1 Chronicles 15:8 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 15:8 mean?

1 Chronicles 15:8 lists Shemaiah as the chief among the sons of Elizaphan, along with two hundred of his relatives. This verse is part of a record showing which families and leaders were involved in bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.

The writer is describing the organization of Levites by King David as he prepares to move the Ark. Each family group is named, and here, the sons of Elizaphan are highlighted, with Shemaiah as their leader and two hundred of his brothers joining him. This detail shows the careful planning and the significant number of people involved in this important event.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 15:8

• "sons" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word means "sons" or "descendants," emphasizing that the group comes from the family line of Elizaphan.
• "chief" (שַׂר, sar): This word is often used for a leader, prince, or official. Calling Shemaiah the "chief" shows he had authority and responsibility among his relatives.
• "hundred" (מֵאָה, me'ah): The specific number "two hundred" highlights the size of this family group, showing their importance and the scale of the gathering.

Why 1 Chronicles 15:8 matters

• This verse helps clarify that the Levites were organized by family groups, each with their own leader, showing the orderliness of the preparations for moving the Ark.
• Naming Shemaiah as chief and giving the exact number of his relatives emphasizes the importance of both leadership and community participation in Israel’s worship practices.
• The verse connects to the larger narrative of 1 Chronicles 15, where David ensures that the Ark is moved according to proper procedures, involving many people and following specific roles.