At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.

1 CHRONICLES 26:18KJV
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1 Chronicles 26:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 26:18 mean?

1 Chronicles 26:18 describes the specific assignments of gatekeepers at the temple, stating that at the area called Parbar on the west side, there were four guards stationed at the causeway and two more at Parbar itself. This verse is part of a detailed record of how the temple was guarded and organized.

This verse comes from a section where the writer lists the duties and locations of the Levite gatekeepers during King David’s time. The focus here is on the western side of the temple, mentioning Parbar, which was likely an area or structure connected to the temple complex. The verse shows the careful planning and division of responsibilities for guarding the temple’s entrances.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 26:18

  • פַּרְבָּר (Parbar, transliterated "Parbar"): This word refers to a specific location or structure near the temple, possibly an open court or colonnade. Its exact meaning is uncertain, but it marks a distinct area for gatekeeping duties.
  • מַעֲבָר (ma‘abar, "causeway"): This word means a crossing or passageway. Here, it points to a significant route or ramp leading to or from the temple, which required guarding.
  • מַעֲרָב (ma‘arav, "westward"): This word indicates the western side of the temple area, clarifying the direction and location of these assignments.

Why 1 Chronicles 26:18 matters

  • This verse highlights the detailed organization and security measures in place for the temple, showing the importance of order in worship and temple service.
  • The mention of specific locations like Parbar and the causeway helps readers picture the temple’s layout and the practical steps taken to protect it.
  • By listing the number of gatekeepers at each spot, the verse underscores the seriousness with which the Israelites guarded their place of worship.

Where else these words appear

“Parbar” Hebrew H6503 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Kings 23:11 And he took away the horses that the kings of Judah had given to the sun, at the entering in of the house of the LORD, by the chamber of Nathanmelech the chamberlain, which was in the suburbs, and burned the chariots of the sun with fire.

“westward” Hebrew H4628 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 7:28 And their possessions and habitations were, Bethel and the towns thereof, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer, with the towns thereof; Shechem also and the towns thereof, unto Gaza and the towns thereof:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:30 This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works.
  • Psalms 107:3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

“causeway” Hebrew H4546 · used in 26 verses

  • Numbers 20:19 And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet.
  • 2 Samuel 20:13 When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
  • Isaiah 19:23 In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.