1 Chronicles 26:12

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְ֠אֵלֶּה
these or those
#2
מַחְלְק֨וֹת
Among these were the divisions
a section (of levites, people or soldiers)
#3
הַשֹּֽׁעֲרִ֜ים
of the porters
a janitor
#4
לְרָאשֵׁ֧י
even among the chief
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#5
הַגְּבָרִ֛ים
men
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
#6
מִשְׁמָר֖וֹת
having wards
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
#7
לְעֻמַּ֣ת
one against
conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with
#8
אֲחֵיהֶ֑ם
another
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#9
לְשָׁרֵ֖ת
to minister
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#10
בְּבֵ֥ית
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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