And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God.

1 CHRONICLES 9:13KJV
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1 Chronicles 9:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 9:13 mean?

1 Chronicles 9:13 describes a group of 1,760 men who were leaders among their families and were recognized as very capable for serving in the work of God’s house. The verse highlights both their number and their qualifications for important duties in the temple.

This verse is part of a list recounting those who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The focus here is on the priests, specifically mentioning their family heads and their proven ability to handle the responsibilities of temple service. The chronicler is emphasizing the careful organization and the high standards for those serving in the worship and maintenance of the temple.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 9:13

  • "Able" (חַיִל, ḥayil): This word often means strength, capability, or valor. Here, it points to the priests being not just numerous but also especially qualified or competent for their sacred work.
  • "Service" (עֲבֹדָה, ʿavodah): This term refers to the specific duties or tasks performed in the temple. It underscores that the work was not just ceremonial but involved real, ongoing responsibilities.
  • "Men" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor): This word can mean "mighty" or "strong men," suggesting that those chosen were not only able but also respected and possibly experienced leaders.

Why 1 Chronicles 9:13 matters

  • The verse clarifies that temple service required both leadership and proven ability, not just lineage or numbers, showing the importance placed on character and skill.
  • By listing the exact number and qualities of these men, the chronicler underlines the careful organization and restoration of worship after the exile, connecting the returned community to their spiritual heritage.
  • This focus on qualified leadership helps explain the stability and order in the post-exilic community, showing that the temple’s service was entrusted to those who were both able and trustworthy.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“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.

“work” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
  • 2 Chronicles 24:13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.