King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
These [were] the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.
Complete Jewish Bible:
These were potters and inhabitants of N'ta'im and G'derah; they lived there, occupied with the king's work.
Berean Standard Bible:
These were the potters who lived at Netaim and Gederah. They lived there in the service of the king.
American Standard Version:
These were the potters, and the inhabitants of Netaim and Gederah: there they dwelt with the king for his work.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
These were the potters{H3335}, and those that dwelt{H3427} among plants{H5196} and hedges{H1448}: there they dwelt{H3427} with the king{H4428} for his work{H4399}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Psalms 81:6
- I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots.
1 Chronicles 4:14
- And Meonothai begat Ophrah: and Seraiah begat Joab, the father of the valley of Charashim; for they were craftsmen.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for 1 Chronicles 4:23
1 Chronicles 4:23 is a verse that falls within a larger section of the book (1 Chronicles 2-8) known for its detailed genealogies, which serve to trace the ancestral lines of the Israelite people, particularly focusing on the tribe of Judah. This verse specifically mentions "the potters," which refers to those who were skilled craftsmen, shaping and firing clay to create vessels for various uses. The mention of "plants and hedges" suggests an agrarian context, indicating that some of these skilled workers lived in close proximity to cultivated land, perhaps tending to orchards or vineyards, which were often surrounded by hedges for protection.
The phrase "there they dwelt with the king for his work" implies that these potters and agriculturists were associated with the royal administration, possibly providing their services and products for the king's court. This could mean that they were either employed by the king, contributing to royal projects, or that they lived under the king's jurisdiction and protection while engaging in their crafts.
The historical context of this verse is post-exilic Israel, after the Babylonian captivity, when the people of Judah were returning to their homeland and seeking to reestablish their identity and livelihood. The mention of specific trades and the relationship of these workers to the monarchy reflects an attempt to restore order and the economic structure of the nation. It also highlights the importance of various occupations in the daily life of the community, emphasizing the value of skilled labor in the reconstruction and sustenance of society.
In summary, 1 Chronicles 4:23 provides a snapshot of the occupational and residential arrangements of certain Israelites during the period of rebuilding after the exile. It underscores the significance of craftsmanship and agriculture in the community's economy and the connection between specialized workers and the monarchy, indicating a society in the process of re-forming its social and economic fabric under the governance of a king.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3335
There are 55 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָצַר
Transliteration: yâtsar
Pronunciation: yaw-tsar'
Description: probably identical with יָצַר (through the squeezing into shape); (compare יַצַע); to mould into a form; especially as apotter; figuratively, to determine (i.e. form a resolution); [idiom] earthen, fashion, form, frame, make(-r), potter, purpose. - Strong's Number: H3427
There are 980 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָשַׁב
Transliteration: yâshab
Pronunciation: yaw-shab'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry; (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. - Strong's Number: H5196
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נְטָעִים
Transliteration: Nᵉṭâʻîym
Pronunciation: net-aw-eem'
Description: plural of נֶטַע; Netaim, a place in Palestine; plants. - Strong's Number: H1448
There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גְּדֵרָה
Transliteration: gᵉdêrâh
Pronunciation: ghed-ay-raw'
Description: feminine of גָּדֵר; enclosure (especially for flocks); (sheep-) cote (fold) hedge, wall. - Strong's Number: H4428
There are 1922 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מֶלֶךְ
Transliteration: melek
Pronunciation: meh'-lek
Description: from מָלַךְ; a king; king, royal. - Strong's Number: H4399
There are 149 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מְלָאכָה
Transliteration: mᵉlâʼkâh
Pronunciation: mel-aw-kaw'
Description: from the same as מֲלְאָךְ; properly, deputyship, i.e. ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor); business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship).