1 Chronicles 27:22 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 27:22 mean?

1 Chronicles 27:22 lists Azareel, the son of Jeroham, as the leader or prince of the tribe of Dan among the tribes of Israel. The verse is part of a record naming the heads of each tribe, highlighting the organization and leadership structure within ancient Israel.

This verse comes from a section where the chronicler is documenting the officials who served under King David. The focus is on the leaders responsible for each tribe, showing how the nation was structured and governed. By naming Azareel as the prince of Dan, the text preserves the memory of those entrusted with significant responsibility in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:22

• דָּן (Dan, transliteration: Dan): This is the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob’s son Dan. Mentioning the tribe by name highlights its distinct identity within the nation.
• נָשִׂיא (transliteration: nasi, translated as "princes"): This word means a leader, chief, or prince. It emphasizes that these individuals held authority and were recognized as heads over their respective tribes.
• שֵׁבֶט (transliteration: shevet, translated as "tribes"): This term refers to a tribe or clan, often used to describe the major family groupings within Israel. Its use here underlines the tribal structure that organized Israelite society.

Why 1 Chronicles 27:22 matters

• This verse helps clarify the administrative structure under King David, showing that each tribe had a recognized leader, which was important for governance and unity.
• By preserving the names of these leaders, the chronicler honors their roles and provides a historical record that connects later generations to their heritage.
• The listing of tribal princes in this chapter ties into the broader theme of order and organization in Israel, which was essential for both civil and religious life.