1 Chronicles 23:12 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 23:12 mean?

1 Chronicles 23:12 lists the four sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. This verse is part of a genealogy, showing the family lines within the tribe of Levi.

This verse appears in a section where King David is organizing the Levites for their duties in the temple. By naming Kohath’s sons, the text is tracing the ancestry of important Levitical families, which helps explain later assignments and roles given to their descendants.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 23:12

• בְּנֵי (benê, H1121): This word means "sons" or "descendants." Its use here emphasizes the direct family line from Kohath, which is important for understanding the structure of Levitical service.
• קְהָת (Qehath, H6955): This is the name "Kohath," one of Levi’s sons. The Kohathites had special responsibilities in caring for the most sacred objects in the temple.
• אַרְעָבָע (arba‘, H702): The word for "four" makes clear that Kohath had exactly four sons, underlining the completeness of this branch of the family.

Why 1 Chronicles 23:12 matters

• This verse helps clarify the structure of the Levite families, which is key for understanding later chapters about temple duties and organization.
• By listing these names, the text connects to earlier stories in Exodus and Numbers, where the descendants of Amram (including Moses and Aaron) play major roles.
• The genealogy shows the careful record-keeping and importance of family lines in Israel’s religious life, especially for those serving in the temple.