1 Chronicles 27:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 27:17 mean?

1 Chronicles 27:17 lists two leaders: Hashabiah, son of Kemuel, as the chief over the Levites, and Zadok as the leader among the Aaronites. This verse identifies the heads of two important priestly groups in Israel during King David’s reign.

This verse is part of a larger section where the chronicler records the organization of Israel’s leaders and officials. The Levites (the tribe set apart for religious duties) and the Aaronites (descendants of Aaron, responsible for the priesthood) each had their own appointed leader, showing the structured and careful administration of religious life at that time.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:17

• לְוִיִּיּם (Levites, "lᵊviyyim") refers to the tribe set apart for service in the temple and religious duties, emphasizing their unique role in Israel’s worship.
• חֲשַׁבְיָה (Hashabiah, "Hashavyah") is a personal name meaning "Yahweh has considered," highlighting the individual chosen to lead the Levites.
• בֵּן (son, "ben") simply marks Hashabiah as the son of Kemuel, following the Hebrew custom of identifying lineage.
• כְּמוּאֵל (Kemuel, "Kemuel") is the father of Hashabiah, included to clarify which Hashabiah is meant.
• אַהֲרֹן (Aaronites, "Aharonim") identifies those descended from Aaron, Moses’ brother, who alone could serve as priests.
• צָדוֹק (Zadok, "Tzadok") is named as the leader among the Aaronites; Zadok is a significant priestly figure in Israel’s history.

Why 1 Chronicles 27:17 matters

• This verse clarifies the distinction between Levites and Aaronites: not all Levites were priests, but all priests (Aaronites) were Levites, and each group had its own leader.
• Naming specific leaders shows the careful organization and record-keeping in David’s administration, reflecting the importance of order in Israel’s religious life.
• The mention of Zadok connects this list to later biblical events, as Zadok’s descendants played a key role in the priesthood, especially during Solomon’s reign.