1 Chronicles 24:29

KJV

Concerning Kish: the son of Kish [was] Jerahmeel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Concerning Kish {H7027}: the son {H1121} of Kish {H7027} was Jerahmeel {H3396}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Of Kish: the descendants of Kish, Yerachme'el.

Berean Standard Bible

From Kish: Jerahmeel the son of Kish.

American Standard Version

Of Kish; the sons of Kish: Jerahmeel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 24:29 is a succinct 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 the proper lineage and assignment of roles for the 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 larger section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) that meticulously details King David's extensive administrative 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.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogies were far more than simple family trees; they were foundational documents 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](/1_chronicles/23-3 "1 Chronicles 23:3 - Number of Levites")) 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.
* **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 [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let all things be done decently and in order"). 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](/exodus/29-9 "Exodus 29:9 - Aaron and his sons consecrated as priests").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kish (קִישׁ, _qîš_):** This Hebrew name, meaning "bow" or "snare," appears multiple times in the Old Testament, most notably as the father of King Saul ([1 Samuel 9:1](/1_samuel/9-1 "1 Samuel 9:1 - Saul's father, Kish")). In 1 Chronicles 24:29, it refers to a different individual, a Levite, whose son Jerahmeel is being identified. The repetition of "Kish" in the verse ("Concerning Kish: the son of Kish") is not a redundancy 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.
* **Jerahmeel (יְרַחְמְאֵל, _yeraḥmĕ’ēl_):** This name means "God has pitied" or "May God have compassion." While the etymological meaning of the name is not directly expounded upon in the text, its presence here serves a purely functional purpose: to identify a specific individual within the Levitical lineage. The inclusion of Jerahmeel, despite his seemingly minor role in the broader narrative, underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical record, where every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, is part of God's sovereign plan and the historical unfolding of His covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Concerning Kish:"** This introductory phrase sets the focus for the subsequent statement. It indicates that the following information pertains specifically to an individual named Kish, who is part of the broader genealogical list. In the context of 1 Chronicles 24, which is systematically listing Levitical families, this phrase signals the introduction of a new sub-branch or individual within the larger family tree being enumerated.
* **"the son of Kish [was] Jerahmeel."** This is the core genealogical statement. It directly identifies Jerahmeel as the offspring of the aforementioned Kish. The bracketed "was" indicates that it is implied in the Hebrew text, a common feature of biblical Hebrew syntax where the verb "to be" is often omitted in present tense or declarative statements. This concise declaration establishes a direct paternal lineage, which was critical for confirming identity, tribal affiliation, and eligibility for sacred service within the Levitical order. The brevity of the statement belies its administrative importance.

#### 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 record designed to establish lineage, legitimacy, and continuity, particularly for the priestly and Levitical classes. The meticulous detail, even for seemingly minor figures, highlights the historical and theological importance of every individual within God's covenant people. Another device is **Conciseness**, where complex relationships are distilled into terse, declarative statements. This brevity serves an administrative purpose, allowing for the efficient recording of vast amounts of data. The repetitive structure of such entries also creates a sense of **Rhythm** and **Order**, reinforcing the overarching theme of David's systematic organization of the temple service.

### 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.

* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the body of Christ")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many members, one body")
* [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The whole body joined and knit together")

### 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.

#### 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?**
* **How can recognizing God's emphasis on order and lineage in the Old Testament inform my understanding of my 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](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus"). 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.

### 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](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, our Great 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](/hebrews/7-11-17 "Hebrews 7:11-17 - A Priest like Melchizedek")). 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](/galatians/3-26-29 "Galatians 3:26-29 - Children of God by faith in Christ Jesus")). 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](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.