And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, and with him were three thousand and seven hundred;

1 CHRONICLES 12:27KJV
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1 Chronicles 12:27 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 12:27 mean?

1 Chronicles 12:27 states that Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, and that he brought with him a group of 3,700 men. This verse highlights the specific contribution of the Aaronite priestly family to David’s growing support during his rise to kingship.

This verse is part of a list describing the various groups who joined David at Hebron to help make him king over all Israel. The Aaronites were descendants of Aaron, Moses’ brother, and their leader Jehoiada brought a significant number of men, showing that even the priestly tribe supported David’s claim to the throne.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 12:27

  • אֲרוֹנִי (’Aharoni, transliterated "Aaronites") refers to the descendants of Aaron. This word emphasizes that the group was not just any Levites, but specifically from the priestly family, which adds weight to their support for David.
  • נָגִיד (nagid, transliterated "leader") means a chief or ruler. Using this term for Jehoiada highlights his recognized authority among the Aaronites, not just as a priest but as a leader in a broader sense.
  • שָׁלוֹשׁ (shalosh, "three"), אֶלֶף (eleph, "thousand"), שֶׁבַע (sheva, "seven"), and מֵאָה (me’ah, "hundred") are the Hebrew numerals used to specify the size of Jehoiada’s group: 3,700. The precise number underlines the organized and substantial nature of their support.

Why 1 Chronicles 12:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that support for David was not limited to warriors or common people, but included the influential priestly class, which would have been significant for his legitimacy as king.
  • By naming Jehoiada and giving an exact number, the text underscores the organized and intentional support from the Aaronites, rather than a vague or symbolic gesture.
  • The mention of the Aaronites connects David’s kingship to Israel’s religious leadership, hinting at the unity between the monarchy and the priesthood in this period.

Where else these words appear

“leader” Hebrew H5057 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Samuel 9:16 To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:2 And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.

“Jehoiada” Hebrew H3077 · used in 48 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.
  • 1 Kings 4:4 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
  • 2 Chronicles 23:9 Moreover Jehoiada the priest delivered to the captains of hundreds spears, and bucklers, and shields, that had been king David's, which were in the house of God.