1 Chronicles 23:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 23:17 mean?

1 Chronicles 23:17 states that Eliezer had only one son, Rehabiah, who became the chief of his family, but Rehabiah himself had many sons. This verse highlights the family line of Eliezer, showing that although his branch started small, it quickly grew through Rehabiah’s numerous descendants.

This verse is part of a genealogical record given by the chronicler, likely for the Levites, as David organizes the Levites for temple service. The focus is on tracing the lineage and showing how certain family branches, even if they began with just one son, could become large and significant over time.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 23:17

• "sons" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word is used several times in the verse, emphasizing the importance of descendants and family lines in Israelite society.
• "chief" (רֹאשׁ, rosh): This term means "head" or "leader," showing that Rehabiah was recognized as the main figure among Eliezer’s descendants.
• "very" (לְמַעְלָה, ləma‘lah) and "many" (רָבָה, rabah): Together, these words stress that Rehabiah’s descendants were not just numerous, but exceedingly so, highlighting unexpected growth from a single line.

Why 1 Chronicles 23:17 matters

• This verse clarifies that even when a family line seems small or limited—like Eliezer having only one son—it can still become prominent and influential through later generations.
• The chronicler’s emphasis on Rehabiah’s many descendants underlines the importance of God’s blessing and multiplication within the Levite families, which was significant for temple service roles.
• By tracing these specific family lines, the passage helps establish the legitimacy and organization of the Levites in David’s time, connecting personal family stories to the larger history of Israel’s worship and leadership.