1 Chronicles 26:13
1 Chronicles 26:13 in Multiple Translations
They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike.
¶ And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.
And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to their fathers’ houses, for every gate.
And the families were taken by the decision of the Lord for every door; the small family had the same chance as the great.
Every gate was assigned by lot to different families, the least important equal to the most important.
And they cast lottes both small and great for the house of their fathers, for euery gate.
and they cause to fall lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for gate and gate.
They cast lots, the small as well as the great, according to their fathers’ houses, for every gate.
And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.
And they cast lots equally, both little and great, by their families for every one of the gates.
By casting lots, the leader of each family chose one gate for their group to guard. All of them, including young men and old men (OR, including leaders of large families and small families), cast lots.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 26:13
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 26:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּפִּ֨ילוּ
גוֹרָל֜וֹת
כַּ/קָּטֹ֧ן
כַּ/גָּד֛וֹל
לְ/בֵ֥ית
אֲבוֹתָ֖/ם
לְ/שַׁ֥עַר
וָ/שָֽׁעַר
וַ/יַּפִּ֨ילוּ
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
גוֹרָל֜וֹת
gôwrâl
H1486
allotted
N-mp
כַּ/קָּטֹ֧ן
qâṭân
H6996
small
Prep | Adj
כַּ/גָּד֛וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Prep | Adj
לְ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
אֲבוֹתָ֖/ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
לְ/שַׁ֥עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Prep | N-ms
וָ/שָֽׁעַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 26:13
וַ/יַּפִּ֨ילוּ
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
גוֹרָל֜וֹת
gôwrâl
H1486
"allotted"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a pebble or small stone used for making decisions by casting lots. It symbolizes a portion or destiny assigned by chance, like the drawing of lots to determine an outcome. This concept is central to ancient Israelite decision-making practices.
Definition: 1) lot 1a) lot-pebbles used for systematically making decisions 2) portion 2a) lot, portion (thing assigned by casting lots) 2b) recompense, retribution
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: lot. See also: Leviticus 16:8; Judges 1:3; Psalms 16:5.
כַּ/קָּטֹ֧ן
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
כַּ/גָּד֛וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
לְ/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.
אֲבוֹתָ֖/ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
לְ/שַׁ֥עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
וָ/שָֽׁעַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 26:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 26:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 26:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 26:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26:13
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 26:13
Context — The Divisions of the Gatekeepers
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. 15The lot for the South Gate fell to Obed-edom, and the lot for the storehouses to his sons.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. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 24:31 | As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 24:5 | Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants. |
1 Chronicles 26:13 Summary
This verse tells us that the gatekeepers cast lots to decide who would be in charge of each gate, and they included everyone, young and old. This shows that they trusted in God to guide their decisions, just like we're told to do in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God and working together, we can fulfill our roles and responsibilities, just like the gatekeepers did. This is an important reminder for us today, as we seek to serve God and others in our own lives and communities, as seen in Romans 12:4-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the gatekeepers cast lots for each gate?
The gatekeepers cast lots for each gate to determine their assignments in a fair and random manner, trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 16:33, which says that the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
What is the significance of including young and old alike in the casting of lots?
The inclusion of young and old alike in the casting of lots emphasizes the importance of family and community in the gatekeepers' assignments, much like in 1 Chronicles 25:1-31, where David organized the musicians by their families and clans.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of worship and service in the house of the Lord?
This verse highlights the organized and systematic approach to worship and service in the house of the Lord, as seen in 1 Chronicles 23:28-32, where the Levites were responsible for various tasks in the tabernacle, including assisting the priests and preparing the sacrifices.
What can we learn from the gatekeepers' use of lots to make decisions?
The gatekeepers' use of lots to make decisions teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, even in the midst of uncertainty, as seen in Acts 1:23-26, where the apostles cast lots to replace Judas.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, like the gatekeepers did?
- How can I, like the gatekeepers, prioritize fairness and equality in my decision-making processes?
- In what ways can I, as a member of the body of Christ, work together with others to fulfill our roles and responsibilities, just like the gatekeepers did?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of family and community in my own life and ministry?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 26:13
And they cast lots,.... To determine at which gate each should stand, who at this gate, and who at the other, c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 26:13
And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate. They cast lots.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26:13
They cast lots, as well the small as the great; determining the times and places of their service not by age or dignity, but merely by lot. According to the house of their fathers; a several lot being allowed for each several house. For every gate, that it might be known to whom the care of each gate was more especially committed.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26:13
(13) And they cast lots.—Compare 1 Chronicles 25:8. As well the small as the great . . .—Rather, Small and great (senior and junior) alike, according to their houses, for each gate. The posts of the porters were assigned by lot, without distinction of rank between the various families. The Sanctuary was built square with the four points of the compass, and had four gates, one on each side. The orientation of temples was the rule with the ancient Semites; and the importance attached to the cardinal points is illustrated by the ancient designation of the Babylonian and Assyrian sovereigns as “King of the four quarters,” i.e., of heaven (sar arba’i kiprat).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26:13
Verse 13. They cast lots - for every gate.] None of these captains or their companies were permitted to choose which gate they would guard, but each took his appointment by lot.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 26:13
13–19 (cp. 1 Chronicles 9:23-26). The Stations of the Doorkeepers 13. the house of their fathers] R.V. their fathers’ houses.