1 Chronicles 26:12
1 Chronicles 26:12 in Multiple Translations
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their brothers did.
Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.
Of these were the courses of the doorkeepers, even of the chief men, having offices like their brethren, to minister in the house of Jehovah.
Of these were the divisions of the door-keepers, men of authority, having responsible positions like their brothers to be servants in the house of the Lord.
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their family leaders, served in the house of the Lord, just like their brothers.
Of these were the diuisions of the porters of the chiefe men, hauing the charge against their brethren, to serue in the house of the Lord.
According to these [are] the courses of the gatekeepers; to the heads of the mighty ones [are] charges over-against their brethren, to minister in the house of Jehovah,
Of these were the divisions of the doorkeepers, even of the chief men, having offices like their brothers, to minister in the LORD’s house.
Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.
Among these were the divisions of the porters, so that the chiefs of the wards, as well as their brethren, always ministered in the house of the Lord.
Those men were leaders of the groups of men who guarded the gates of the temple. They worked at the temple like their relatives did.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 26:12
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 26:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ֠/אֵלֶּה
מַחְלְק֨וֹת
הַ/שֹּֽׁעֲרִ֜ים
לְ/רָאשֵׁ֧י
הַ/גְּבָרִ֛ים
מִשְׁמָר֖וֹת
לְ/עֻמַּ֣ת
אֲחֵי/הֶ֑ם
לְ/שָׁרֵ֖ת
בְּ/בֵ֥ית
יְהוָֽה
לְ֠/אֵלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Prep | Pron
מַחְלְק֨וֹת
machălôqeth
H4256
division
N-fp
הַ/שֹּֽׁעֲרִ֜ים
shôwʻêr
H7778
gatekeeper
Art | N-mp
לְ/רָאשֵׁ֧י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-mp
הַ/גְּבָרִ֛ים
geber
H1397
great man
Art | N-mp
מִשְׁמָר֖וֹת
mishmereth
H4931
charge
N-fp
לְ/עֻמַּ֣ת
ʻummâh
H5980
close
Prep | N-fs
אֲחֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
לְ/שָׁרֵ֖ת
shârath
H8334
to minister
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
בְּ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 26:12
לְ֠/אֵלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Prep | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
מַחְלְק֨וֹת
machălôqeth
H4256
"division"
N-fp
A division or section of people, including soldiers, priests, and Levites, as described in the Bible's accounts of the Israelites' military and priestly organizations.
Definition: 1) division, course, class, share, allotment 1a) division, part 1b) division, class, course 1b1) of priests, Levites (technical term of organisation) Aramaic equivalent: mach.le.qah (מַחְלְקָה "class" H4255)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: company, course, division, portion. See also H5555 (סֶלַע הַמַּחְלְקוֹת). See also: Joshua 11:23; 1 Chronicles 27:12; Ezekiel 48:29.
הַ/שֹּֽׁעֲרִ֜ים
shôwʻêr
H7778
"gatekeeper"
Art | N-mp
A gatekeeper or porter was a person responsible for guarding and maintaining a gate or door. This word is used to describe someone who controls access to a building or area. In the Bible, it is translated as doorkeeper or porter.
Definition: gatekeeper, porter
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: doorkeeper, porter. See also: 2 Samuel 18:26; 2 Chronicles 23:4; Nehemiah 13:5.
לְ/רָאשֵׁ֧י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הַ/גְּבָרִ֛ים
geber
H1397
"great man"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for a great man or warrior, emphasizing strength or ability to fight, used to describe a person of valor. It is translated as 'man' or 'mighty' in the KJV. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of strong leaders.
Definition: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: every one, man, [idiom] mighty. See also: Exodus 10:11; Psalms 88:5; Psalms 34:9.
מִשְׁמָר֖וֹת
mishmereth
H4931
"charge"
N-fp
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
לְ/עֻמַּ֣ת
ʻummâh
H5980
"close"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means to be close to something or someone, often describing a sense of proximity or nearness. It can also imply agreement or correspondence, as in being in harmony with someone or something. The word is used in various biblical contexts to describe relationships.
Definition: 1) juxtaposition 1a) used only as a prep 1a1) close by, side by side with, alongside of, parallel with 1a2) agreeing with, corresponding to, exactly as, close beside 1a3) correspondingly to
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, at, beside, hard by, in points. See also: Exodus 25:27; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Ezekiel 48:21.
אֲחֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
לְ/שָׁרֵ֖ת
shârath
H8334
"to minister"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
בְּ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 26:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 26:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 26:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 26:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26:12
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 26:12
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 26:12
Context — The Divisions of the Gatekeepers
10Hosah the Merarite also had sons: Shimri the first (although he was not the firstborn, his father had appointed him as the first),
11Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all.
12These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives did.
13They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. 14The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 25:8 | They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil. |
1 Chronicles 26:12 Summary
This verse talks about the gatekeepers, who were responsible for serving and caring for the temple. They worked together with their fellow Levites to fulfill their duties, just like we are called to work together as the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. The gatekeepers' example teaches us the importance of teamwork, leadership, and serving together in unity, and we can apply these lessons to our own lives and ministries. By working together and serving the Lord, we can demonstrate our love and commitment to Him, just as the gatekeepers did through their duties in the house of the LORD, as seen in Psalm 134:1-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the gatekeepers to have duties for ministering in the house of the LORD?
It means they were responsible for serving and caring for the temple, just like their fellow Levites, as seen in Numbers 3:6-10 and 1 Chronicles 23:28-32.
Who were the chief men of the gatekeepers and what role did they play?
The chief men were likely leaders among the gatekeepers, and they helped organize and oversee the duties of the gatekeepers, similar to how leaders are chosen in Exodus 18:21-22 to assist with governing the people.
How did the gatekeepers' duties relate to their brothers?
The gatekeepers' duties were similar to those of their fellow Levites, who also served in the house of the LORD, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 23:24-32 and Psalm 134:1-2.
What can we learn from the organization and division of the gatekeepers' duties?
We can learn the importance of teamwork, leadership, and serving together in unity, as emphasized in Romans 12:4-5 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can serve and minister in my own community, just like the gatekeepers did in the house of the LORD?
- How can I work together with my brothers and sisters in Christ to fulfill our duties and serve the Lord?
- What are some lessons I can apply from the gatekeepers' example of organization and division of labor to my own life and ministry?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to serving the Lord, just like the gatekeepers did through their duties?
- How can I ensure that my service to the Lord is done in unity and cooperation with others, rather than in isolation?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 26:12
Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men,.... These before named were the principal men of the porters, among which was a division or distribution of them into classes
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 26:12
Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD. Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26:12
Having wards one against another; Heb. having wards against or answerably to their brethren, to wit, the other Levites, who were divided into twenty-four courses, as the priests also were, and so it seems were the porters.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26:12
(12) Among these were the divisions of the porters.—Rather, To these, the courses (1 Chronicles 23:6) of porters, that is, to the heads of the men (1 Chronicles 24:4), were watches or charges (1 Chronicles 25:8) in common with their brethren (1 Chronicles 24:31), to minister in the house of Jehovah (1 Chronicles 16:37). The statement of this verse makes it evident that the names in 1 Chronicles 26:2-11 represent the courses of the porters or warders. As the twenty-four sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun represented the twenty-four courses of musicians in 1 Chronicles 25, a similar classification might naturally be expected here. Accordingly, we actually find seven sons of Meshelemiah (1 Chronicles 26:2-3), eight sons of Obed-edom (1 Chronicles 26:4-5), and four sons of Hosah (1 Chronicles 26:10-11), which together make nineteen heads and classes. It remains to add the “sons” of Shemaiah son of Obed-edom. As the text stands, these appear to be six in number, which would give a total of twenty-five (7 + 8 + 4 + 6). But the connection of the Hebrew in 1 Chronicles 26:7 is so unusual as to suggest at once that something is wrong: and if we assume Obed-Elzabad to represent one original composite name, like Obed-edom, we get five “sons of Shemaiah,” and so a total of twenty-four classes or courses of warders. (From this verse to the end of chapter 27 the Syriac and Arabic versions fail us.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26:12
Verse 12. The rest of this chapter, with the whole of the xxviiith, is wanting both in the Syriac and Arabic.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 26:12
12. Among these … another] R.V. Of these were the courses of the doorkeepers, even of the chief man, having charges like as their brethren. In 1 Chronicles 26:8-9; 1 Chronicles 26:11 taken together ninety-three doorkeepers are enumerated, who are presumably the heads of the four thousand mentioned in 1 Chronicles 23:5. In 1 Chronicles 9:22 again the total number (as it seems) of doorkeepers is given as two hundred and twelve. The discrepancy is probably due to the use of different documents belonging to different dates by the Chronicler.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 26:12
This verse is obscure, but its probable meaning is the following: “To these divisions of the porters, principal men, (were assigned) the watches, together with their brethren, for service in the house of the Lord;” i.