And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.

1 CHRONICLES 15:23KJV
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1 Chronicles 15:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 15:23 mean?

1 Chronicles 15:23 states that Berechiah and Elkanah were assigned as doorkeepers for the ark, meaning they had the responsibility of guarding and overseeing the entrance to the area where the ark of the covenant was kept. This verse highlights their specific role in the careful handling and protection of the ark during its transport.

In the context of 1 Chronicles 15, King David is organizing the Levites and other leaders for the safe movement of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. Assigning doorkeepers like Berechiah and Elkanah shows the seriousness and orderliness with which this sacred task was approached. The verse is part of a larger list detailing the roles of various individuals involved in this important event.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 15:23

  • The word for "doorkeepers" is שׁוֹעֵר (sho‘er), which refers to gatekeepers or those who guard entrances. In this context, it emphasizes the trusted role of guarding access to the ark, not just a physical door.
  • The word for "ark" is אֲרוֹן (’aron), meaning a chest or box, but here it specifically refers to the ark of the covenant, the most sacred object in Israel's worship.

Why 1 Chronicles 15:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the movement and care of the ark involved many people with specific duties, not just the priests or Levites carrying it.
  • Naming Berechiah and Elkanah as doorkeepers shows that even supporting roles were important and honored in the service of God.
  • The verse fits into a larger pattern in 1 Chronicles 15, where detailed organization and respect for sacred things are emphasized as part of Israel’s worship life.

Where else these words appear

“Berechiah” Hebrew H1296 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:20 And Hashubah, and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushabhesed, five.
  • 1 Chronicles 15:17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;
  • Nehemiah 3:30 After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.

“Elkanah” Hebrew H511 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 6:24 And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these are the families of the Korhites.
  • 1 Samuel 1:23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:27 Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son.

“doorkeepers” Hebrew H7778 · used in 37 verses

  • 2 Samuel 18:26 And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:5 Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.
  • Ezra 7:7 And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.