1 Chronicles 9:13

Authorized King James Version

And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽאֲחֵיהֶ֗ם
H251
And their brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#2
רָאשִׁים֙
H7218
heads
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#3
בֵּית
H1004
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#4
אֲבוֹתָ֔ם
H1
of their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
אֶ֕לֶף
H505
a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#6
וּשְׁבַ֥ע
H7651
and seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#7
מֵא֖וֹת
H3967
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#8
וְשִׁשִּׁ֑ים
H8346
and threescore
sixty
#9
גִּבּ֣וֹרֵי
H1368
men
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#10
חֵ֔יל
H2428
very able
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#11
מְלֶ֖אכֶת
H4399
for the work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#12
עֲבוֹדַ֥ת
H5656
of the service
work of any kind
#13
בֵּית
H1004
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#14
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃
H430
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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