Lexical Summary Qorchi: Korhite Original Word: קָרְחִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Korahite, Korathite, sons of Kore, Korhite Patronymic from Qorach; a Korchite (collectively) or descendants of Korach -- Korahite, Korathite, sons of Kore, Korhite. see HEBREW Qorach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Qorach Definition desc. of Korah NASB Translation Korah (1), Korahite (1), Korahites (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs קָרְחִי adjective, of a people of קֹרַח 2; always with article; 1 Chronicles 9:31; as substantive collective Exodus 6:24; Numbers 26:58; plural הַקָּרְחִים 1 Chronicles 9:19; 1 Chronicles 12:7 (van d. H. v.1 Chronicles 12:6). 1 Chronicles 26:1; הַקָּרְחִי בְּנֵי 1 Chronicles 26:19; בְּנֵי הַקָּרְחִים2Chronicles 20:19. II. קרח (√ of following; meaning unknown). Topical Lexicon קָרְחִי (Korhite, Korahite)Genealogical Background The Korahites trace their lineage through Levi’s son Kohath to Korah (Exodus 6:24). Though their ancestor led a notorious rebellion (Numbers 16), Scripture is careful to note, “However, the sons of Korah did not die” (Numbers 26:11). The survival of this line reveals both God’s judgment against sin and His mercy toward future generations. Tribal Placement among the Levites Numbers 26:58 lists the Korahites beside the Libnites, Hebronites, Mahlites, and Mushites, underscoring their recognized status as a distinct Levitical clan. Their duties flowed from the Kohathite charge to transport and care for the most sacred objects of the Tabernacle (Numbers 4:4-15). Redemption of a Rebellious Legacy The transformation from Korah’s defiance to faithful service is one of Scripture’s most striking reversals. By grace the descendants converted a name once linked to contention into a testimony of wholehearted devotion. This vindicates the biblical principle that “the sons shall not bear the guilt of the father” when they walk in righteousness (Ezekiel 18:20). Gatekeepers of the House of God During the monarchy the Korahites became pre-eminent gatekeepers. “Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, and his fellow gatekeepers… were responsible for guarding the thresholds of the tent” (1 Chronicles 9:19). Their watch at the entrances symbolized spiritual vigilance and set the pattern for later Temple service under David and Solomon (1 Chronicles 26:1; 1 Chronicles 26:19). Stewards of Sacred Offerings 1 Chronicles 9:31 highlights Mattithiah, “the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite,” who was entrusted with preparing the bread of the Presence. Such responsibility attests their reliability in handling holy things, reinforcing the redemptive turnaround from their ancestor’s profanation of holiness. Participants in David’s Mighty Host Among those who rallied to David at Ziklag were “Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites” (1 Chronicles 12:6). Their military valor shows that Levitical service did not preclude battlefield courage when covenant security was threatened. Leaders of Temple Praise The Korahites figure prominently in the Psalter. Titles of Psalms 42, 44–49, 84, 85, 87, and 88 attribute authorship or performance to the “sons of Korah,” blending prophetic theology with poetic artistry. Their compositions celebrate longing for God’s presence (Psalm 42), the beauty of corporate worship (Psalm 84), and confidence in divine kingship (Psalm 47). Instrumental in National Deliverance Under King Jehoshaphat, when Moabites and Ammonites advanced, “the Levites from the clans of the Kohathites and Korahites stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice” (2 Chronicles 20:19). Their thunderous worship preceded the miraculous rout of the invaders, illustrating the power of praise-led warfare. Theological and Ministry Significance 1. Grace over Ancestral Guilt: The Korahites embody the gospel truth that a tainted heritage need not dictate a believer’s future. Obedience reclaims and re-channels family legacy toward God’s glory. Through eight brief canonical references, the קָרְחִי clan passes from rebellion’s shadow into enduring service, proving that God “crowns the humble with salvation” (Psalm 149:4). Forms and Transliterations הַקָּרְחִ֑י הַקָּרְחִ֑ים הַקָּרְחִ֖י הַקָּרְחִ֗ים הַקָּרְחִֽי׃ הַקָּרְחִֽים׃ הקרחי הקרחי׃ הקרחים הקרחים׃ לַקָּרְחִ֕ים לקרחים hakkareChi hakkareChim haq·qā·rə·ḥî haq·qā·rə·ḥîm haqqārəḥî haqqārəḥîm lakkareChim laq·qā·rə·ḥîm laqqārəḥîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 6:24 HEB: אֵ֖לֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת הַקָּרְחִֽי׃ NAS: are the families of the Korahites. KJV: these [are] the families of the Korhites. INT: these are the families of the Korahites Numbers 26:58 1 Chronicles 9:19 1 Chronicles 9:31 1 Chronicles 12:7 1 Chronicles 26:1 1 Chronicles 26:19 2 Chronicles 20:19 8 Occurrences |
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