1 Chronicles 26:12 These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their brothers did.

Bible > 1 Chronicles > Chapter 26 > Verse 12

◄ 1 Chronicles 26:12 ►

New International Version
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their leaders, had duties for ministering in the temple of the LORD, just as their relatives had.

New Living Translation
These divisions of the gatekeepers were named for their family leaders, and like the other Levites, they served at the house of the LORD.

English Standard Version
These divisions of the gatekeepers, corresponding to their chief men, had duties, just as their brothers did, ministering in the house of the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their brothers did.

King James Bible
Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.

New King James Version
Among these were the divisions of the gatekeepers, among the chief men, having duties just like their brethren, to serve in the house of the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
To these divisions of the gatekeepers, to the chief men, were given duties like their relatives, to serve in the house of the LORD.

NASB 1995
To these divisions of the gatekeepers, the chief men, were given duties like their relatives to minister in the house of the LORD.

NASB 1977
To these divisions of the gatekeepers, the chief men, were given duties like their relatives to minister in the house of the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
To these divisions of the gatekeepers, the chief men, were given responsibilities like their relatives to minister in the house of Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
To these divisions of the gatekeepers, the chief men, were given duties, like their relatives, to minister in the house of the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
These divisions of the gatekeepers, under their leading men, had duties for ministering in the LORD’s temple, just as their relatives did.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
These divisions of the gatekeepers, under their leading men, had duties for ministering in the LORD’s temple, just as their brothers did.

American Standard Version
Of these were the courses of the doorkeepers, even of the chief men, having offices like their brethren, to minister in the house of Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
The guards were divided into groups, according to their family leaders, and they were assigned duties at the temple, just like the other Levites.

English Revised Version
Of these were the courses of the doorkeepers, even of the chief men, having charges like as their brethren, to minister in the house of the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These divisions of gatekeepers through their head men were assigned duties with their relatives to serve in the LORD's temple.

Good News Translation
The Temple guards were divided into groups, according to families, and they were assigned duties in the Temple, just as the other Levites were.

International Standard Version
With respect to their leaders, these courses of trustees had responsibilities, along with their relatives, regarding ministry within the Temple of the LORD

Majority Standard Bible
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their brothers did.

NET Bible
These divisions of the gatekeepers, corresponding to their leaders, had assigned responsibilities, like their relatives, as they served in the LORD's temple.

New Heart English Bible
Of these were the divisions of the doorkeepers, even of the chief men, having offices like their brothers, to minister in the house of the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.

World English Bible
Of these were the divisions of the doorkeepers, even of the chief men, having offices like their brothers, to minister in Yahweh’s house.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
For these [are] the divisions of the gatekeepers, of the heads of the mighty ones, [with] charges just as their brothers, to minister in the house of YHWH,

Young's Literal Translation
According to these are the courses of the gatekeepers; to the heads of the mighty ones are charges over-against their brethren, to minister in the house of Jehovah,

Smith's Literal Translation
To these the divisions of the gates for the heads of the strong ones, the watches near their brethren, to serve in the house of Jehovah.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Among these were the divisions of the porters, so that the chiefs of the wards, as well as their brethren, always ministered in the house of the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
These were distributed as porters, so that the leaders of the posts, as well as their brothers, were ministering continually in the house of the Lord.

New American Bible
To these divisions of the gatekeepers, by their chief men, were assigned watches for them to minister in the house of the LORD, for each group in the same way.

New Revised Standard Version
These divisions of the gatekeepers, corresponding to their leaders, had duties, just as their kindred did, ministering in the house of the LORD;

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having watch one opposite another, to minister in the house of the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The Door Keepers were distributed among these for the Head Guard, opposite their brethren, that they would be serving in the Holy House.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
These courses of the doorkeepers, even the chief men, had wards over against their brethren, to minister in the house of the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
To these were assigned the divisions of the gates, to the chiefs of the mighty men the daily courses, even their brethren, to minister in the house of the Lord.

Audio Bible

Context

The Divisions of the Gatekeepers
…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. 13They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Numbers 3:32
The chief of the leaders of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest; he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary.

Numbers 4:16
Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils.”

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 23:32
So the Levites were to carry out the responsibilities for the Tent of Meeting and the Holy Place, and, under their brothers the descendants of Aaron, the service of the house of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 24:3-5
With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. / Since more leaders were found among Eleazar’s descendants than those of Ithamar, they were divided accordingly. There were sixteen heads of families from the descendants of Eleazar and eight from the descendants of Ithamar. / Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants.

1 Chronicles 25:1
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:

1 Chronicles 28:13
for the divisions of the priests and Levites, for all the work of service in the house of the LORD, and for all the articles of service in the house of the LORD:

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
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.

2 Chronicles 31:2
Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling.

Nehemiah 12:24-26
The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God. / Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates. / They served in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest and scribe.

Nehemiah 13:5
and had prepared for Tobiah a large room where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the temple articles, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests.

Ezekiel 44:11
Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and ministering there. They shall slaughter the burnt offerings and other sacrifices for the people and stand before them to minister to them.

Matthew 25:14-30
For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...

Luke 12:42-48
And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? / Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. / Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. ...

Treasury of Scripture

Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 25:8
And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.

Jump to Previous

Authority Charges Chief Corresponding Courses Divisions Doorkeepers Door-Keepers Duties Gatekeepers House Minister Ministering Offices Performing Porters Positions Relatives Responsible Servants Wards

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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

Berean Study Bible

Among these
This phrase indicates a specific group within a larger context. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "בָּהֶם" (bahem), which means "among them" or "in them." It suggests a sense of belonging and inclusion within a community. Historically, this reflects the organized structure of the Levitical duties, emphasizing that each person had a role to play in the service of God. This inclusion is a reminder of the body of Christ, where every member has a unique and vital function.

were the divisions
The Hebrew word for "divisions" is "מַחְלְקוֹת" (machlekot), which refers to organized groups or courses. This term underscores the order and structure within the temple service. The divisions were not arbitrary but divinely ordained, reflecting God's nature of order and purpose. This organization is mirrored in the New Testament church, where spiritual gifts and roles are distributed for the edification of the body (1 Corinthians 12).

of the gatekeepers
Gatekeepers, or "שֹׁמְרֵי הַסִּפִּים" (shomrei hasippim) in Hebrew, were responsible for guarding the entrances to the temple. Their role was crucial in maintaining the sanctity and security of the holy place. Spiritually, gatekeepers symbolize vigilance and discernment, qualities necessary for protecting the purity of the church and the hearts of believers. This role is akin to the spiritual watchfulness encouraged in the New Testament (1 Peter 5:8).

the chief men
The phrase "chief men" translates from the Hebrew "רָאשִׁים" (roshim), meaning leaders or heads. These were individuals of authority and responsibility, chosen for their wisdom and integrity. Leadership in the biblical context is always tied to servanthood and accountability before God. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where leaders are called to shepherd the flock with humility and care (1 Peter 5:2-3).

having duties
"Duties" in Hebrew is "מְלָאכָה" (melachah), which refers to work or service. This highlights the active role of the gatekeepers in the temple. Their duties were not merely ceremonial but essential for the functioning of the temple worship. This serves as a reminder that every task in God's service, no matter how small, is significant and sacred.

just like their brothers
This phrase emphasizes equality and shared responsibility among the Levites. The Hebrew "כְּאַחֵיהֶם" (ke'acheihem) suggests a familial bond and unity in purpose. It reflects the biblical principle that all believers, regardless of their specific roles, are equal in Christ and share in the common mission of the church (Galatians 3:28).

to minister
The Hebrew word "לְשָׁרֵת" (lesharet) means to serve or minister. This term is often used in the context of priestly service, indicating a sacred duty. Ministry in the biblical sense is an act of worship and devotion to God, reflecting the heart of servanthood that Jesus exemplified (Mark 10:45).

in the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple, the central place of worship for Israel. In Hebrew, "בֵּית יְהוָה" (beit Yahweh) signifies not just a physical structure but the dwelling place of God's presence. For Christians, this concept extends to the church as the body of Christ and the individual believer as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). It is a call to holiness and reverence in all aspects of life.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(12) Among these were the divisions of the porters.--Rather, To these, the courses (1Chronicles 23:6) of porters, that is, to the heads of the men (1Chronicles 24:4), were watches or charges (1Chronicles 25:8) in common with their brethren (1Chronicles 24:31), to minister in the house of Jehovah (1Chronicles 16:37). The statement of this verse makes it evident that the names in 1Chronicles 26:2-11 represent the courses of the porters or warders. As the twenty-four sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun represented the twenty-four courses of musicians in 1 Chronicles 25, a similar classification might naturally be expected here. Accordingly, we actually find seven sons of Meshelemiah (1Chronicles 26:2-3), eight sons of Obed-edom (1Chronicles 26:4-5), and four sons of Hosah (1Chronicles 26:10-11), which together make nineteen heads and classes. It remains to add the "sons" of Shemaiah son of Obed-edom. As the text stands, these appear to be six in number, which would give a total of twenty-five (7 + 8 + 4 + 6). But the connection of the Hebrew in 1Chronicles 26:7 is so unusual as to suggest at once that something is wrong: and if we assume Obed-Elzabad to represent one original composite name, like Obed-edom, we get five "sons of Shemaiah," and so a total of twenty-four classes or courses of warders. (From this verse to the end of chapter 27 the Syriac and Arabic versions fail us.) . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 12. - Translate, To these divisions of the porters, as regards the chief men, belonged the charge together with their brethren to officiate in the house of the Lord. According to the present chapter, then, the divisions add up to ninety-three. And if at any time of the history it were the case that these ninety-three were the leaders of groups among the total of "four thousand porters," it would put exactly forty-two under each of these ninety-three, leaving but one over. This number ninety-three, meantime, does not agree with the two hundred and twelve of 1 Chronicles 9:22. And the three score and two of Obed-edom in ver. 8 of the present chapter does not agree with the three score and eight of Obed-edom in 1 Chronicles 16:38. At the same time, no little light may be thrown on this subject by noticing that the porters numbered in Zerubbabel's time one hundred and thirty-nine (Ezra 2:42); and that the number one hundred and seventy-two is given for them by Nehemiah (Nehemiah 11:19). The conclusion may well be that the numbers varied in David's time and the other times severally;and that the date in question (1 Chronicles 9:22) was not the same with the date of David in our present chapter, but was a subsequent date nearer the time of the Captivity. There is, therefore, no special ground for doubting the accuracy of the numbers given in this chapter.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

These
לְ֠אֵלֶּה (lə·’êl·leh)
Preposition-l | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

divisions
מַחְלְק֨וֹת (maḥ·lə·qō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4256: Division, course

of the gatekeepers,
הַשֹּֽׁעֲרִ֜ים (haš·šō·‘ă·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7778: A gatekeeper

through their chief
לְרָאשֵׁ֧י (lə·rā·šê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7218: The head

men,
הַגְּבָרִ֛ים (hag·gə·ḇā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1397: A valiant man, warrior, a person simply

had duties
מִשְׁמָר֖וֹת (miš·mā·rō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4931: A guard, watch, charge, function

for ministering
לְשָׁרֵ֖ת (lə·šā·rêṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to

in the house
בְּבֵ֥ית (bə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of the LORD,
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

just as
לְעֻמַּ֣ת (lə·‘um·maṯ)
Preposition-l
Strong's 5980: Society, near, beside, along with

their brothers did.
אֲחֵיהֶ֑ם (’ă·ḥê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 251: A brother, )

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OT History: 1 Chronicles 26:12 Of these were the divisions (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)