles 31:19; Proverbs 11:26.
בְּ/שֵׁמ֔וֹת
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
לָ/ב֖וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לְ/הַמְלִ֥יךְ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דָּוִֽיד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 12:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 12:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 12:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 12:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:32
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:32
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 12:32
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 12:32
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:32
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 12:32
Context — David’s Army Grows at Hebron
30From Ephraim: 20,800 mighty men of valor, famous among their own clans.
31From the half-tribe of Manasseh: 18,000 designated by name to come and make David king.
32From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.
33From Zebulun: 50,000 fit for service, trained for battle with all kinds of weapons of war, who with one purpose were devoted to David. 34From Naphtali: 1,000 commanders, accompanied by 37,000 men with shield and spear.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 5:17 | Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. |
| 2 | Luke 12:56–57 | You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. Why don’t you know how to interpret the present time? And why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? |
| 3 | Esther 1:13 | Then the king consulted the wise men who knew the times, for it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice. |
| 4 | Proverbs 14:8 | The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. |
| 5 | Isaiah 33:6 | He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure. |
| 6 | Matthew 16:3 | and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 7:19 | Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city. |
| 8 | Isaiah 22:12–14 | On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth. But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” The LORD of Hosts has revealed in my hearing: “Until your dying day, this sin of yours will never be atoned for,” says the Lord GOD of Hosts. |
| 9 | Genesis 49:14 | Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds. |
| 10 | Proverbs 24:5 | A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength. |
1 Chronicles 12:32 Summary
[The men from Issachar were special because they understood what was going on in their world and knew what to do about it, kind of like having a special compass that always points to the right direction, as seen in Psalm 119:105 where it says that God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'understand the times' as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:32?
Understanding the times refers to having wisdom and discernment about the current situation and knowing how to respond appropriately, as seen in Daniel 1:4 where the young men from Judah were trained to serve in the king's court and understand the times they lived in.
How did the men from Issachar know what Israel should do?
The men from Issachar were given wisdom and discernment by God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:30 where it says that Christ is our wisdom, and in James 1:5 where it says that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God and He will give it to us generously.
What is the significance of the 200 chiefs from Issachar?
The 200 chiefs from Issachar represent a group of leaders who were not only wise and discerning but also influential, as they had all their kinsmen at their command, similar to the leaders mentioned in Exodus 18:21 who were chosen to help Moses lead the people of Israel.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking wisdom and discernment from God, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and being leaders who can influence others for His kingdom, just like the men from Issachar did in their time.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can seek to understand the times I am living in and know how to respond appropriately?
- How can I cultivate wisdom and discernment in my own life, and what role does prayer play in this process?
- What are some ways that I can use my influence to lead others and point them to God, just like the men from Issachar did?
- How can I balance the need to understand the times with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and plan, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 12:32
[See comments on 1 Chronicles 12:23].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 12:32
And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:32
Understanding of the times; either, 1. Skill in the stars, and several seasons and changes of the air; which might be of good use in husbandry, to which this tribe was addicted . Or rather, 2. Political prudence to discern and embrace the fit seasons for all actions; as appears, 1. From the following words, to know what, not only their own tribe, but all Israel ought to do. 2. By the great authority and command which they had over all their brethren upon this account, as it here follows. 3. Because this is so considerable a circumstance in all human, and especially in public, affairs, that the success or disappointment of them depends very much upon the right or wrong timing of them, and therefore this is a very fit expression to signify their great prudence. And particularly they showed this point of their wisdom at this time; for as they had adhered to Saul whilst he lived, as knowing the time was not yet come for David to take possession of the kingdom; and as they could not join themselves to David whilst Abner lived, and was potent, and had the command of the other tribes, wherewith they were encompassed; so as soon as he was dead, and they had opportunity to declare themselves, they owned David for their king. 4. By the like use of this phrase, .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:32
1 Chronicles 12:32 And of the children of Issachar, [which were men] that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them [were] two hundred; and all their brethren [were] at their commandment.Ver. 32. That had understanding of the times.] Noscentes scite tempora, such as well knew what was to be done, and when to do it, by a singular sagacity, gotten by long experience, rather than by skill in astrology. See Esther 1:13. David set a high price upon these; so doth God on such as regard and use the season of well-doing. Were at their commandment.] They were looked upon as oracular men; and obeyed accordingly. Gnari occasionum. - Vat.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:32
(32) And of the children of Issachar . . .—Rather, And of the sons of Issachar (came) men sage in discernment for the times (tempora, critical junctures), so as to know what Israel ought to do; viz., their chiefs two hundred (in number), and all their fellow clansmen under their orders. The old Jewish expositors concluded, from the former part of this verse that the tribe of Issachar had skill iýý astrology, so that they could read in the heavens what seasons were auspicious for action, as the ancient Babylonians professed to do. But all that the text really asserts is that those men of Issachar who went over to David thereby showed political sagacity. No similar phrase occurs elsewhere in the Old Testament. At their commandment.—Upon their mouth. (Comp. Numbers 4:27.) The clansmen marched with their chieftains. The total number of Issachar’s contingent is not assigned.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:32
Verse 32. Children of Issachar] According to the Targum they were all astronomers and astrologers: "and the sons of Issachar, who had understanding to know the times, and were skilled in fixing the beginnings of years, the commencement of months, and the intercalation of months and years; skilful in the changes of the moon, and in fixing the lunar solemnities to their proper times; skilful also in the doctrine of the solar periods; astrologers in signs and stars, that they might show Israel what to do; and their teachers were two hundred chiefs of the Sanhedrin: and all their brethren excelled in the words of the law, and were endued with wisdom, and were obedient to their command." - T. It appears that in their wisdom, experience, and skill, their brethren had the fullest confidence; and nothing was done but by their direction and advice.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 12:32
32. which were men] R.V. men (simply). that had understanding of the times] Cp. Esther 1:13, “which knew the times.” “Times” are “opportunities,” “vicissitudes” (cp. 1 Chronicles 29:30), “experiences,” good or bad (cp. Psalms 31:15). The phrase means, therefore, “men of experience, having knowledge of the world.”
Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 12:32
Men that had understanding of the times - This is best interpreted politically. Compare the marginal reference
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:32
32. That had understanding… to know what Israel ought to do — These representatives of Issachar displayed superior judgment on this occasion in estimating the circumstances of the times, and
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 12:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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"When Judgment Becomes Evident" by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and having discernment in times of judgment and crisis. It calls for a return to prayer, seeking God's wisdom, a |
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Discernment - Part 3 by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning the times we live in. He references Matthew 16:3, where Jesus asks if people can discern the signs of the times |
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The Crisis of Our Time by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that all four gospels in the Bible lead up to the cross, highlighting the significance of the crucifixion in the message of Jesus. The speake |
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Imperatives - Sensitivity to the Voice of the Lord by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tendency of believers to live as though God does not exist. He compares this behavior to the prodigal son who squandered his inheritance a |
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In Times Like These… - Part 9 by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of watching and praying as a way to stay faithful to God. He warns against the dangers of not discerning the times and not be |
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There Is a Time for Every Purpose by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the appropriate time for different actions and emotions in our lives. He references Ecclesiastes chapter 3, wh |
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That's the Way It Is by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for something powerful to happen in church. He compares it to divine electricity, stating that when we attend church, we should eit |