And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the LORD, and in the service of the king.

1 CHRONICLES 26:30KJV
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1 Chronicles 26:30 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 26:30 mean?

1 Chronicles 26:30 describes how Hashabiah and his relatives, who were Hebronites and known as brave men, were appointed as officers over 1,700 people to oversee the work related to the LORD and the king on the west side of the Jordan River. Their responsibilities included handling both religious and royal duties among the Israelites in that region.

This verse is part of a larger section where the writer lists the organization of the Levites during King David’s reign. The focus here is on the Hebronite clan, specifically Hashabiah and his family, who were given significant authority and trusted with important tasks. The verse highlights their courage and leadership, as well as the division of labor among the Levites for both spiritual and governmental service.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 26:30

  • חֶבְרוֹנִי (Ḥevroni, "Hebronites"): This word identifies the clan descended from Hebron, a Levite ancestor. It shows that specific family lines had particular roles and areas of responsibility.
  • חֲשַׁבְיָה (Ḥashavyah, "Hashabiah"): This is the personal name of the leader mentioned. The name means "the LORD has considered," which may hint at his favored status for this important role.
  • חַיִל (ḥayil, "valour"): This word means strength, ability, or bravery. It emphasizes that the men chosen were not just numerous but also capable and respected.
  • פְּקֻדָּה (pequddah, "officers"): This term refers to those entrusted with oversight or supervision, highlighting the administrative and leadership aspect of their service.

Why 1 Chronicles 26:30 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Levites were not only involved in temple service but also played key roles in civil administration and governance under King David.
  • The mention of specific numbers and locations shows the careful organization and delegation of duties among the Levites, reflecting the importance of order in Israel’s religious and civic life.
  • By naming Hashabiah and his family as "men of valour," the verse highlights the value placed on character and ability, not just lineage, for those given leadership responsibilities.

Where else these words appear

“Hebronites” Hebrew H2276 · used in 5 verses

  • Numbers 3:27 And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.
  • Numbers 26:58 These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korathites. And Kohath begat Amram.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:23 Of the Amramites, and the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites:

“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.

“Hashabiah” Hebrew H2811 · used in 15 verses

“officers” Hebrew H6486 · used in 31 verses

  • Numbers 3:32 And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:11 Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king's office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, the king's scribe and the high priest's officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.
  • Jeremiah 23:12 Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.