What number verse is 1 Chronicles 24:14 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 24:14 is the 11,030th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 1 Chronicles 24:14 sits at position 11,030.

Translation

King James Version

The fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,

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KJV (with Strong's)

The fifteenth ^{H2568 H6240} to Bilgah ^H1083, the sixteenth ^{H8337 H6240} to Immer ^H564,

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Complete Jewish Bible

the fifteenth for Bilgah, the sixteenth for Immer,

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Berean Standard Bible

the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,

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American Standard Version

the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,

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World English Bible Messianic

the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The fiftenth to Bilgah, the sixtenth to Immer,

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Young's Literal Translation

for Bilgah the fifteenth, for Immer the sixteenth,

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 24:14 meticulously records the assignment of the fifteenth and sixteenth priestly divisions to the families of Bilgah and Immer, respectively. This verse is an integral part of King David's divinely inspired and systematic organization of the Aaronic descendants into twenty-four courses. This comprehensive administrative blueprint was designed to ensure an orderly, continuous, and equitable system of worship and sacred service within the future Temple in Jerusalem, establishing a foundational structure for generations of priestly duties.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 24, a chapter dedicated to the detailed organization of the Aaronic priesthood by King David. The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 24:1-13) establish the framework for these divisions, listing the first fourteen courses. Following 1 Chronicles 24:14, the subsequent verses (1 Chronicles 24:15-19) complete the enumeration of all twenty-four divisions. The entire chapter functions as a meticulous administrative record, emphasizing David's foresight in preparing for the Temple's operations. This detailed listing underscores the Chronicler's theological agenda, highlighting the importance of order, structure, and faithful adherence to divine commands in the worship life of Israel, thereby ensuring the continuity of sacred duties for centuries to come.
Historical & Cultural Context: King David, though divinely prohibited from building the Temple himself, was instrumental in its preparation, which included not only gathering vast resources but also organizing the human infrastructure for its service. The division of priests into twenty-four courses was a pragmatic necessity, given the large number of priestly families descended from Aaron, as evidenced by earlier census records (e.g., 1 Chronicles 23:3-5). The method of casting lots, explicitly mentioned in 1 Chronicles 24:5, was a common and accepted practice in ancient Israel for discerning divine will and ensuring impartiality in significant administrative decisions. This system guaranteed that all eligible priestly families had their turn to serve in the Temple, promoting equity, preventing monopolization of duties, and ensuring the continuous performance of sacred rites.
Key Themes: The meticulous organization of the priesthood, exemplified by the specific listing in 1 Chronicles 24:14, underscores several profound themes. Firstly, Order and Structure are paramount, reflecting a divine principle that worship and service to God should be conducted with intentionality and precision, not haphazardly. Secondly, the theme of Divine Appointment and Sovereignty is evident, as the use of lots signifies God's direct involvement in establishing these divisions, lending divine sanction to David's administrative efforts and ensuring impartiality. Thirdly, this passage highlights the crucial theme of Preparation for God's Work; David's actions demonstrate the importance of intentional planning and foresight in facilitating proper worship and service, not just for his generation but for future ones. Finally, the emphasis on Generational Faithfulness and Continuity ensures that the sacred duties would be maintained consistently through the various priestly families for the duration of the Temple's existence, underscoring the enduring nature of covenant service and the perpetual availability of access to God through established means.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Bilgah (Hebrew, Bilgah, H1083): This name identifies the head of the fifteenth priestly division. Derived from the root meaning "desistance" or "cheerfulness," its primary significance in this context is its function as a precise identifier within a comprehensive administrative list. The inclusion of "Bilgah" underscores the meticulous nature of David's organization, ensuring that every designated priestly lineage had its specific place and turn in the divine service structure, preventing oversight and ensuring full participation.
Immer (Hebrew, ʼImmêr, H564): This name designates the head of the sixteenth priestly division. The root meaning "talkative" or "lamb" (though less certain in this context) is secondary to its role as a specific identifier. Like Bilgah, the importance of "Immer" is its precise role in the detailed enumeration of priestly courses. Its presence confirms the systematic and exhaustive nature of David's census and organizational efforts, ensuring that no family entitled to priestly service was overlooked in the grand scheme of Temple administration, thereby guaranteeing continuity and equity.

Verse Breakdown

"The fifteenth to Bilgah": This clause precisely indicates the sequential order of the priestly divisions. "Bilgah" represents a specific family line among the descendants of Aaron, chosen by lot to serve as the fifteenth course. This highlights the systematic and equitable distribution of sacred duties, ensuring that each family had its designated turn in the Temple's service, thereby preventing any single lineage from dominating the sacred offices.
"the sixteenth to Immer": Following the established pattern, this clause identifies the "Immer" family as the head of the sixteenth priestly division. The parallel structure emphasizes the methodical and comprehensive nature of David's organizational blueprint, underscoring the meticulous planning involved in preparing for the Temple's operations and ensuring the continuity of its service through a rotating roster of qualified priests.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device evident in 1 Chronicles 24:14 and the surrounding verses is Enumeration, which involves the systematic listing of items in a particular order. This entire chapter functions as an Administrative Record, meticulously detailing the twenty-four priestly divisions. The consistent, formulaic pattern of "the Xth to Y" (e.g., "The fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer") throughout the list demonstrates pronounced Repetition. This repetition serves not merely to list, but to reinforce the systematic, exhaustive, and divinely sanctioned nature of David's organization. While seemingly dry, this detailed listing is imbued with theological significance by the Chronicler, emphasizing Order, Preparation, and Divine Providence in the worship life of Israel, portraying David as a faithful steward who meticulously prepared for the future spiritual well-being of the nation.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

1 Chronicles 24:14, as an integral part of the broader organization of the priesthood, profoundly highlights the biblical emphasis on order, structure, and divine appointment in worship and service. This detailed administrative record reflects God's character as a God of order, who desires His people to serve Him with intentionality, precision, and equity. This commitment to structured service ensured the continuity of sacred duties, preventing chaos and promoting faithfulness across generations. It underscores the principle that every part of God's people has a designated role and contributes to the overall functioning of the community in glorifying Him, demonstrating that even seemingly mundane administrative details are vital to God's grand design for His people's worship.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The seemingly mundane listing of priestly divisions in 1 Chronicles 24:14 offers profound implications for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God values order, intentionality, and faithfulness in all aspects of our service to Him. Just as King David meticulously planned for the Temple's continuous service, we are called to approach our spiritual lives, our family responsibilities, and our community involvement with purpose, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. Every member of the body of Christ, much like each priestly course, has a unique and valuable role to play, contributing to the effective functioning and spiritual health of the whole. This verse encourages us to embrace our specific callings, no matter how seemingly small or administrative, with diligence and a recognition that our service, when done in order and with a heart for God, contributes significantly to the larger work of God's kingdom and brings Him glory. It prompts us to prayerfully consider how we can better organize our lives and ministries to serve God more effectively, consistently, and with greater impact for His purposes.

Questions for Reflection

How does the emphasis on order and meticulous planning in the Old Testament priesthood inform our understanding of worship and service in the church today?
In what areas of your personal life or ministry could greater intentionality, organization, and a sense of divine appointment lead to more effective service for God?
How does recognizing your specific gifts and role within the body of Christ, however seemingly "small," contribute to the overall health and mission of the church?

FAQ

Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of names and divisions?

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists like the priestly divisions in 1 Chronicles 24, including the specific mention in 1 Chronicles 24:14, serves several important purposes. First, it underscores the historical accuracy and meticulous nature of the biblical record, demonstrating that these were real people and real administrative structures, grounding the narrative in tangible reality. Second, it highlights the importance of order and organization in God's work, showcasing David's divinely inspired foresight in preparing for the Temple's continuous and equitable service. Third, these lists emphasize the principle of accountability and the fair distribution of responsibilities among the numerous priestly families, ensuring that sacred duties were not monopolized. Finally, such detailed records often serve a profound theological purpose, demonstrating God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant people and providing for their worship, as seen in the careful preservation of the priestly lineage, which was crucial for Temple service (e.g., Ezra 2:61-63).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 1 Chronicles 24:14 meticulously details the Old Covenant system of priestly service, with its rotating courses and administrative precision, it ultimately points to the superior, eternal, and all-sufficient priesthood of Jesus Christ. The meticulous organization of the Aaronic priests, with their assigned shifts and duties, foreshadowed the perfect order and singular efficacy of Christ's high priestly ministry. Unlike the Levitical priests who served in shifts and offered repeated, imperfect sacrifices that could never truly take away sin (as noted in Hebrews 10:11), Jesus, as our great High Priest, offered Himself once for all time, a perfect and complete sacrifice that secured eternal redemption for all who believe (Hebrews 9:12). His perfect sacrifice and continuous intercession (see Hebrews 7:25) fulfill and supersede the Old Testament priestly system, establishing a new covenant where all believers are made a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service through Him (Hebrews 13:15-16). Thus, the detailed administrative blueprint of David, ensuring orderly access to God in the Old Covenant, points forward to the ultimate, perfectly ordered, and eternally effective work of Christ, who grants direct and perpetual access to God's presence.

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 24 verses 1–19

1 ¶ Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

2 But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office.

3 And David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in their service.

4 And there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and thus were they divided. Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the house of their fathers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers.

5 Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

6 And Shemaiah the son of Nethaneel the scribe, one of the Levites, wrote them before the king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and before the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites: one principal household being taken for Eleazar, and one taken for Ithamar.

7 Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,

8 The third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim,

9 The fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin,

10 The seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah,

11 The ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah,

12 The eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,

13 The thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab,

14 The fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,

15 The seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Aphses,

16 The nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezekel,

17 The one and twentieth to Jachin, the two and twentieth to Gamul,

18 The three and twentieth to Delaiah, the four and twentieth to Maaziah.

19 These were the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the LORD, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the LORD God of Israel had commanded him.

The particular account of these establishments is of little use to us now; but, when Ezra published it, it was of great use to direct their church affairs after their return from captivity into the old channel again. The title of this record we have v. 1 - These are the divisions of the sons of Aaron, not by which they divided one from another, or were at variance one with another (it is a pity there should ever be any such divisions among the sons of Israel, but especially among the sons of Aaron), but the distribution of them in order to the dividing of their work among themselves; it was a division which God made, and was made for him. 1. This distribution was made for the more regular discharge of the duties of their office. God was, and still is, the God of order, and not of confusion, particularly in the things of his worship. Number without order is but a clog and an occasion of tumult; but when every one has, and knows, and keeps, his place and work, the more the better. In the mystical body, every member has its use, for the good of the whole, Rom 12:4, Rom 12:5; Co1 12:12. 2. It was made by lot, that the disposal thereof might be of the Lord, and so all quarrels and contentions might be prevented, and no man could be charged with partiality, nor could any say that they had wrong done them. As God is the God or order, so he is the God of peace. Solomon says of the lot that it causeth contention to cease. 3. The lot was cast publicly, and with great solemnity, in the presence of the king, princes, and priests, that there might be no room for any fraudulent practices or the suspicion of them. The lot is an appeal to God, and ought to be managed with corresponding reverence and sincerity. Matthias was chosen to the apostleship by lot, with prayer (Act 1:24, Act 1:26), and I know not but it might be still used in faith in parallel cases, as an instituted ordinance. We have here the name of the public notary that was employed in writing the names, and drawing the lots, (Ch1 24:6): Shemaiah, one of the Levites. 4. What those priests were chosen to was to preside in the affairs of the sanctuary (Ch1 24:5), in their several courses and turns. That which was to be determined by the lot was only the precedency, not who should serve (for they chose all the chief men), but who should serve first, and who next, that every one might know his course, and attend in it. Of the twenty-four chief men of the priests sixteen were of the house of Eleazar and eight of Ithamar; for the house of Ithamar may well be supposed to have dwindled since the sentence passed on the family of Eli, who was of that house. The method of drawing the lots is intimated (Ch1 24:6), one chief household being taken for Eleazar, and one for Ithamar. The sixteen chief names of Eleazar were put in one urn, the eight for Ithamar in another, and they drew out of them alternately, as long as those for Ithamar lasted, and then out of those only for Eleazar, or two for Eleazar, and then one for Ithamar, throughout. 5. Among these twenty-four courses the eighth is that of Abijah or Abia (Ch1 24:10), which is mentioned (Luk 1:5) as the course which Zechariah was of, the father of John the Baptist, by which it appears that these courses which David now settled, though interrupted perhaps in the bad reigns and long broken off by the captivity, yet continued in succession till the destruction of the second temple by the Romans. And each course was called by the name of him in whom it was first founded, as the high priest is here called Aaron (Ch1 24:19), because succeeding in his dignity and power, though we read not of any of them that bore that name. Whoever was high priest must be reverenced and observed by the inferior priests as their father, as Aaron their father. Christ is high priest over the house of God, to whom all believers, being made priests, are to be in subjection.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–19. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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