1 Chronicles 27:1
New International Version
This is the list of the Israelites—heads of families, commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and their officers, who served the king in all that concerned the army divisions that were on duty month by month throughout the year. Each division consisted of 24,000 men.

New Living Translation
This is the list of Israelite generals and captains, and their officers, who served the king by supervising the army divisions that were on duty each month of the year. Each division served for one month and had 24,000 troops.

English Standard Version
This is the number of the people of Israel, the heads of fathers’ houses, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went, month after month throughout the year, each division numbering 24,000:

Berean Standard Bible
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:

King James Bible
Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand.

New King James Version
And the children of Israel, according to their number, the heads of fathers’ houses, the captains of thousands and hundreds and their officers, served the king in every matter of the military divisions. These divisions came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, each division having twenty-four thousand.

New American Standard Bible
Now this is the number of the sons of Israel, the heads of fathers’ households, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all the affairs of the divisions which came in and went out month by month throughout the months of the year, each division numbering twenty-four thousand:

NASB 1995
Now this is the enumeration of the sons of Israel, the heads of fathers’ households, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all the affairs of the divisions which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, each division numbering 24,000:

NASB 1977
Now this is the enumeration of the sons of Israel, the heads of fathers’ households, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all the affairs of the divisions which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, each division numbering 24,000.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now this is the total count of the sons of Israel, the heads of fathers’ households, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who ministered to the king in each matter of the divisions which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, each division numbering 24,000:

Amplified Bible
This is the list of the sons (descendants) of Israel, the heads of fathers’ households, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters of the divisions which came in and went out month by month throughout the year, each division numbering 24,000:

Christian Standard Bible
This is the list of the Israelites, the family heads, the commanders of thousands and the commanders of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter to do with the divisions that were on rotated military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 in each division:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This is the list of the Israelites, the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and the commanders of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter to do with the divisions that were on rotated military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 in each division:

American Standard Version
Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the heads of fathers' houses and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers that served the king, in any matter of the courses which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year?of every course were twenty and four thousand.

Contemporary English Version
Each month a group of 24,000 men served as soldiers in Israel's army. These men, which included the family leaders, army commanders, and officials of the king, were under the command of the following men, arranged by the month of their service:

English Revised Version
Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the heads of fathers' houses and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers that served the king, in any matter of the courses which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This is a list of Israelite family heads, regiment and battalion commanders, and officers who were serving the king in all the army's units. Throughout each year they came for a month at a time and then left. Each unit consisted of 24,000 men.

Good News Translation
This is the list of the Israelite heads of families and clan leaders and their officials who administered the work of the kingdom. Each month of the year a different group of twenty-four thousand men was on duty under the commander for that month.

International Standard Version
The Israelis, according to the number of the leaders of their families, the officers of groups of thousands and groups of hundreds, and their leaders who served the king on behalf of the army divisions of 24,000 soldiers on duty month by month throughout the year, consisted of the following.

Majority Standard Bible
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:

NET Bible
What follows is a list of Israelite family leaders and commanders of units of a thousand and a hundred, as well as their officers who served the king in various matters. Each division was assigned to serve for one month during the year; each consisted of 24,000 men.

New Heart English Bible
Now the children of Israel after their number, the heads of ancestral houses and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king, in any matter of the divisions which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year--of every division were twenty-four thousand.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers, and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand.

World English Bible
Now the children of Israel after their number, the heads of fathers’ households and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in any matter of the divisions which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year—of every division were twenty-four thousand.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the sons of Israel, after their number, heads of the fathers, and princes of the thousands and of the hundreds, and their officers, those serving the king in any matter of the divisions, that are coming in and going out month by month throughout all months of the year, [are] twenty-four thousand in each division.

Young's Literal Translation
And the sons of Israel, after their number, heads of the fathers, and princes of the thousands and of the hundreds, and their officers, those serving the king in any matter of the courses, that are coming in and going out month by month, throughout all months of the year -- are in each course twenty and four thousand.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of Israel for their number, heads of the fathers and chiefs of thousands and hundreds, and their scribes serving the king for all the word of the divisions coming in and going forth month by month for all the months of the year, of the one division, twenty and four thousand.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now the children of Israel according to their number, the heads of families, captains of thousands and of hundreds, and officers, that served the king according to their companies, who came in and went out every month in the year, under every chief were four and twenty thousand.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now the sons of Israel, according to their number, the leaders of the families, the tribunes, and the centurions, and the chiefs, who were ministering to the king by their companies, entering and departing in each month of the year as they were in charge, were twenty-four thousand.

New American Bible
This is the list of the Israelite family heads, commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and other officers who served the king in all that pertained to the divisions, of twenty-four thousand men each, that came and went month by month throughout the year.

New Revised Standard Version
This is the list of the people of Israel, the heads of families, the commanders of the thousands and the hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went, month after month throughout the year, each division numbering twenty-four thousand:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
NOW the children of Israel after their number, the chiefs of the fathers and the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their governors who served the king in all matters of the divisions, those who came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year under every division were twenty-four thousand.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the children of Israel for their number, Chiefs of the fathers and Princes of thousands and of hundreds, and their Governors who serve the King with all the matters of the divisions, those who enter and go out month by month, every month of the year, each division, twenty and four thousand.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the heads of fathers' houses and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers that served the king, in any matter of the courses which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Now the sons of Israel according to their number, heads of families, captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, and scribes ministering to the king, and for every affair of the king according to their divisions, for every ordinance of coming in and going out monthly, for all the months of the year, one division of them was twenty-four thousand.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Twelve Captains for Each Month
1This 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: 2Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division, which was assigned the first month. There were 24,000 men in his division.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 23:8-39
These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, / but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. ...

2 Samuel 24:1-9
Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He stirred up David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.” / So the king said to Joab the commander of his army, who was with him, “Go now throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and register the troops, so that I may know their number.” / But Joab replied to the king, “May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?” ...

1 Kings 4:1-19
So King Solomon ruled over Israel, / and these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest; / Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; ...

1 Kings 9:22
But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry.

1 Kings 12:21
And when Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he mobilized the whole house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin—180,000 chosen warriors—to fight against the house of Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam son of Solomon.

2 Kings 25:19
Of those still in the city, he took a court official who had been appointed over the men of war, as well as five royal advisors. He also took the scribe of the captain of the army, who had enlisted the people of the land, and sixty men who were found in the city.

1 Chronicles 11:10-47
Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. / This is the list of David’s mighty men: Jashobeam son of Hachmoni was chief of the officers; he wielded his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. ...

1 Chronicles 21:1-6
Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. / So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.” / But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply His troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all servants of my lord? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?” ...

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 24:1-19
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 25:1-31
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 26:1-32
These were the divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph. / Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, / Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh. ...

2 Chronicles 17:12-19
Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah / and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah. He also had warriors in Jerusalem who were mighty men of valor. / These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor; ...

2 Chronicles 26:11-15
Uzziah had an army ready for battle that went out to war by assigned divisions, as recorded by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officers. / The total number of family leaders of the mighty men of valor was 2,600. / Under their authority was an army of 307,500 trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies. ...

Matthew 10:1-4
And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness. / These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; / Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; ...


Treasury of Scripture

Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand.

captains

1 Chronicles 28:1
And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 17:12-19
And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store…

2 Chronicles 26:11-13
Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king's captains…

any matter

1 Kings 4:7,27
And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision…

Jump to Previous
Captains Children Course Division Divisions Fathers Heads Houses Hundreds Israel Matter Month Months Officers Served Thousands Throughout Twenty Twenty-Four Wit
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Captains Children Course Division Divisions Fathers Heads Houses Hundreds Israel Matter Month Months Officers Served Thousands Throughout Twenty Twenty-Four Wit
1 Chronicles 27
1. The twelve captains for each month
16. The princes of the twelve tribes
23. The numbering of the people is hindered
25. David's several officers














This is the list of the Israelites
The phrase introduces a detailed account of the organizational structure of Israel during King David's reign. The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, emphasizing their identity as God's chosen people. Historically, this listing signifies the importance of order and structure within the nation, reflecting God's desire for His people to live in harmony and purpose.

the heads of families
This phrase highlights the patriarchal structure prevalent in ancient Israel. The "heads of families" were responsible for leading their households in spiritual and social matters. In Hebrew, the term often used is "rosh," meaning "head" or "chief," indicating authority and responsibility. This structure ensured that each family unit contributed to the nation's overall stability and faithfulness to God.

the commanders of thousands and hundreds
This military terminology reflects the organized and hierarchical nature of Israel's army. The "commanders" were leaders appointed to oversee large groups, with "thousands" and "hundreds" denoting the size of their respective units. This system ensured efficient communication and command during times of war and peace, demonstrating the importance of leadership and order in fulfilling God's purposes.

and their officers who served the king
The "officers" were officials who played crucial roles in the administration and execution of the king's directives. Serving the king was a position of honor and responsibility, reflecting the biblical principle of servanthood and loyalty to God's anointed leader. This service underscores the importance of faithfulness and diligence in one's duties, as unto the Lord.

in all matters of the divisions
This phrase indicates the comprehensive nature of the officers' responsibilities. "Divisions" refers to the organized groups within the army or administration, each with specific roles and functions. The Hebrew root for "divisions" can imply a systematic arrangement, highlighting the need for order and precision in carrying out God's plans.

that came and went month by month throughout the year
This cyclical system of service ensured that the nation was always prepared and that no single group was overburdened. The phrase "month by month" suggests a rotation, allowing for rest and renewal, which aligns with the biblical principle of Sabbath and rest. It reflects God's wisdom in balancing work and rest for His people.

each division numbering 24,000
The specific number "24,000" indicates the size and strength of each division, showcasing the nation's military might and readiness. This number also reflects the completeness and sufficiency of God's provision for His people. In biblical numerology, the number 24 can symbolize priestly service, as seen in the 24 courses of priests, suggesting a parallel between military and spiritual service to God.

(1) Now the children of Israel.--This first verse is the heading or superscription of the list which follows.

After their number.--The stress lies on this phrase. It refers to the twelve courses of twenty-four thousand warriors each.

Chief fathers.--Heads of the clans.

Captains of thousands and hundreds.--See 1Chronicles 13:1.

Their officers.--Scribes, who kept the muster-rolls, and did the work of recruiting sergeants.

The courses.--Here, military divisions, corps d'armee. The same Hebrew term (mahl?qoth) was used of the Levitical classes in the preceding chapters.

Which came in and went out.--Scil. The class or corps which came in and went out. Render: That which came in and went out every month, for all the months of the year, i.e., the single corps, was twenty and four thousand. As regards construction, the whole verse, from "the chief fathers" to "of every course," is a long apposition to "the children of Israel."

Came in and went out month by month.--Every month, the division whose turn it was stood under arms, as a sort of national guard, ready for immediate service.

Verse 1. - It is impossible to feel fully satisfied with any translation which the words of this verse offer. Yet there can scarcely he any doubt of the meaning of the verse, viz. that the writer would speak of the children of Israel, including the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, as regards their courses and their number in their courses, as they succeeded one another, month by month, including also all those officers who served the king in any relation to these courses - the courses were twelve, and each course was numbered twenty-four thousand. Meantime, when we turn to the list, we do not find any full complement of chiefs, captains, and officers specified, but apparently only the chief of each course, with somewhat ambiguous additions in vers. 4 (Mikloth), 6 (Ammizabad), 7 (Zebadiah); while what seems an unnecessary stress repeats the number each time. This, however, in fact, tallies with the clause "respecting their number" in the first verse, and may constitute the explanation of the apparent inconsistency in question. Milman ('Hist. of the Jews,' 1:251, edit. 1830) says on this military portion of David's preparations, that he "organized an immense disposable force; every month twenty-four thousand men, furnished in rotation by the tribes, appeared in arms, and were trained as the standing militia of the country. At the head of his army were officers of consummate experience and, what was more highly esteemed in the warfare of the time, extraordinary personal activity, strength, and valour. His heroes remind us of those of Arthuror Charlemagne, excepting that the armour of the feudal chieftains constituted their superiority; here, main strength of body and dauntless fortitude of mind." Which came in and went out month by month; i.e. exchanged places in rotation (2 Kings 11:5-7, 9; 2 Chronicles 23:8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
This is the list
לְֽמִסְפָּרָ֡ם (lə·mis·pā·rām)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4557: A number, definite, indefinite, narration

of the Israelites,
וּבְנֵ֣י (ū·ḇə·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

the heads
רָאשֵׁ֣י (rā·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7218: The head

of families,
הָאָב֣וֹת (hā·’ā·ḇō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

the commanders
וְשָׂרֵ֣י (wə·śā·rê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of thousands
הָֽאֲלָפִ֣ים ׀ (hā·’ă·lā·p̄îm)
Article | Number - masculine plural
Strong's 505: A thousand

and of hundreds,
וְהַמֵּא֡וֹת (wə·ham·mê·’ō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Number - feminine plural
Strong's 3967: A hundred

and their officers
וְשֹׁטְרֵיהֶם֩ (wə·šō·ṭə·rê·hem)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7860: A scribe, an official superintendent, magistrate

who served
הַמְשָׁרְתִ֨ים (ham·šā·rə·ṯîm)
Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to

the king
הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

in every
לְכֹ֣ל ׀ (lə·ḵōl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

matter
דְּבַ֣ר (də·ḇar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

concerning the divisions
הַֽמַּחְלְק֗וֹת (ham·maḥ·lə·qō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4256: Division, course

that were on rotated military duty
הַבָּאָ֤ה (hab·bā·’āh)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

each month
חֹ֣דֶשׁ (ḥō·ḏeš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month

throughout
לְכֹ֖ל (lə·ḵōl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the year.
הַשָּׁנָ֑ה (haš·šā·nāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141: A year

There were 24,000 men
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים (‘eś·rîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth

in each
הָֽאַחַ֔ת (hā·’a·ḥaṯ)
Article | Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

division:
הַֽמַּחֲלֹ֙קֶת֙ (ham·ma·ḥă·lō·qeṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4256: Division, course


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 27:1 Now the children of Israel after their (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 26:32
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