1 Chronicles 9:31 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 9:31 mean?

1 Chronicles 9:31 describes how Mattithiah, a Levite and the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was responsible for overseeing the items prepared in pans. This verse highlights a specific duty assigned to Mattithiah within the temple service, focusing on his role in managing certain cooked offerings or foods.

This verse is part of a larger section listing the responsibilities of various Levites after the return from exile. The Levites were a tribe set apart for temple duties, and Mattithiah’s task involved supervising the preparation of offerings that required cooking in pans, which was an important part of the daily worship and rituals.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 9:31

• לְוִיִּי (Leviyy, "Levites"): This word identifies Mattithiah as part of the tribe dedicated to temple service, setting him apart for sacred work.
• בְּכוֹר (bekhor, "firstborn"): The mention of Mattithiah as the firstborn may indicate a position of honor or responsibility in his family line.
• פָּנִים (pannim, "pans"): This word refers to shallow cooking vessels used for preparing certain offerings. The detail shows that temple service included practical, hands-on tasks like food preparation, not just ceremonial roles.
• פְּקֻדָּה (pequddah, "office"): This word means a specific charge or oversight, emphasizing that Mattithiah’s role was an official, entrusted responsibility.

Why 1 Chronicles 9:31 matters

• This verse clarifies that temple service involved a wide range of duties, including practical tasks like preparing food, not just leading worship or offering sacrifices.
• By naming Mattithiah and his lineage, the verse shows the importance of family heritage and assigned roles among the Levites, reflecting the organized structure of temple life.
• The verse connects to the broader passage by illustrating how each Levite had a unique, valued part in maintaining the daily worship and operations of the temple.