1 Chronicles 27:31 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 27:31 mean?

1 Chronicles 27:31 lists Jaziz the Hagerite as the official in charge of King David’s flocks, summing up the section by saying all these named people were responsible for managing the king’s property. This verse highlights the organization and delegation of responsibilities within David’s royal administration.

The verse comes near the end of a chapter that details the various officials and overseers who managed King David’s resources, including livestock and land. The writer is recording for the people of Israel how David’s kingdom was structured, showing that even the flocks had a specific overseer. This level of detail reflects the importance of order and trusted leadership in the daily running of the kingdom.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:31

• "flocks" (צֹאן, tso’n): This word refers specifically to sheep and goats, not just animals in general. The mention of a dedicated overseer for the flocks shows their economic and social value in ancient Israel.
• "rulers" (שַׂרִים, sarim): This word means leaders or officials. In this context, it emphasizes that those listed were not just workers but held authority and responsibility over the king’s resources.
• "substance" (רְכוּשׁ, rekush): This word means property or possessions. It highlights that the passage is about the management of all that belonged to the king, not just military or political matters.

Why 1 Chronicles 27:31 matters

• This verse shows the practical side of King David’s reign, emphasizing that good leadership included careful management of resources, not just military or religious leadership.
• The mention of Jaziz the Hagerite, a non-Israelite by origin, as an official, hints at the inclusion of outsiders in trusted positions within David’s administration.
• The verse helps modern readers see that the Bible records not only spiritual matters but also the everyday workings of ancient life, giving a fuller picture of what it meant to run a kingdom.