1 Chronicles 24:29

Translation
King James Version
Concerning Kish: the son of Kish was Jerahmeel.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Concerning Kish H7027: the son H1121 of Kish H7027 was Jerahmeel H3396.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Of Kish: the descendants of Kish, Yerachme'el.
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Berean Standard Bible
From Kish: Jerahmeel the son of Kish.
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American Standard Version
Of Kish; the sons of Kish: Jerahmeel.
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World English Bible Messianic
Of Kish; the sons of Kish: Jerahmeel.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Of Kish. the sonne of Kish was Ierahmeel,
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Young's Literal Translation
for Kish: sons of Kish: Jerahmeel.
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In the KJVVerse 11,045 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 24:29 is a concise genealogical entry that meticulously records Jerahmeel as the son of Kish, serving as a vital component within the broader Levitical registers. This verse, though brief, underscores the meticulous administrative efforts undertaken by King David to organize the priestly and Levitical families, ensuring proper lineage and assignment of roles for future temple service. It highlights the divine emphasis on order, accountability, and the continuity of service within God's covenant community.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is embedded within a significant administrative section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26), which meticulously details King David's extensive organization of the Levites and priests. Chapter 23 outlines the general duties and divisions of the Levites, while chapter 24 specifically focuses on the twenty-four courses of priests descended from Aaron, followed by the remaining Levitical families. The subsequent chapters continue with the organization of other Levitical roles, such as gatekeepers and treasurers. These detailed lists are not merely dry records but serve to demonstrate the divine blueprint for orderly worship and service, ensuring that every function within the future temple was assigned and accounted for. The inclusion of a seemingly minor entry like 1 Chronicles 24:29 emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this divine administration, where every individual and family played a part in the grand scheme of Israel's worship life, meticulously recorded for posterity and legitimacy, pointing to the divine hand in the establishment of sacred order.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, genealogies were foundational documents, far more than simple family trees. They were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance rights, tribal affiliation, land ownership, and, critically, eligibility for specific roles, especially within the priesthood and Levitical service. The period of King David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) was a time of significant consolidation and preparation for the building of the Temple by his son Solomon. David's foresight in organizing the vast number of Levites and priests (numbering 38,000 according to 1 Chronicles 23:3) was a monumental task. The meticulous record-keeping, as exemplified by this verse, was essential to prevent disputes, maintain purity of lineage, and ensure that only those divinely appointed could perform sacred duties. This cultural emphasis on lineage reflects a society where identity and function were inextricably linked to one's ancestral heritage and tribal designation, particularly within the theocratic framework of Israel, where divine appointment was paramount.
  • Key Themes: The inclusion of this genealogical note, situated within the broader administrative chapters of 1 Chronicles, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Order and Administration, demonstrating God's value for systematic organization in His people's worship and service, a principle echoed in the New Testament's call for decency and order within the church, as found in 1 Corinthians 14:40. Secondly, it highlights Faithfulness in Detail, illustrating that even the most minute or seemingly insignificant entries in Scripture hold divine purpose, contributing to the comprehensive record of God's dealings and the specific roles He ordained for His people. This meticulousness reflects God's own character and His attention to every aspect of His plan. Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of Continuity of Service, emphasizing the unbroken chain of the Levitical priesthood and service. By meticulously listing lineages, the text ensures that the necessary personnel would be available and properly identified for their sacred duties across generations, thereby guaranteeing the perpetual worship and service of God, as seen in the ongoing priestly line described in Exodus 29:9.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Kish (Hebrew, qîš', H7027): This Hebrew name, meaning "bow" or "snare," appears multiple times in the Old Testament. While most famously associated with the father of King Saul (1 Samuel 9:1), in 1 Chronicles 24:29, it refers to a distinct individual, a Levite, whose son Jerahmeel is being identified. The repetition of "Kish" in the verse ("Concerning Kish: the son of Kish") is not redundant but a common Hebrew stylistic device to clarify the lineage, indicating that the Jerahmeel mentioned is specifically the son of this particular Kish, distinguishing him from others who might bear the same name within the broader genealogies.
  • son (Hebrew, bên', H1121): This common Hebrew term denotes a male offspring, but as the Strong's data indicates, it carries a much wider semantic range, encompassing various literal and figurative relationships, including "builder of the family name." In this specific genealogical context, it primarily functions to establish direct paternal lineage, which was paramount for tribal affiliation, inheritance, and eligibility for sacred service within the Levitical order. Its presence here is foundational to the administrative purpose of the chapter.
  • Jerahmeel (Hebrew, yᵉrachmᵉʼêl', H3396): This name, derived from "God will compassionate" or "God has pitied," identifies a specific individual within the Levitical lineage. While the etymological meaning of the name is not directly expounded upon in the text, its inclusion serves a crucial functional purpose: to precisely identify a member of the Levitical family. The meticulous recording of individuals like Jerahmeel, even those briefly mentioned, underscores the comprehensive nature of the biblical record and God's sovereign attention to every person within His historical and redemptive plan.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Concerning Kish:" This introductory phrase serves as a clear heading or marker within the extensive genealogical list. It directs the reader's attention to a specific individual named Kish, indicating that the subsequent information will pertain directly to his family line. In the context of 1 Chronicles 24, which systematically enumerates the divisions of the Levitical families, this phrase signals the introduction of a new sub-branch or a specific individual within the larger family tree being documented, ensuring clarity and precision in the record.
  • "the son of Kish [was] Jerahmeel." This is the core genealogical statement, concisely identifying Jerahmeel as the direct male offspring of the aforementioned Kish. The bracketed "was" indicates that the verb "to be" is implied in the original Hebrew, a common feature of biblical Hebrew syntax in declarative statements. This brief but administratively vital declaration establishes a direct paternal lineage, which was absolutely critical for confirming an individual's identity, tribal affiliation, and, most importantly in this context, their eligibility and rightful place within the divinely appointed Levitical order and its sacred duties.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 24:29, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles, is Genealogy. This is not merely a list of names but a structured, purposeful record designed to establish lineage, legitimacy, and continuity, particularly for the priestly and Levitical classes. The meticulous detail, even for seemingly minor figures like Jerahmeel, highlights the historical and theological importance of every individual within God's covenant people and their designated roles. Another prominent device is Conciseness, where complex familial relationships and administrative assignments are distilled into terse, declarative statements. This brevity serves an administrative purpose, allowing for the efficient recording and preservation of vast amounts of data. The repetitive structure of such entries also contributes to a sense of Rhythm and Order, reinforcing the overarching theme of David's systematic organization of the temple service and God's own character as a God of order.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This seemingly obscure genealogical entry, like countless others in Scripture, speaks volumes about God's character and His meticulous engagement with humanity. It underscores the divine value placed on order, accountability, and the significance of every individual within His grand design. Just as every Levite, no matter how briefly mentioned, had a specific place and purpose in the divinely ordained temple service, so too does every believer have a unique and vital role within the body of Christ. God is a God of order, not chaos, and His plans unfold with precision, even in the details of human lineage. This verse reminds us that nothing is trivial in God's economy; every part contributes to the whole, and faithfulness in seemingly small matters is highly valued, for it reflects the very nature of a God who oversees all things.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While a genealogical entry from ancient Israel might initially seem remote from contemporary life, 1 Chronicles 24:29 offers profound insights for the modern believer. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is intricately involved in the details of our lives and His kingdom. Just as every Levite, even those briefly mentioned, had a designated role and was essential for the proper functioning of the temple, so too does every individual in the body of Christ have a unique, divinely appointed purpose. This verse challenges us to embrace our own specific callings, no matter how humble or seemingly insignificant they may appear in the grand scheme. It encourages faithfulness in the "small things," knowing that our contributions, when offered in obedience to God, are part of a larger, divinely ordered whole that brings glory to His name. It fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, assuring us that we are not overlooked but are vital threads in the tapestry of God's redemptive plan, each woven with divine intention.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the meticulous record-keeping in Scripture, even of seemingly minor individuals, challenge my perception of God's attention to detail in my own life?
  • In what ways might I be overlooking or underestimating the significance of my "small" contributions within my family, church, or community, assuming they are not important to God?
  • How can recognizing God's emphasis on order and lineage in the Old Testament inform my understanding of my unique place and purpose within the spiritual family of God today?

FAQ

Why are biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 24:29, so important, and what can we learn from them beyond just names?

Answer: Biblical genealogies are far more than mere lists of names; they are foundational historical and theological documents crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they establish legitimacy and identity, particularly for those in positions of authority or sacred service, like the priests and Levites in 1 Chronicles. They confirmed one's right to inherit land, fulfill a role, or belong to a specific tribe. Secondly, they demonstrate God's faithfulness and continuity across generations, showing how His covenant promises (e.g., to Abraham, David) were meticulously preserved and passed down through specific lineages. Thirdly, they provide a historical framework for understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the lineage of Jesus Christ, as seen in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38. From 1 Chronicles 24:29 specifically, we learn about God's attention to detail and His value for order and administration within His people. Even seemingly minor individuals are part of His grand design, reminding us that every person has a place and purpose in His kingdom, meticulously accounted for by divine providence.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The meticulous organization of the Levitical priesthood and service, as exemplified by the genealogical entry in 1 Chronicles 24:29, ultimately points to the perfect order and fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament system required a continuous lineage of priests and Levites to mediate between God and humanity, Christ Himself is the ultimate and eternal High Priest, who sprang from the tribe of Judah, not Levi, fulfilling a different, more ancient priestly order, that of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:11-17). The detailed genealogies in Chronicles underscored the need for purity of lineage for service, but in Christ, a new spiritual lineage is established, where believers are adopted into God's family not by physical descent but by faith (Galatians 3:26-29). The order and purpose seen in the Levitical system find their apex in Christ, who perfectly accomplished the work of reconciliation and established a new covenant where all believers are made a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), empowered to draw near to God directly. Thus, the ancient records of lineage and service foreshadow the comprehensive and eternal work of Christ, who brings all things into perfect order and offers a secure, spiritual inheritance to all who believe.

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 24 verses 20–31

Most of the Levites here named were mentioned before, Ch1 23:16, etc. They were of those who were to attend the priests in the service of the house of God. But they are here mentioned again as heads of the twenty-four courses of Levites (and about so many are here named), who were to attend the twenty-four courses of the priests: they are therefore said to cast lots over against their brethren (so they are called, not their lords), the sons of Aaron, who were not to lord it over God's clergy, as the original word is, Pe1 5:3. And, that the whole disposal of the affair might be of the Lord, the principal fathers cast lots over against their younger brethren; that is, those that were of the elder house came upon he level with those of the younger families, and took their place, not by seniority, but as God by the lot directed. Note, In Christ no difference is made between bond and free, elder and younger. The younger brethren, if they be faithful and sincere, shall be no less acceptable to Christ than the principal fathers.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–31. 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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