Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 24:28 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 24:28 states that Eleazar, who was a descendant of Mahli, did not have any sons. This detail is part of a genealogical listing that explains the family lines among the Levites. This verse appears in a section where the chronicler is recording the descendants of Levi, focusing on how the priestly and Levitical duties would be divided among the families. By noting that Eleazar had no sons, the text clarifies why his line did not continue in the same way as others, affecting the distribution of responsibilities among the Levites.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 24:28

Accepted Answer

Mahli (מַחְלִי, Mahli): This is a personal name, identifying a specific branch of the Levitical family. Mentioning Mahli helps track the lineage within the tribe of Levi. Eleazar (אֶלְעָזָר, Eleazar): Another personal name, Eleazar is noted as Mahli’s descendant. The verse singles him out to explain his place in the genealogy. sons (בֵּן, ben): The Hebrew word here means "sons" or "male descendants." Stating that Eleazar had no "בֵּן" (ben) clarifies why his family line does not appear further in the genealogical lists.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 24:28 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse helps explain gaps or shorter branches in the genealogical records, showing that not every family line continued through sons. By noting Eleazar’s lack of male descendants, the chronicler clarifies the structure of Levitical service and why certain family groups had more or fewer responsibilities. The detail connects to the larger purpose of 1 Chronicles 24, which is to organize the priestly and Levitical divisions for temple service, making the record more transparent and understandable for later generations.

1 Chronicles 24:28 (KJV)