And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD:

1 CHRONICLES 23:31KJV
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1 Chronicles 23:31 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 23:31 mean?

1 Chronicles 23:31 describes how the Levites were responsible for offering burnt sacrifices to the LORD on the sabbath days, at the beginning of each new month, and during the appointed festivals, following a set schedule and in the manner God commanded, always before the LORD. This verse highlights the regular, organized worship practices that were to be maintained continually in the temple.

In this part of 1 Chronicles, King David is giving instructions about the duties of the Levites as part of organizing the temple service. The verse lists specific times—sabbaths, new moons, and set feasts—when offerings were to be made, showing the importance of ongoing, structured worship in Israel’s community life.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 23:31

  • "offer" (עָלָה, ‘alah): This word means to bring up or offer, especially in the sense of presenting something to God. Here, it refers to the act of bringing sacrifices up to the altar.
  • "sacrifices" (עֹלָה, ‘olah): This term specifically means a burnt offering, which was completely consumed by fire as a symbol of dedication to God.
  • "sabbaths" (שַׁבָּת, shabbat): This word refers to the weekly day of rest and worship, emphasizing the regular rhythm of offerings.
  • "new moons" (חֹדֶשׁ, chodesh): This marks the beginning of each month in the Hebrew calendar, showing that worship was tied to both weekly and monthly cycles.
  • "feasts" (מוֹעֵד, mo’ed): This word means appointed times or festivals, pointing to the special celebrations in Israel’s religious calendar.
  • "continually" (תָּמִיד, tamid): This word means ongoing or regular, stressing that these offerings were not occasional but a constant part of temple life.
  • "before" (פָּנִים, panim): This word means "before" or "in the presence of," highlighting that these acts were done directly before God.

Why 1 Chronicles 23:31 matters

  • This verse clarifies that worship in ancient Israel was not random or occasional but followed a detailed, God-given schedule involving daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly offerings.
  • It shows the Levites’ role was not just about music or temple upkeep but included the vital task of ensuring sacrifices were made at the right times, as God commanded.
  • By listing the specific times for offerings, the verse connects the Levites’ duties to the larger rhythm of Israel’s communal life and worship, helping readers see how faith was woven into every part of the calendar.

Where else these words appear

“sabbaths” Hebrew H7676 · used in 89 verses

  • Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
  • Leviticus 26:35 As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.
  • Nehemiah 13:22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

“continually” Hebrew H8548 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 25:30 And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.
  • Deuteronomy 11:12 A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.
  • Psalms 105:4 Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

“number” Hebrew H4557 · used in 129 verses

  • Genesis 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
  • Deuteronomy 32:8 When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.
  • Ezra 3:4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;