All these of the sons of Obededom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, were threescore and two of Obededom.

1 CHRONICLES 26:8KJV
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1 Chronicles 26:8 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 26:8 mean?

1 Chronicles 26:8 lists the descendants of Obededom, stating that he, his sons, and his relatives were strong and capable men, totaling sixty-two, and they were chosen for service. The verse emphasizes the number and quality of Obededom’s family members who were assigned important duties.

This verse is part of a record where the chronicler is listing the gatekeepers for the temple in Jerusalem. The focus is on Obededom’s family, highlighting both their strength and their suitability for temple service. The passage shows the organization and care taken in assigning trusted people to serve in the temple.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 26:8

  • "sons" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word refers to male descendants, but in this context, it can also include extended family or clan members, showing the broad scope of those involved.
  • "able" (חַיִל, ḥayil): This word often means "strength," "valor," or "capability." Here, it highlights that Obededom’s family members were not just numerous but also respected for their abilities and character.
  • "strength" (כֹּחַ, koach): This word means "power" or "strength," underlining that these men were physically and perhaps morally strong, making them fit for demanding temple duties.
  • "service" (עֲבֹדָה, avodah): This word means "work" or "service," specifically referring to the tasks and responsibilities in the temple, emphasizing that their role was important and sacred.

Why 1 Chronicles 26:8 matters

  • The verse clarifies that temple service was not random but entrusted to families known for their strength and reliability, showing the seriousness of the role.
  • It highlights the legacy of Obededom, whose family was recognized for their ability and dedication, connecting their story to the larger narrative of faithful service in Israel.
  • The careful listing of names and numbers in this chapter shows the chronicler’s intent to honor those who served and to demonstrate the orderliness of temple worship.

Where else these words appear

“Obededom” Hebrew H5654 · used in 15 verses

  • 2 Samuel 6:10 So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:14 And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;

“threescore” Hebrew H8346 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 5:15 And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:
  • Numbers 31:34 And threescore and one thousand asses,
  • 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.

“strength” Hebrew H3581 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:8 But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.
  • Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

“service” Hebrew H5656 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:24 These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.