And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale.

1 CHRONICLES 9:28KJV
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1 Chronicles 9:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 9:28 mean?

1 Chronicles 9:28 describes how certain Levites were responsible for taking care of the sacred vessels used in the temple, making sure to count them as they brought them in and out. The verse highlights the careful management and accountability required for these important items.

This verse is part of a section listing the duties of the Levites after the return from exile, showing how temple service was organized. The Levites were trusted with the oversight of valuable objects used in worship, and the mention of counting ("by tale") emphasizes the seriousness and orderliness of their work.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 9:28

  • "Ministering" (עֲבֹדָה, ʿăvōdāh): This word refers to service or work, especially in a religious or temple context. Here, it points to the vessels used for worship and rituals, underlining their sacred purpose.
  • "Vessels" (כְּלִי, kelī): This term means containers or implements. In this verse, it refers specifically to the items used in temple service, such as bowls, pans, or other ritual objects.
  • "Tale" (מִסְפָּר, mispar): This word means "number" or "count." The verse uses it to show that the Levites had to keep a careful record, counting each vessel as it was taken in or out, ensuring nothing was lost or misused.

Why 1 Chronicles 9:28 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that temple service was casual or disorganized; it shows that the Levites had a system of accountability for sacred objects.
  • It highlights the trust placed in the Levites, as they were given responsibility for valuable and holy items, reflecting their important role in Israel’s worship life.
  • This detail connects to the broader passage, which describes the restoration of temple practices after exile, emphasizing a return to order and reverence in worship.

Where else these words appear

“of” Hebrew H5921 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Genesis 31:50 If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.
  • 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

“ministering” 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.

“tale” Hebrew H4557 · used in 129 verses

  • Genesis 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
  • Deuteronomy 32:8 When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.
  • Ezra 3:4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;