1 Chronicles 26:13

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Great or small, they cast lots according to their clans for every gate.

Berean Standard Bible:

They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike.

American Standard Version:

And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to their fathers’ houses, for every gate.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And they cast^{H5307} lots^{H1486}, as well the small^{H6996} as the great^{H1419}, according to the house^{H1004} of their fathers^{H1}, for every gate^{H8179}.

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Commentary for 1 Chronicles 26:13

1 Chronicles 26:13 is part of a larger section in the Hebrew Bible that details the organization of the Temple in Jerusalem under the direction of King David. This verse specifically refers to the casting of lots to determine the responsibilities of the Temple gatekeepers, who were Levites. The practice of casting lots was a common ancient method for making decisions and assigning duties, akin to drawing straws or rolling dice, believed to be under divine guidance.

The verse emphasizes that this process was applied impartially, without regard for personal status, as both "the small as the great" were included. This reflects a principle of fairness and communal participation in the duties of the Temple, which was central to the religious life of the Israelites. The gatekeepers were assigned according to their family lineage, "the house of their fathers," ensuring that the hereditary responsibilities of the Levitical clans were maintained. Each gatekeeper was thus appointed to a specific gate, which was an important position, as the gates were key points of entry and exit for the Temple, requiring careful oversight to maintain the sanctity of the holy place.

In the broader historical context, the chronicler is likely writing during the post-exilic period, after the return from the Babylonian exile, to reestablish the religious and social structures of the Jewish community. By detailing the organization of the Temple service, the text serves both to instruct and to legitimize the priestly and Levitical roles, reinforcing the importance of proper worship and the orderly functioning of the Temple. This verse, therefore, highlights themes of divine guidance in community governance, the sacred role of the Levites, and the continuity of tradition in the worship of God.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5307
   There are 403 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָפַל
   Transliteration: nâphal
   Pronunciation: naw-fal'
   Description: a primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative); be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for פָּלַל), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down.
   
2. Strong's Number: H1486
   There are 67 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גּוֹרָל
   Transliteration: gôwrâl
   Pronunciation: go-rawl'
   Description: or (shortened) גֹּרָל; from an unused root meaning to be rough (as stone); properly, a pebble, i.e. a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot); lot.
   
3. Strong's Number: H6996
   There are 100 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָטָן
   Transliteration: qâṭân
   Pronunciation: kaw-tawn'
   Description: or קָטֹן; from קוּט; abbreviated, i.e. diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance); least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est).
   
4. Strong's Number: H1419
   There are 499 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גָּדוֹל
   Transliteration: gâdôwl
   Pronunciation: gaw-dole'
   Description: or גָּדֹל; (shortened) from גָּדַל; great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent; [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very.
   
5. Strong's Number: H1004
   There are 1718 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בַּיִת
   Transliteration: bayith
   Pronunciation: bah'-yith
   Description: probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out).
   
6. Strong's Number: H1
   There are 15773 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָב
   Transliteration: ʼâb
   Pronunciation: awb
   Description: a primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application; chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'.
   
7. Strong's Number: H8179
   There are 302 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שַׁעַר
   Transliteration: shaʻar
   Pronunciation: shah'-ar
   Description: from שָׁעַר in its original sense; an opening, i.e. door or gate; city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er).