And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the LORD, were keepers of the entry.

1 CHRONICLES 9:19KJV
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1 Chronicles 9:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 9:19 mean?

1 Chronicles 9:19 explains that Shallum, a descendant of Kore and Korah, along with his relatives from the Korahite family, were responsible for overseeing the work of serving as gatekeepers at the tabernacle. Their ancestors had also served as gatekeepers, watching over the entrance to the LORD’s dwelling place.

This verse is part of a historical record listing the duties and family lines of the Levites after the Israelites returned from exile. The focus here is on the Korahites, a branch of the Levite tribe, who were given the important task of guarding the entrances to the tabernacle, the sacred tent where Israel worshiped God. The verse highlights both the family heritage and the ongoing responsibility of this group in Israel’s worship life.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 9:19

  • "Korahites" (קֹרָחִי, Qorachi): This word refers to the descendants of Korah, a specific Levite family. Their unique role as gatekeepers set them apart within the tribe of Levi, emphasizing the importance of family lines in temple service.
  • "Keepers" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means to guard, watch, or keep. The use of this word shows that their job was not just routine but involved careful protection and stewardship of the tabernacle’s entrances.
  • "Gates" (שַׁעַר, sha'ar) and "entry" (מָבוֹא, mavo): These words highlight the specific areas the Korahites protected, showing their responsibility for access points to the sacred space, which was a significant trust.

Why 1 Chronicles 9:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the role of gatekeeper was not a minor or random task, but a respected, inherited responsibility among the Levites, showing the structured organization of temple service.
  • It connects the present generation of Levites to their ancestors, underlining the importance of continuity and faithfulness in serving God across generations.
  • By naming specific families and duties, the verse helps the reader see how worship in ancient Israel was a community effort, with each group playing a vital part in maintaining the holiness and order of the tabernacle.

Where else these words appear

“Kore” Hebrew H6981 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 26:1 Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:14 And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the oblations of the LORD, and the most holy things.

“Ebiasaph” Hebrew H43 · used in 3 verses

“Korahites” Hebrew H7145 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 6:24 And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these are the families of the Korhites.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:31 And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over the things that were made in the pans.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:1 Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.

“entry” Hebrew H3996 · used in 24 verses

  • Deuteronomy 11:30 Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?
  • 2 Kings 16:18 And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.
  • Jeremiah 38:14 Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that is in the house of the LORD: and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me.