Their brethren also the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God.

1 CHRONICLES 6:48KJV
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1 Chronicles 6:48 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:48 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:48 states that the Levites, who were relatives of the priests, were assigned to handle all kinds of work connected to the tabernacle, which was the portable sanctuary of God. This verse highlights the practical roles the Levites played in supporting worship and maintaining the sacred space.

This verse comes from a section where genealogies and duties of the tribes of Israel are being listed, specifically focusing on the tribe of Levi. The writer is making it clear to the readers—likely Israelites returning from exile—how the Levites were set apart for service, not as priests offering sacrifices, but as helpers responsible for every other task needed in the tabernacle, the central place of worship.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:48

  • "Levites" (לֵוִיִּם, Leviyyim): This word refers to the descendants of Levi, one of Jacob’s sons. In this context, it points to a group with a special calling to serve in the religious life of Israel, but not as priests.
  • "Service" (עֲבֹדָה, avodah): This term means work, labor, or service, and here it covers a wide range of duties—everything from carrying the tabernacle to assisting priests and maintaining the holy place.
  • "Tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan): This word means “dwelling place” and refers specifically to the tent where God’s presence was believed to dwell among the Israelites before the temple was built.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:48 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Levites’ role was broader than just religious rituals; they were essential for the daily functioning and upkeep of the tabernacle, showing that many kinds of service were valued in Israel’s worship.
  • It helps explain the organization of Israel’s worship life, showing a clear distinction between priests (who offered sacrifices) and Levites (who did all other necessary work).
  • In the wider context of 1 Chronicles, this verse helps returning exiles understand their heritage and the structure of worship that God had set up for their ancestors.

Where else these words appear

“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 23:26 And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.

“tabernacle” Hebrew H4908 · used in 129 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Exodus 40:17 And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.
  • Numbers 10:21 And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the other did set up the tabernacle against they came.