1 Chronicles 26:11
New International Version
Hilkiah the second, Tabaliah the third and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and relatives of Hosah were 13 in all.

New Living Translation
His other sons included Hilkiah (the second), Tebaliah (the third), and Zechariah (the fourth). Hosah’s sons and relatives, who served as gatekeepers, numbered thirteen in all.

English Standard Version
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen.

Berean Standard Bible
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all.

Berean Literal Bible
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth—all the sons and brothers of Hosah, thirteen.

King James Bible
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.

New King James Version
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.

New American Standard Bible
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth; the sons and relatives of Hosah were thirteen in all.

NASB 1995
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and relatives of Hosah were 13.

NASB 1977
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and relatives of Hosah were 13.

Legacy Standard Bible
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and relatives of Hosah were thirteen.

Amplified Bible
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; the sons and relatives of Hosah were thirteen in all.

Berean Annotated Bible
Hilkiah (my portion is YHWH) the second, Tebaliah (purified) the third, and Zechariah (YHWH remembers) the fourth. The sons and brothers of Hosah (refuge) numbered 13 in all.

Christian Standard Bible
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and relatives of Hosah were thirteen in all.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and brothers of Hosah were 13 in all.

American Standard Version
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.

English Revised Version
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Hosah's other sons were Hilkiah (the second), Tebaliah (the third), and Zechariah (the fourth). There were 13 sons and relatives of Hosah.

Good News Translation
Hilkiah, Tebaliah, and Zechariah. In all there were thirteen members of Hosah's family who were Temple guards.

International Standard Version
Hilkiah his second, Tebaliah his third, and Zechariah his fourth, with a total of 13 sons and brothers of Hosah

NET Bible
the second Hilkiah, the third Tebaliah, and the fourth Zechariah. All of Hosah's sons and relatives numbered thirteen.

New Heart English Bible
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen.

Webster's Bible Translation
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all.

World English Bible
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. All the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and brothers of Hosah—thirteen.

Berean Literal Bible
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth—all the sons and brothers of Hosah, thirteen.

Young's Literal Translation
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and brethren of Hosah are thirteen.

Smith's Literal Translation
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and the brethren to Hosah, thirteen.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Helcias the second, Tabelias the third, Zacharias the fourth: all these the sons, and the brethren of Hosa, were thirteen.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth. All these, the sons and brothers of Hosah, were thirteen.

New American Bible
Hilkiah, the second son, Tebaliah, the third, Zechariah, the fourth. All the sons and kinsmen of Hosah were thirteen.

New Revised Standard Version
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brothers of Hosah totaled thirteen.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and brethren of Hasah were thirteen.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Khelqia the second, Tebalya the third, Zechariah the fourth, all his sons and the brothers of Khasa, thirteen.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Chelcias the second, Tablai the third, Zacharias the fourth: all these were the sons and brethren of Osa, thirteen.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Divisions of the Gatekeepers
10Hosah the Merarite also had sons: Shimri the first (although he was not the firstborn, his father had appointed him as the first), 11Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all. 12These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their brothers did.…

Cross References
Hilkiah the second,

2 Chronicles 34:14-18
While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD given by Moses. / And Hilkiah said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD!” And he gave it to Shaphan. / Then Shaphan brought the book to the king and reported, “Your servants are doing all that has been placed in their hands. …

2 Kings 22:8-13
Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD!” And he gave it to Shaphan, who read it. / And Shaphan the scribe went to the king and reported, “Your servants have paid out the money that was found in the temple and have put it into the hands of the workers and supervisors of the house of the LORD.” / Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. …
Tebaliah the third,

1 Chronicles 2:13-15
Jesse was the father of Eliab his firstborn; Abinadab was born second, Shimea third, / Nethanel fourth, Raddai fifth, / Ozem sixth, and David seventh.

Genesis 29:31-35
When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. / And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.” / Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has given me this son as well.” So she named him Simeon. …
and Zechariah the fourth.

1 Chronicles 15:24
Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer—the priests—were to blow the trumpets before the ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah were also to be guardians of the ark.

1 Chronicles 16:5
Asaph was the chief, Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph sounded the cymbals
The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all.

1 Chronicles 16:38-42
along with Obed-edom and his sixty-eight relatives. Obed-edom son of Jeduthun, and also Hosah, were to be gatekeepers. / And David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the LORD at the high place in Gibeon / to regularly present burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of burnt offerings, morning and evening, according to all that was written in the Law of the LORD, which He had commanded Israel to keep. …

1 Chronicles 9:17-19
These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief; / he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites. / Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD.
1 Chronicles 9:22-27
The number of those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds was 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their positions of trust. / So they and their descendants were assigned to guard the gates of the house of the LORD—the house called the Tent. / The gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides: east, west, north, and south. …

1 Chronicles 23:1-5
When David was old and full of years, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel. / Then he gathered all the leaders of Israel, as well as the priests and Levites. / The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000. …

1 Chronicles 24:1-5
These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. / With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. …

1 Chronicles 25:1-8
Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: / From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. / From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. …

1 Chronicles 27:1-15
This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division: / Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division, which was assigned the first month. There were 24,000 men in his division. / He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army commanders for the first month. …

2 Chronicles 8:14
In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.

2 Chronicles 23:18-19
Moreover, Jehoiada put the oversight of the house of the LORD into the hands of the Levitical priests, whom David had appointed over the house of the LORD, to offer burnt offerings to the LORD as written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and song, as ordained by David. / He stationed gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the LORD, so that no one who was in any way unclean could enter.

2 Chronicles 31:14-19
Kore son of Imnah the Levite, the keeper of the East Gate, was in charge of the freewill offerings given to God, distributing the contributions to the LORD and the consecrated gifts. / Under his authority, Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah faithfully distributed portions to their fellow priests in their cities, according to their divisions, old and young alike. / In addition, they distributed portions to the males registered by genealogy who were three years of age or older—to all who would enter the house of the LORD for their daily duties for service in the responsibilities of their divisions— …


Treasury of Scripture

Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen.

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Fourth Hilkiah Hilki'ah Hilkijah Hosah Relatives Second Third Thirteen Zechariah Zechari'ah
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Fourth Hilkiah Hilki'ah Hilkijah Hosah Relatives Second Third Thirteen Zechariah Zechari'ah
1 Chronicles 26
1. The divisions of the porters
13. The gates assigned by lot
20. The Levites that had charge of the treasures
29. Officers and judges












Hilkiah the second
Hilkiah is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often associated with priestly or Levitical duties. The mention of Hilkiah as "the second" indicates his position in the family hierarchy, suggesting a structured order among the sons of Hosah. This reflects the importance of lineage and order in the Levitical service, as seen in other parts of the Chronicles where genealogies and family roles are meticulously recorded.

Tebaliah the third
Tebaliah, being the third, continues the pattern of listing the sons in order of their birth or importance. The name Tebaliah means "Yahweh is good," which is a testament to the faith and religious devotion of the family. This naming convention underscores the cultural practice of embedding theological significance within personal names, a common practice in ancient Israel.

Zechariah the fourth
Zechariah, meaning "Yahweh remembers," is a name shared by several notable figures in the Bible, including a prophet and a priest. The recurrence of this name highlights its popularity and the hope it embodies—that God remembers His covenant with His people. The position of Zechariah as the fourth son may indicate his role within the family and the duties he might have been expected to perform in the service of the temple.

The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all
Hosah was a gatekeeper, and his family was part of the Levitical order responsible for the security and maintenance of the temple. The number 13, while not as symbolically significant as other numbers in the Bible, indicates a sizable family unit dedicated to temple service. This reflects the communal and familial nature of worship and service in ancient Israel, where entire families were often involved in religious duties. The role of gatekeepers was crucial, as they ensured the sanctity and order of the temple, a theme that resonates with the broader biblical narrative of maintaining holiness and reverence in worship.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hilkiah
The second son of Hosah, a gatekeeper in the temple. His name means "my portion is Yahweh" in Hebrew, indicating a heritage of faith.

2. Tebaliah
The third son of Hosah. His name means "Yahweh is good," reflecting a recognition of God's goodness and provision.

3. Zechariah
The fourth son of Hosah. His name means "Yahweh remembers," suggesting a theme of divine remembrance and faithfulness.

4. Hosah
A Levite and gatekeeper, responsible for the security and order of the temple. His family was entrusted with significant duties in the house of God.

5. Gatekeepers
Levites assigned to guard the gates of the temple, ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean could enter. This role was crucial for maintaining the sanctity of the temple.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Service
The role of gatekeepers, though seemingly mundane, was vital for the temple's function. This teaches us that every role in God's service is important, no matter how small it may seem.

Heritage of Faith
The names of Hosah's sons reflect a legacy of faith and trust in God. We are encouraged to pass on a spiritual heritage to our children and those we influence.

God's Remembrance
Zechariah's name reminds us that God remembers His promises and His people. We can trust in His faithfulness even when we feel forgotten.

Order and Holiness
The gatekeepers maintained order and holiness in the temple. Similarly, we are called to guard our hearts and lives, ensuring that we live in a way that honors God.

Community and Family in Ministry
Hosah's family served together in the temple, illustrating the importance of involving our families in ministry and serving God as a community.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 26:11?

2. How does 1 Chronicles 26:11 highlight the importance of family roles in ministry?

3. What can we learn from Hosah's leadership in 1 Chronicles 26:11?

4. How does 1 Chronicles 26:11 connect to the broader theme of service in Scripture?

5. How can we apply the principles of delegation from 1 Chronicles 26:11 today?

6. What does "sons of Hosah" teach about legacy and faithfulness in God's work?

7. What is the significance of 1 Chronicles 26:11 in the context of temple duties?

8. How does 1 Chronicles 26:11 reflect the organization of Levitical responsibilities?

9. Why is Hosah's family mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:11?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 26?

11. Why does the list of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11 differ from similar lists in other biblical passages like 2 Samuel 23, and can both be historically accurate?

12. 1 Chronicles 26:1 compared to 1 Chronicles 9:17: Do these genealogies for the gatekeepers align, or do they present contradictory lists?

13. 1 Chronicles 26:4-6: Why detail Obed-Edom's lineage so precisely with no external evidence to confirm these large family claims?

14. Do references to the Assyrian kings Pul and Tiglath-Pileser in 1 Chronicles 5:26 align with known Assyrian records and timelines?
What Does 1 Chronicles 26:11 Mean
Hilkiah the second

• “Hilkiah” appears here as Hosah’s second-born son, reminding us that the Lord assigns ministry not merely by birth order but by calling (cf. 1 Chronicles 26:1–2 where firstborn sons are named yet each receives a specific post).

• Other Scripture shows how God often elevates a “second” son—Jacob over Esau (Genesis 25:23), Solomon over Adonijah (1 Kings 1:30)—so Hilkiah’s placement underscores that divine election determines service.

• Though distinct from the high priest Hilkiah who rediscovered the Law in Josiah’s day (2 Kings 22:8), the shared name invites us to remember how God repeatedly raises up faithful guardians of His Word.


Tebaliah the third

• As the “third,” Tebaliah fills out Hosah’s line, illustrating the continuity of Levitical duty (compare 1 Chronicles 9:17–19 where multiple generations of gatekeepers are listed).

• Scripture often stresses “three” as a number of completeness—Jonah’s three days (Jonah 1:17), Jesus’ three days in the tomb (Matthew 12:40)—so Tebaliah’s slot reinforces that Hosah’s household was fully supplied for its task.

• The flow of names highlights how every member, whatever his birth position, had a concrete place in temple service (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18).


Zechariah the fourth

• Zechariah, the fourth son, shows the line’s breadth; four sons parallel the four sides of the temple courts they helped guard (1 Chronicles 26:17–18 lists east, west, north, south gates).

• Numerous righteous men named Zechariah appear later—one inspired the people under King Joash (2 Chronicles 24:20), another was father to John the Baptist (Luke 1:13)—and each served as a watchman. This continuity accents the prophetic and protective role associated with the name.

• Being the “fourth” reminds us that even those later in birth order can still stand watch faithfully (cf. Matthew 20:1–16 where late laborers receive equal honor).


The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all

• Thirteen may sound minor, yet within the gatekeeper roster it is a sizable team (1 Chronicles 26:10–12). God furnished Hosah with a full squad to cover their assigned posts “by lots” (1 Chronicles 26:13).

• The verse purposely mentions “sons and brothers,” showing that ministry often flourishes when extended family serves side by side (cf. Ezra 2:41–42).

• Rather than any superstition about the number 13, Scripture portrays it here as a sign of abundance—ample hands for watchfulness (compare the 24 priestly courses in 1 Chronicles 24, the 288 musicians in 1 Chronicles 25:7).

• Their collective presence anticipates the New Testament principle that Christ sends disciples out “two by two” for accountability and strength (Mark 6:7).


summary

1 Chronicles 26:11 records the orderly listing of Hosah’s four named sons—Hilkiah, Tebaliah, Zechariah—and tallies their total clan of thirteen. The Spirit highlights birth order yet shows that every position, regardless of seniority, matters in God’s house. The verse reinforces themes of divine election, familial faithfulness, and adequate provision for temple service, assuring us that the Lord still appoints and equips each believer for a precise role in His ongoing worship and work.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Hilkiah
חִלְקִיָּ֤הוּ (ḥil·qî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2518: Hilkiah -- 'my portion is Yah', the name of several Israelites

the second,
הַשֵּׁנִי֙ (haš·šê·nî)
Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 8145: Second (an ordinal number)

Tebaliah
טְבַלְיָ֣הוּ (ṭə·ḇal·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2882: Tebaliah -- 'Yah has dipped', an Israelite

the third,
הַשְּׁלִשִׁ֔י (haš·šə·li·šî)
Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 7992: Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell)

and Zechariah
זְכַרְיָ֖הוּ (zə·ḵar·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2148: Zachariah -- the name of a number of Israelites

the fourth.
הָרְבִעִ֑י (hā·rə·ḇi·‘î)
Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 7243: Fourth, a fourth

The sons
בָּנִ֧ים (bā·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1121: A son

and brothers
וְאַחִ֛ים (wə·’a·ḥîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 251: A brother, )

of Hosah
לְחֹסָ֖ה (lə·ḥō·sāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2621: Hosah -- a Levite, also a place in Asher

[numbered] 13
שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה (šə·lō·šāh)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

in all.
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 26:11 Hilkiah the second Tebaliah the third Zechariah (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
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