1 Chronicles 23:27
1 Chronicles 23:27 in Multiple Translations
For according to the final instructions of David, the Levites twenty years of age or older were counted,
For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above:
For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered, from twenty years old and upward.
So among the last acts of David was the numbering of the sons of Levi, from twenty years old and over.
In accordance with David's final instructions, Levites twenty years of age or more were counted.
Therefore according to the last wordes of Dauid, the Leuites were nombred from twentie yeere and aboue,
for by the last words of David they [took] the number of the sons of Levi from a son of twenty years and upward,
For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were counted, from twenty years old and upward.
For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above:
So according to the last precepts of David, the sons of Levi are to be numbered from twenty years old and upward.
Obeying the final instructions of David before he died, instructions for doing this work at the temple, they counted only the descendants of Levi who were at least 20 years old.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 23:27
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 23:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
בְ/דִבְרֵ֤י
דָוִיד֙
הָ/אַ֣חֲרֹנִ֔ים
הֵ֖מָּה
מִסְפַּ֣ר
בְּנֵי
לֵוִ֑י
מִ/בֶּ֛ן
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
שָׁנָ֖ה
וּ/לְ/מָֽעְלָ/ה
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בְ/דִבְרֵ֤י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-mp
דָוִיד֙
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
הָ/אַ֣חֲרֹנִ֔ים
ʼachărôwn
H314
last
Art | Adj
הֵ֖מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
מִסְפַּ֣ר
miçpâr
H4557
number
N-ms
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
לֵוִ֑י
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
N-proper
מִ/בֶּ֛ן
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-ms
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Adj
שָׁנָ֖ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
וּ/לְ/מָֽעְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Conj | Prep | Adv | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 23:27
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בְ/דִבְרֵ֤י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-mp
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.
דָוִיד֙
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.
הָ/אַ֣חֲרֹנִ֔ים
ʼachărôwn
H314
"last"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means last or western, and can refer to something that is behind or following something else. It is used in the Bible to describe things that are late or last in time or location.
Definition: 1) behind, following, subsequent, western 1a) behind, hindermost, western (of location) 1b) later, subsequent, latter, last (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: after (-ward), to come, following, hind(-er, -ermost, -most), last, latter, rereward, ut(ter) most. See also: Genesis 33:2; 2 Chronicles 28:26; Psalms 48:14.
הֵ֖מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
מִסְפַּ֣ר
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
בְּנֵי
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.
לֵוִ֑י
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
N-proper
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.
מִ/בֶּ֛ן
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-ms
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.
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
שָׁנָ֖ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
וּ/לְ/מָֽעְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Conj | Prep | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 23:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 23:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 23:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 23:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:27
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 23:27
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 23:27
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 23:27
Context — Levite Duties Revised
25For David had said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever.
26So now the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for its service.”
27For according to the final instructions of David, the Levites twenty years of age or older were counted,
28but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, 29as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 23:24 | These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD. |
| 2 | Psalms 72:20 | Thus conclude the prayers of David son of Jesse. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 23:1 | These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 23:3 | The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000. |
1 Chronicles 23:27 Summary
In 1 Chronicles 23:27, we see that King David gave instructions for the Levites to be counted at twenty years old or older, which was a change from the previous age of thirty. This was because God had given rest to His people, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 23:25, and the Levites no longer had to carry the tabernacle. This counting was important because it helped determine the roles and responsibilities of the Levites in serving God and assisting the priests, as seen in 1 Chronicles 23:28-29 and Exodus 40:16. By following David's example, we can learn the importance of planning, preparation, and trust in God's sovereignty, as also seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Levites counted at twenty years of age or older in 1 Chronicles 23:27?
This was done according to the final instructions of David, as stated in the verse, and it reflects a change from the earlier practice of counting Levites from thirty years old, as seen in Numbers 4:3, due to the rest that God had given to His people, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 23:25.
What is the significance of David's final instructions in 1 Chronicles 23:27?
David's final instructions, which included the counting of the Levites, demonstrate his commitment to following God's will and ensuring the continuation of proper worship and service in the house of the Lord, as also seen in 1 Chronicles 22:5 and 1 Chronicles 28:11-13.
How does the counting of the Levites in 1 Chronicles 23:27 relate to their responsibilities?
The counting of the Levites at twenty years of age or older was directly tied to their duties, which included assisting the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the Lord, as outlined in 1 Chronicles 23:28-29, and ensuring the purity and order of the temple service, similar to the instructions given in Exodus 40:16 and Numbers 3:6-10.
What can we learn about leadership from David's actions in 1 Chronicles 23:27?
David's actions demonstrate the importance of planning and preparation for the future, as well as the value of following God's instructions and ensuring a smooth transition of leadership, as also seen in 1 Chronicles 22:5 and 1 Chronicles 28:1-5, which reflects the wisdom and guidance found in Proverbs 24:3-4 and Proverbs 27:23-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can follow David's example of planning and preparation for the future, especially in terms of my spiritual life and service to God?
- How can I ensure that I am using my gifts and talents to assist others in the body of Christ, just as the Levites assisted the descendants of Aaron?
- What does it mean for me to 'give rest' to myself and others, as God gave rest to His people, and how can I prioritize rest and trust in God's sovereignty in my life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to following God's will and ensuring the continuation of proper worship and service in my own life and community?
- How can I balance the need for planning and preparation with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, as seen in 1 Chronicles 23:25 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 23:27
For by the last words of David,.... Or therefore by the last orders he gave before his death: the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above; as able and sufficient to do the work of their office.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 23:27
For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:27
By the last words of David; by his last order and constitution, made by God’ s direction and by the Spirit, as hath been once and again noted and proved before. This is here added, to signify that this great affair was thus settled by David, not in his younger years, when it might have been thought to be the effect of youthful heat, and confidence, and presumption, and rashness; but when he was come to the greatest maturity, when he was old and near his death, and going to give up his account to his Lord and Maker of all his actions, and particularly of the alterations which he made in the service of God; which he declared was done by the Spirit of God. These were in a manner his dying words, which usually make the deepest impressions.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:27
(27) For by the last words of David.—That is, owing to his last commands. So Vulg. (juxta praecepta David novissima) and Syriac. The Levites were numbered.—Literally, these (are), i.e., according to the later idiom, this (is) the enumeration of the sons of Levi, from twenty years old and upward. The verse seems to mean that David towards the end of his reign instituted a census of Levites from twenty instead of thirty years old. Thus, the Authorised Version gives the sense. Others render, For in the Last words (i.e., records) of David is the number of the sons of Levi from twenty, &c., as if the chronicler were referring to some historical work in which this special census was recorded. The verse is a parenthetic remark of the chronicler, interrupting the speech of David, which, however, is resumed in 1 Chronicles 23:28, and continued to the end of the chapter.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 23:27
27. by the last words of David, the Levites were numbered, from twenty etc.] Render, in the Last Acts of Davit is contained the number of the sons of Levi from twenty years old and upward.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 23:27
By the “last words of David” some understand an historical work on the latter part of his reign, drawn up probably by Gad or Nathan (compare 1 Chronicles 27:24; 1 Chronicles 29:29).
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 23:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Are Not the Religions of the Heathen Good Enough for Them by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker recounts horrifying stories of religious practices in different parts of the world. He describes witnessing a young widow being strangled to death by na |
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Last Words by C.T. Spear | This sermon reflects on the importance of planning ahead for our last words, focusing on self-reflection, surrender to God, and the impact we leave behind. It emphasizes the need f |
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David's Song of Deliverance Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith continues his verse-by-verse study of the Bible, specifically focusing on 2 Samuel chapter 23. He highlights the awe-inspiring grace of God that |
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7. Where Are the Men? by Denny Kenaston | Denny Kenaston preaches about the importance of men rising up to walk in God's ways, challenging them to be mature, financially stable, loving husbands, wise fathers, and dynamic l |
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David a Type of Christ. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on how David serves as a type of Christ, emphasizing that David's last words were prophetic and foreshadowed the coming Messiah. He highlights David's humble beg |