And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, and the LORD was with him.

1 CHRONICLES 9:20KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 9:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 9:20 mean?

1 Chronicles 9:20 states that Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, was once the leader over a group of people, and that the LORD was with him. The verse highlights Phinehas’s authority in the past and God’s support of him during that time.

This verse appears in a section listing the duties and genealogy of Levites after the return from exile. It recalls Phinehas’s earlier leadership, connecting the present Levites to their respected ancestors. The mention that “the LORD was with him” emphasizes that Phinehas’s leadership was marked by God’s presence and approval, setting a standard for those who serve in similar roles.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 9:20

  • “Ruler” is נָגִיד (nagid), which often means a leader or prince, not just someone in charge but someone with recognized authority. This word signals that Phinehas held a significant and respected position.
  • “Past” is לְפָנִים (lefanīm), meaning “before” or “in former times.” This points out that Phinehas’s leadership was in a previous era, distinguishing him from the current leaders being listed.
  • “LORD” is יְהוָה (YHWH, Yahweh), the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. The verse’s mention that “the LORD was with him” stresses that Phinehas’s effectiveness and authority came from God’s direct support.

Why 1 Chronicles 9:20 matters

  • This verse connects the current Levite gatekeepers to a respected spiritual heritage, showing continuity and legitimacy in their service.
  • By highlighting that “the LORD was with him,” the text reminds readers that true leadership among God’s people depends on God’s presence, not just human appointment.
  • The verse helps clarify that the roles and responsibilities in the temple had deep historical roots, not just recent assignments after the exile.

Where else these words appear

“Phinehas” Hebrew H6372 · used in 24 verses

  • Exodus 6:25 And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.
  • Joshua 22:32 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again.
  • 1 Samuel 4:19 And his daughter in law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her.

“ruler” Hebrew H5057 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Samuel 9:16 To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:27 And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, and with him were three thousand and seven hundred;
  • 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.

“Eleazar” Hebrew H499 · used in 70 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 27:2 And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,
  • Joshua 22:31 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD.