Menu

1 Chronicles 9:23

1 Chronicles 9:23 in Multiple Translations

So they and their descendants were assigned to guard the gates of the house of the LORD—the house called the Tent.

So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the LORD, namely, the house of the tabernacle, by wards.

So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of Jehovah, even the house of the tent, by wards.

So they and their sons had the care of the doors of the house of the Lord, the house of the Tent, as watchers.

They and their descendants were responsible for guarding the entrance to the house of the Lord, also when it was a tent.

So they and their children had the ouersight of the gates of the house of the Lord, euen of the house of the Tabernacle by wardes.

And they and their sons [are] over the gates of the house of Jehovah, even of the house of the tent, by watches.

So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the LORD’s house, even the house of the tent, as guards.

So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the LORD, namely , the house of the tabernacle, by wards.

As well them as their sons, to keep the gates of the house of the Lord, and the tabernacle by their turns.

The work of those gatekeepers and their descendants was to guard the entrances of the Sacred Tent of Yahweh. That was before the temple was built to replace the Sacred Tent.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 9:23

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 9:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/הֵ֨ם וּ/בְנֵי/הֶ֜ם עַל הַ/שְּׁעָרִ֧ים לְ/בֵית יְהוָ֛ה לְ/בֵ֥ית הָ/אֹ֖הֶל לְ/מִשְׁמָרֽוֹת
וְ/הֵ֨ם hêm H1992 they(masc.) Conj | Pron
וּ/בְנֵי/הֶ֜ם bên H1121 son Conj | N-mp | Suff
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
הַ/שְּׁעָרִ֧ים shaʻar H8179 gate Art | N-mp
לְ/בֵית bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms
יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
לְ/בֵ֥ית bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms
הָ/אֹ֖הֶל ʼôhel H168 tent Art | N-ms
לְ/מִשְׁמָרֽוֹת mishmereth H4931 charge Prep | N-fp
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 9:23

וְ/הֵ֨ם hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Conj | 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.
וּ/בְנֵי/הֶ֜ם bên H1121 "son" Conj | N-mp | Suff
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.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
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.
הַ/שְּׁעָרִ֧ים shaʻar H8179 "gate" Art | N-mp
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.
לְ/בֵית 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.
יְהוָ֛ה 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.
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.
הָ/אֹ֖הֶל ʼôhel H168 "tent" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
לְ/מִשְׁמָרֽוֹת mishmereth H4931 "charge" Prep | 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.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 9:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 44:14 Yet I will appoint them to keep charge of all the work for the temple and everything to be done in it.
2 2 Chronicles 23:19 He stationed gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the LORD, so that nothing unclean could enter for any reason.
3 Ezekiel 44:10–11 Surely the Levites who wandered away from Me when Israel went astray, and who wandered away from Me after their idols, will bear the consequences of their iniquity. Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and ministering there. They shall slaughter the burnt offerings and other sacrifices for the people and stand before them to minister to them.
4 1 Chronicles 23:32 So the Levites were to carry out the responsibilities for the Tent of Meeting and the Holy Place, and, under their brothers the descendants of Aaron, the service of the house of the LORD.
5 Nehemiah 12:45 They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed.

1 Chronicles 9:23 Summary

[This verse is talking about the people who were in charge of guarding the doors of the Temple, which was a very important job. They had to make sure that only the right people came in and out, and that everything stayed safe and holy. This is similar to how we are called to be faithful stewards of the things that God has given us, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:2. By being faithful in our responsibilities, we can help create a safe and welcoming space for others to encounter God, just like the gatekeepers did.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the gatekeepers to guard the gates of the house of the LORD?

The gatekeepers were responsible for protecting the entrance to the Temple, ensuring that only those who were supposed to enter could do so, as seen in 1 Chronicles 9:21 and 1 Chronicles 9:22. This role was crucial in maintaining the sanctity of the Temple.

Why were the gatekeepers and their descendants assigned to this task?

The gatekeepers and their descendants were assigned to guard the gates because of their faithfulness and trustworthiness, as noted in 1 Chronicles 9:22, where it is written that David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their positions of trust.

What is the significance of the house of the LORD being called the Tent?

The house of the LORD being called the Tent refers to the earlier, more portable structure that housed the Ark of the Covenant, as seen in Exodus 25:8-9 and Numbers 9:15, which was eventually replaced by the more permanent Temple.

How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of stewardship?

This verse highlights the importance of faithful stewardship, as the gatekeepers were entrusted with a specific responsibility to protect the Temple, similar to the way that believers are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts and resources that God has given them, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:2 and Matthew 25:14-30.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I have been entrusted with a responsibility to guard or protect something, and how can I be more faithful in that role?
  2. How can I balance the need to be protective and vigilant with the need to be welcoming and inclusive, as the gatekeepers would have had to do?
  3. What are some ways that I can pass on the lessons I have learned and the responsibilities I have been given to the next generation, just as the gatekeepers passed on their role to their descendants?
  4. In what ways can I apply the principles of faithful stewardship to my own life and relationships, and what impact might that have on those around me?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 9:23

So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the Lord,.... They that were appointed in David's time to watch the gates of the temple, their posterity succeeded them in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 9:23

So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the LORD, namely, the house of the tabernacle, by wards.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:23

To wit, in David’ s time. The house of the tabernacle: this is added to explain what he means by the house of the Lord; not that tabernacle which David had set up for the ark, but that more solemn tabernacle, which Moses had made by God’ s express command and most particular direction; which in David’ s time was at Gibeon; in which God was and would be worshipped until the temple was built. See ,5, &c. By wards, i.e. by turns or courses, each of them at his gate, and in his appointed time.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:23

1 Chronicles 9:23 So they and their children [had] the oversight of the gates of the house of the LORD, [namely], the house of the tabernacle, by wards.Ver. 23. By wards,] i.e., By three distinct courses.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:23

(23) Namely, the house of the tabernacle.—For the Temple was not built in David’s day By wards.— For Watches.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 9:23

23. namely, the house of the tabernacle] R.V. even the house of the tabernacle (mg. Tent). A reminder that in David’s days (1 Chronicles 9:22) the Temple was not yet built.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:23

23. By wards — Rather, for a guard.

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 9:23

SermonDescription
K.P. Yohannan Foundations of Ministry by K.P. Yohannan K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord and discerning our motives in ministry. He contrasts the busyness of the Levites in the outer court with the stillnes

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate