1 Chronicles 23:4

Authorized King James Version

Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the LORD; and six thousand were officers and judges:

Word-by-Word Analysis

מֵאֵ֗לֶּה

H428

Of which

these or those

לְנַצֵּ֙חַ֙

H5329

were to set forward

properly, to glitter from afar, i.e., to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the temple services and its music); to be permanent

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מְלֶ֣אכֶת

H4399

the work

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

בֵּית

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים

H6242

twenty

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְאַרְבָּעָ֖ה

H702

and four

four

אֲלָפִֽים׃

H505

thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

#10

וְשֹֽׁטְרִ֥ים

H7860

were officers

properly, a scribe, i.e., (by analogy or implication) an official superintendent or magistrate

#11

וְשֹֽׁפְטִ֖ים

H8199

and judges

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

#12

שֵׁ֥שֶׁת

H8337

and six

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

#13

אֲלָפִֽים׃

H505

thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Chronicles.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?