1 Chronicles 9:26
New International Version
But the four principal gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the responsibility for the rooms and treasuries in the house of God.

New Living Translation
The four chief gatekeepers, all Levites, were trusted officials, for they were responsible for the rooms and treasuries at the house of God.

English Standard Version
for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted to be over the chambers and the treasures of the house of God.

Berean Standard Bible
But the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of the house of God.

Berean Literal Bible
For in office were four chief gatekeepers; they were Levites, and they were over the chambers and over the treasuries of the house of God.

King James Bible
For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.

New King James Version
For in this trusted office were four chief gatekeepers; they were Levites. And they had charge over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.

New American Standard Bible
for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, served in an official capacity, and were in charge of the chambers and in charge of the treasuries in the house of God.

NASB 1995
for the four chief gatekeepers who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the chambers and over the treasuries in the house of God.

NASB 1977
for the four chief gatekeepers who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the chambers and over the treasuries in the house of God.

Legacy Standard Bible
for the four chief gatekeepers who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the chambers and over the treasuries in the house of God.

Amplified Bible
for these Levites, the four chief gatekeepers, had an official duty, and were in charge of the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.

Berean Annotated Bible
But the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of the house of God {Elohim}.

Christian Standard Bible
but the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of God’s temple.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
but the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of God’s temple.

American Standard Version
for the four chief porters, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the chambers and over the treasuries in the house of God.

Contemporary English Version
The four full-time guards were Levites, and they supervised the other guards and were responsible for the rooms in the temple and the supplies kept there.

English Revised Version
for the four chief porters, who were Levites, were in a set office, and were over the chambers and over the treasuries in the house of God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The four chief Levite gatekeepers were in charge of the rooms and treasures in God's temple because of their faithfulness.

Good News Translation
The four chief guards were Levites and had the final responsibility. They were also responsible for the rooms in the Temple and for the supplies kept there.

International Standard Version
because the four senior gatekeepers (who were descendants of Levi) had been placed in charge of the chambers and the treasury of the Temple of God.

NET Bible
The four head gatekeepers, who were Levites, were assigned to guard the storerooms and treasuries in God's sanctuary.

New Heart English Bible
for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the chambers and over the treasuries in the house of God.

Webster's Bible Translation
For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of the house of God.

World English Bible
for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the rooms and over the treasuries in God’s house.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For the four chiefs of the gatekeepers in office, they are Levites, and they have been over the chambers, and over the treasuries of the house of God,

Berean Literal Bible
For in office were four chief gatekeepers; they were Levites, and they were over the chambers and over the treasuries of the house of God.

Young's Literal Translation
For in office are the four chiefs of the gatekeepers, they are Levites, and they have been over the chambers, and over the treasuries of the house of God,

Smith's Literal Translation
For in faithfulness these four strong ones of the gates, these Levites, and they were over the cells and over the treasures of the house of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To these four Levites were committed the whole number of the porters, and they were over the chambers, and treasures, of the house of the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
To these four Levites were entrusted the entire number of the gatekeepers, and they were over the chambers and storehouses of the house of the Lord.

New American Bible
while the four chief gatekeepers were on permanent duty. These were the Levites who also had charge of the chambers and treasures of the house of God.

New Revised Standard Version
for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were in charge of the chambers and the treasures of the house of God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For these Levites were in their set office, and were in charge of the four gates in the four directions; and stood on guard, and were over the work and over the treasuries of the house of the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because those were in the office, because these Levites were standing and guarding over the four winds of the gates, and those Rulers were over the work and over the treasury of the house of LORD JEHOVAH.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
for the four chief porters were in a set office. These were the Levites. They were also over the chambers and over the treasuries in the house of God.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For four strong men have the charge of the gates; and the Levites were over the chambers, and they keep watch over the treasures of the house of God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The People of Jerusalem
25Their relatives came from their villages at fixed times to serve with them for seven-day periods. 26But the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of the house of God. 27They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they were responsible for guarding it and opening it every morning.…

Cross References
But the four chief gatekeepers,

1 Chronicles 26:1-2
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,

1 Chronicles 26:12-19
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives did. / They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. / The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. …

Nehemiah 12:24-25
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.
who were Levites,

1 Chronicles 23:24-32
These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD. / For David had said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever. / So now the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for its service.” …

Numbers 3:5-9
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. / They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. …

2 Chronicles 35:3-6
To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel. / Prepare yourselves by families in your divisions, according to the instructions written by David king of Israel and Solomon his son. / Moreover, stand in the Holy Place by the divisions of the families of your kinsmen the lay people, and by the divisions of the families of the Levites. …
were entrusted with the rooms

2 Chronicles 31:11-12
Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare storerooms in the house of the LORD, and they did so. / And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts. Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge of them, and his brother Shimei was second.

Ezra 8:29-30
Guard them carefully until you weigh them out in the chambers of the house of the LORD in Jerusalem before the leading priests, Levites, and heads of the Israelite families.” / So the priests and Levites took charge of the silver and gold and sacred articles that had been weighed out to be taken to the house of our God in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 13:4-9
Now before this, Eliashib the priest, a relative of Tobiah, had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God / 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. / While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king …
and the treasuries of the house of God.

1 Chronicles 26:20-28
Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things. / From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, / the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD. …

2 Chronicles 36:18
who carried off everything to Babylon—all the articles of the house of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king and his officials.

2 Kings 24:13
As the LORD had declared, Nebuchadnezzar also carried off all the treasures from the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he cut into pieces all the gold articles that Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 31:14
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.

Nehemiah 12:25
Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates.

1 Chronicles 23:28-32
but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, / as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. / They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening. …

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.


Treasury of Scripture

For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.

set office.

1 Chronicles 26:20-27
And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things…

2 Chronicles 31:5-12
And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly…

Nehemiah 10:38,39
And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house…

Jump to Previous
Chambers Charge Chief Chiefs Door-Keepers Entrusted Four Gatekeepers House Levites Office Porters Position Principal Responsibility Rooms Special Store-Houses Treasures Treasuries Trust
Jump to Next
Chambers Charge Chief Chiefs Door-Keepers Entrusted Four Gatekeepers House Levites Office Porters Position Principal Responsibility Rooms Special Store-Houses Treasures Treasuries Trust
1 Chronicles 9
1. The original of Israel and Judah's genealogies
2. The Israelites
10. The priests
14. and the Levites, with Nethinims, who dwelt in Jerusalem
27. The charge of certain Levites
35. The stock of Saul and Jonathan












But the four chief gatekeepers
The role of gatekeepers in ancient Israel was significant, especially in the context of the temple. These individuals were responsible for maintaining the security and sanctity of the temple precincts. The mention of "four chief gatekeepers" indicates a structured hierarchy within the Levitical duties, emphasizing the importance of order and responsibility in worship practices. This structure reflects the organization seen in other parts of the Old Testament, such as the division of the Levites into various roles (1 Chronicles 23-26). The number four may symbolize completeness or universality, as seen in other scriptural contexts.

who were Levites
The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties, stemming from the time of Moses and Aaron. Their role was to assist the priests and manage the operations of the tabernacle and later the temple. This designation highlights the sacred trust placed upon them, as they were chosen by God for these specific tasks (Numbers 3:5-10). The Levites' responsibilities were hereditary, passed down through generations, ensuring continuity in worship and service.

were entrusted with the rooms
The rooms mentioned here likely refer to the chambers within the temple complex used for various purposes, including storage and preparation for temple services. Being "entrusted" with these rooms underscores the level of trust and responsibility given to the Levites. This trust is reminiscent of the stewardship principles found throughout Scripture, where individuals are called to faithfully manage what God has given them (1 Corinthians 4:2).

and the treasuries of the house of God
The treasuries were vital for the functioning of the temple, containing offerings, tithes, and other valuable items dedicated to God. The Levites' role in managing these treasuries highlights their integral part in the economic and spiritual life of Israel. This responsibility required integrity and faithfulness, qualities that are emphasized throughout the Bible as essential for those handling God's resources (Malachi 3:10). The "house of God" refers to the temple, a central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, foreshadowing the ultimate temple, Jesus Christ, who embodies God's presence with humanity (John 2:19-21).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Chief Gatekeepers
These were Levites assigned to oversee the entrances to the temple. Their role was crucial in maintaining the sanctity and security of the temple.

2. Levites
A tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties. They were responsible for the care and service of the tabernacle and later the temple.

3. Rooms and Treasuries
These were specific areas within the temple complex where sacred items and offerings were stored. The gatekeepers had the responsibility to protect these valuable and holy items.

4. House of God
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites, where God's presence dwelt among His people.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Service
The Levites' role as gatekeepers teaches us the importance of being faithful in the tasks God assigns us, no matter how small they may seem.

Guarding What is Sacred
Just as the gatekeepers protected the temple's treasuries, we are called to guard our hearts and the truths of our faith diligently.

Stewardship of Resources
The responsibility of managing the temple's treasuries highlights the importance of being good stewards of the resources God entrusts to us.

Community and Accountability
The Levites worked together in their duties, reminding us of the value of community and accountability in our spiritual walk.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 9:26?

2. How does 1 Chronicles 9:26 emphasize the importance of faithful stewardship in ministry?

3. What responsibilities did the gatekeepers have according to 1 Chronicles 9:26?

4. How can we apply the gatekeepers' dedication to our church roles today?

5. What other Scriptures highlight the significance of trustworthy service in God's house?

6. How does 1 Chronicles 9:26 inspire commitment to our God-given duties?

7. What roles did the Levites have according to 1 Chronicles 9:26?

8. How does 1 Chronicles 9:26 reflect the importance of temple service?

9. Why were the Levites chosen as gatekeepers in 1 Chronicles 9:26?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 9?

11. Who were the chief priests in the Bible?

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 26:1-32: Is the meticulous organizational structure for guarding and treasuries historically plausible, or is it an idealized religious account?

14. How many stalls of horses did Solomon have? (1 Kings 4:26 vs. 2 Chronicles 9:25)
What Does 1 Chronicles 9:26 Mean
But

• This simple word links 9:26 to the flow that starts in 9:17-25, where the Chronicler lists Levites positioned at the temple gates.

• It signals a shift from the general roster to a spotlight on four particular men entrusted with greater responsibility (compare 1 Chronicles 9:24-25).

• Scripture often uses “but” to highlight a contrast—here, from many gatekeepers to four chiefs, echoing how God singles out leaders (Numbers 3:32).


the four chief gatekeepers

• Verses 17-24 name them: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, and Ahiman.

• As chiefs they oversaw every gate, much like the captains who guarded Solomon’s temple (1 Chronicles 26:1-19).

• Their role illustrates godly leadership: hands-on service combined with authority delegated by the king and the priesthood (2 Chronicles 23:4-7).


who were Levites

• Being Levites roots their authority in God’s covenant choice (Numbers 3:5-10).

• Only Levites could handle holy things, preserving purity in worship (Deuteronomy 10:8).

• Their lineage underscores faithfulness through generations; even after exile, the Levites resume their charge (Ezra 7:7).


were entrusted

• “Entrusted” stresses stewardship, not ownership. God’s house belongs to Him; people are managers (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

• Trust is earned through proven character—consistent obedience and reliability (Nehemiah 13:13).

• Their charge carries accountability before God and the community (Luke 12:42-48).


with the rooms

• These rooms (or chambers) bordered the temple courts, storing utensils, bread of the Presence, and gifts (1 Kings 6:5-10; 1 Chronicles 28:12).

• Guarding them protected sacred objects from misuse, reflecting reverence for God’s holiness (2 Chronicles 5:1).

• Today, believers steward spiritual “rooms” of their hearts, keeping what is holy pure (2 Timothy 1:14).


and the treasuries

• Treasuries housed tithes, offerings, and temple income (2 Chronicles 31:11-12).

• Mishandling God’s resources invited judgment (Malachi 3:8-10; Acts 5:1-5).

• Faithful oversight allowed worship to flourish, funding sacrifices, musicians, and repairs (Nehemiah 10:38-39).


of the house of God

• The temple was the visible center of God’s presence among His people (1 Kings 8:10-13).

• Protecting it affirmed that the Lord alone rules and provides (Psalm 84:1-2).

• For the church, the principle endures: safeguard doctrine, fellowship, and resources so Christ is honored (1 Timothy 3:15).


summary

1 Chronicles 9:26 spotlights four Levite leaders specially appointed to guard the temple’s rooms and treasuries. Their trustworthiness, lineage, and careful stewardship ensured that worship remained pure and provisions were handled rightly. The verse invites believers to embrace the same faithful guardianship over all God entrusts to us—our gifts, resources, and places of worship—so that His glory remains central.

(26) For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office.--The Heb. says, or seems to say, "For in fixed position (or trust) were they, viz., the four heroes of the warders." (See 1Chronicles 9:17 which apparently names four chief "porters.") The temporary chiefs of the warder guilds abode in the Temple; the mass of their members was settled in the neighbouring villages, and occupied with pastoral pursuits.

And were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.--This statement belongs to the following verse. The preceding account of the porters or warders seems to terminate with the words. "For in fixed position are they, the four stalwart warders; they are the Levites;" that is, the Levites par excellence. And they were over the cells and over the treasuries of the house of God (viz., the warders); and they used to pass the night (1Chronicles 9:27) in the places round the house of God, for upon them was the ward, and they were over the opening (key) every morning--a brief recapitulation of the main duty of the Levitical warders. Some have proposed to alter the text of 1Chronicles 9:26 b, and to read, "And some of the Levites were over the cells," &c, thus constituting a new paragraph, although 1Chronicles 9:27 obviously recurs to the warders. Probably the paragraph mark should be transferred to 1Chronicles 9:28. From this point to 1Chronicles 9:34 we have a review of the other special charges of the Levites. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the four
אַרְבַּ֙עַת֙ (’ar·ba·‘aṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 702: Four

chief
גִּבֹּרֵ֣י (gib·bō·rê)
Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1368: Powerful, warrior, tyrant

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

who
הֵ֗מָּה (hêm·māh)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

were Levites,
הַלְוִיִּ֑ם (hal·wî·yim)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

were
וְהָיוּ֙ (wə·hā·yū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

entrusted with
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the rooms
הַלְּשָׁכ֔וֹת (hal·lə·šā·ḵō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 3957: Room, chamber, hall, cell

and the treasuries
הָאֹצְר֖וֹת (hā·’ō·ṣə·rō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 214: Treasure, store, a treasury, storehouse

of the house
בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of God.
הָאֱלֹהִֽים׃ (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


Links
1 Chronicles 9:26 NIV
1 Chronicles 9:26 NLT
1 Chronicles 9:26 ESV
1 Chronicles 9:26 NASB
1 Chronicles 9:26 KJV

1 Chronicles 9:26 BibleApps.com
1 Chronicles 9:26 Biblia Paralela
1 Chronicles 9:26 Chinese Bible
1 Chronicles 9:26 French Bible
1 Chronicles 9:26 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Chronicles 9:26 For the four chief porters who were (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 9:25
Top of Page
Top of Page