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1 Chronicles 15:15

1 Chronicles 15:15 in Multiple Translations

And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.

And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD.

And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of Jehovah.

And the sons of the Levites took up the ark of God, lifting it by its rods, as the Lord had said to Moses.

Then the Levites carried the Ark of God in the way that Moses had ordered, according to what God had said—on their shoulders using the special carrying poles.

And the sonnes of the Leuites bare the Arke of God vpon their shoulders with the barres, as Moses had commanded, according to the worde of the Lord.

and sons of the Levites bear the ark of God, as Moses commanded, according to the word of Jehovah, on their shoulder, with staves, above them.

The children of the Levites bore God’s ark on their shoulders with its poles, as Moses commanded according to the LORD’s word.

And the children of the Levites bore the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staffs on it, as Moses commanded, according to the word of the LORD.

And the sons of Levi took the ark of God as Moses had commanded, according to the word of the Lord, upon their shoulders, with the staves.

The descendants of Levi inserted the poles into the rings on the Sacred Chest so that with them, they could carry the Sacred Chest on their shoulders, like Moses had commanded, and like Yahweh had said that they should.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 15:15

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 15:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּשְׂא֣וּ בְנֵֽי הַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם אֵ֚ת אֲר֣וֹן הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה מֹשֶׁ֖ה כִּ/דְבַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה בִּ/כְתֵפָ֥/ם בַּ/מֹּט֖וֹת עֲלֵי/הֶֽם
וַ/יִּשְׂא֣וּ nâsâʼ H5375 to lift Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְנֵֽי bên H1121 son N-mp
הַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם Lêvîyîy H3881 Levi Art | Ngmpa
אֵ֚ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אֲר֣וֹן ʼârôwn H727 ark N-cs
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel
צִוָּ֥ה tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֖ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper
כִּ/דְבַ֣ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Prep | N-ms
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
בִּ/כְתֵפָ֥/ם kâthêph H3802 shoulder Prep | N-fs | Suff
בַּ/מֹּט֖וֹת môwṭâh H4133 yoke Prep | N-fp
עֲלֵי/הֶֽם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 15:15

וַ/יִּשְׂא֣וּ nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
בְנֵֽי bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם Lêvîyîy H3881 "Levi" Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
אֵ֚ת 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.
אֲר֣וֹן ʼârôwn H727 "ark" N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | 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.
צִוָּ֥ה tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
מֹשֶׁ֖ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
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(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
כִּ/דְבַ֣ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בִּ/כְתֵפָ֥/ם kâthêph H3802 "shoulder" Prep | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for shoulder describes the upper end of the arm, where garments hang, and is used in Exodus 28:7 to describe the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
Definition: 1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man) 1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals) 1c) side, slope (of mountain) 1d) supports (of laver)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter. See also: Exodus 27:14; 2 Kings 11:11; Isaiah 11:14.
בַּ/מֹּט֖וֹת môwṭâh H4133 "yoke" Prep | N-fp
This word refers to a yoke or bar, often symbolizing oppression or burden. For example, in Leviticus 26:13, God promises to break the yoke of slavery for the Israelites. It represents a weight or load that must be carried.
Definition: 1) pole, bar of yoke 1a) pole 1b) bar of yoke 1b1) of oppression (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: bands, heavy, staves, yoke. See also: Leviticus 26:13; Jeremiah 28:10; Isaiah 58:6.
עֲלֵי/הֶֽם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 15:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Numbers 4:15 When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.
2 Numbers 7:9 But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible.
3 2 Chronicles 5:9 The poles of the ark extended far enough that their ends were visible from in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day.
4 Exodus 37:3–5 And he cast four gold rings for its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. Then he made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. He inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark in order to carry it.
5 1 Kings 8:8 The poles extended far enough that their ends were visible from the Holy Place in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day.
6 Numbers 4:5–6 Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it. They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles.
7 Exodus 40:20 Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark.
8 Exodus 25:12–15 Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it. The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed.

1 Chronicles 15:15 Summary

[This verse shows that the Levites carefully followed God's instructions for moving the ark, using poles to carry it on their shoulders, demonstrating their reverence and obedience to God's word, as also seen in Exodus 25:13-15. By doing so, they treated the ark, which represented God's presence, with the respect and care it deserved. This teaches us the importance of following God's commands and treating sacred things with reverence, just as the Levites did, and as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-40, to love and worship God with all our heart, soul, and mind.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Levites carry the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles?

The Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles as Moses had commanded, following the specific instructions given by God, as seen in Numbers 7:9 and Deuteronomy 31:9, to ensure the ark was handled with reverence and care, in accordance with the word of the Lord.

What is the significance of the poles in carrying the ark of God?

The poles were a part of the ark's design, as described in Exodus 25:13-15, allowing the Levites to carry it without directly touching the ark, thus maintaining its sanctity and following God's command to Moses, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's instructions.

How does this verse relate to the concept of worship in the Bible?

This verse shows that the Levites' actions were not just a physical task, but an act of worship, as they followed God's commands to handle the ark with care, reflecting the importance of reverence and obedience in worship, as also seen in John 4:24, which emphasizes the need to worship God in spirit and truth.

What can we learn from the Levites' obedience in this verse?

The Levites' obedience in carrying the ark as commanded demonstrates the value of following God's instructions, even in details, as seen in other examples like Noah's obedience in Genesis 6:22 and Joshua's obedience in Joshua 1:7-8, highlighting the importance of trusting and obeying God's word in our lives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to be more obedient to God's commands, just like the Levites with the ark?
  2. How can I ensure that my actions, like the Levites', are not just routine tasks but acts of worship and reverence to God?
  3. In what ways can I apply the principle of handling sacred things with care, as seen in the Levites' handling of the ark, to my own spiritual life and relationships?
  4. What does this verse teach me about the relationship between obedience and worship, and how can I deepen my understanding of this connection in my daily walk with God?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 15:15

And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders, with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded, according to the word of the Lord.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 15:15

For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:15

The children of the Levites, to wit, the Kohathites, .

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:15

(15) And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God.—The priests and Levites, having purified themselves (1 Chronicles 15:14), duly and rightly discharged their sacred office of bearing the Ark. This statement anticipates 1 Chronicles 15:25, sqq. Such brief anticipative summaries of a series of events afterwards described in detail are very common in Hebrew narrative. Upon their shoulders with the staves there-on.—Literally, with their shoulder, with the poles upon themselves.As Moses commanded according to the word of the Lord.—Numbers 7:9; Numbers 4:15; Exodus 25:13-15.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:15

Verse 15. Upon their shoulders] That is the staves which went through the rings rested on their shoulders, but the ark itself rested on the staves like a sedan on its poles. As Moses commanded] See Numbers 4:5; Numbers 4:15.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 15:15

15. the Levites bare … upon their shoulders] Numbers 1:50; Numbers 7:9. the staves] Exodus 25:13-14.

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 15:15

SermonDescription
Vance Havner Steadying the Ark of God by Vance Havner In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true worship and the need for personal responsibility in carrying out God's work. He criticizes the idea of putting on a r
Gareth Evans Burdens & Gifts by Gareth Evans In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story from the book of Kings about a mother bird teaching her baby bird to fly. He uses this story as a parable to illustrate the co
Richard Owen Roberts Uzzah and the Ark of God by Richard Owen Roberts This sermon emphasizes the importance of doing things God's way and humbling ourselves before Him. It highlights the need for true preaching that moves hearts, not just teaching, a
Gareth Evans Soaring 2 - Burdens & Gifts by Gareth Evans In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story from the book of Kings in the Old Testament. The story is about a little bundle that learns to fly and soar without moving its
C.H. Spurgeon Now We Have Received by C.H. Spurgeon The preacher delves into the Greek word 'huperecho,' which means to excel, be superior, and hold others in higher regard. Paul emphasizes the importance of esteeming others as more
John Nelson Darby On the Covering of the Holy Vessels Numbers 4 by John Nelson Darby John Nelson Darby explores the significance of the coverings of the holy vessels in Numbers 4, emphasizing how each item reflects different aspects of Christ's nature and ministry.
Clement of Rome Moses of Old by Clement of Rome Clement of Rome reflects on the appointment of ministers by those in Christ, drawing parallels to the faithful servant Moses who recorded God's injunctions in the sacred books. He

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