What number verse is 1 Chronicles 24:30 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 24:30 is the 11,046th 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 24:30 sits at position 11,046.

Translation

King James Version

The sons also of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites after the house of their fathers.

Ask

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons ^H1121 also of Mushi ^H4187; Mahli ^H4249, and Eder ^H5740, and Jerimoth ^H3406. These were the sons ^H1121 of the Levites ^H3881 after the house ^H1004 of their fathers ^H1.

Ask

Complete Jewish Bible

And the sons of Mushi: Machli, 'Eder and Yerimot. These were the descendants of the L'vi'im according to their clans.

Ask

Berean Standard Bible

And the sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites, according to their families.

Ask

American Standard Version

And the sons of Mushi: Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites after their fathers’ houses.

Ask

World English Bible Messianic

The sons of Mushi: Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites after their fathers’ houses.

Ask

Geneva Bible (1599)

And the sonnes of Mushi were Mahli, and Eder, and Ierimoth: these were sonnes of the Leuites after the houshold of their fathers.

Ask

Young's Literal Translation

And sons of Mushi are Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth; these are sons of the Levites, for the house of their fathers,

Ask

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 24:30 concludes a detailed genealogical record of the Levitical families, specifically the descendants of Mushi, a grandson of Levi through Merari. This verse serves as a final affirmation of their designated place within the meticulously organized priestly and Levitical divisions established by King David, underscoring the profound importance of lineage, order, and prepared service in the preparations for the future Temple worship in Jerusalem. It highlights the comprehensive nature of David's administrative efforts to ensure all aspects of sacred service were properly accounted for and assigned according to divine blueprint.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: 1 Chronicles 24:30 is situated within a broader section (chapters 23-26) that meticulously outlines King David's extensive organization of the Levites and priests for their future service in the Temple. Chapter 23 provides a general overview of the Levitical duties and their initial divisions, while chapter 24 delves into the specific divisions of the priests (descendants of Aaron) and then the remaining Levites. Verses 20-31 of chapter 24 systematically list the various branches of the Levites according to their ancestral houses, specifically those from the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Verse 30 marks the final entry in the list of Merarite descendants, bringing to a close the comprehensive enumeration of the Levitical families and their established order. This conclusion then transitions the narrative to other administrative details concerning the Temple personnel.
Historical & Cultural Context: The historical setting for this passage is King David's reign, a period characterized by significant preparation for the construction of the First Temple. Although God forbade David from building the Temple himself, he dedicated immense energy to gathering materials, meticulously planning its design, and, critically, organizing the personnel who would serve within it. The strong emphasis on lineage, conveyed by phrases like "after the house of their fathers," reflects the deeply ingrained patrilineal societal structure of ancient Israel. In this culture, identity, inheritance, and especially sacred roles were strictly determined by one's tribal and familial descent. The Levites, chosen by God from the time of Moses, held hereditary responsibilities for the Tabernacle and later the Temple, making these detailed genealogies not merely historical records but foundational documents for the proper functioning of Israel's national worship system and the continuity of their covenant relationship with God.
Key Themes: The overarching themes prevalent in 1 Chronicles 23-26, and particularly encapsulated in 1 Chronicles 24:30, include Order and Organization, emphasizing God's desire for structured, disciplined, and purposeful worship. David's meticulous arrangements demonstrate a divine blueprint for sacred service, where every individual and family has a designated role, preventing chaos and ensuring efficiency in their duties. Another prominent theme is Lineage and Hereditary Service, as the phrase "after the house of their fathers" underscores that Levitical roles were not elective but inherited, highlighting continuity and the sacred trust passed down through generations. This is consistent with earlier divine commands regarding the Levites' service, as seen in Numbers 3:6-9. Finally, the theme of Preparation for Worship is central. These detailed lists and divisions are not ends in themselves but crucial steps in preparing for the full operation of the Temple, ensuring that the personnel were identified and ready for their sacred tasks, reflecting David's foresight and unwavering commitment to the future of Israel's spiritual life, a commitment also evident in his preparations for the Temple's construction found in 1 Chronicles 22.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

sons (Hebrew, bên', H1121): This term, derived from a root meaning "to build," refers to a male offspring, but in a wider sense, it denotes a builder of the family name, encompassing literal and figurative relationships, including descendants, subjects, or members of a group. In this context, it signifies direct male descendants or prominent family heads within the Mushite clan, affirming their belonging to this specific lineage and their hereditary right to participate in the Levitical service.
Levites (Hebrew, Lêvîyîy', H3881): This term refers to a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's twelve sons. The tribe of Levi was set apart by God for sacred service to the Tabernacle and later the Temple, distinct from the priesthood (which was limited to the descendants of Aaron, a Levite). Their duties included carrying the Tabernacle, assisting the priests, maintaining the Temple, and teaching the Law. The mention of "the Levites" here confirms the tribal identity and the specific, divinely ordained role of these families within Israel's worship system.
fathers (Hebrew, ʼâb', H1): A primitive word, referring to a literal or figurative progenitor, a chief, or a forefather. In the phrase "after the house of their fathers," it emphasizes the ancestral line, highlighting the patrilineal descent that determined identity, inheritance, and, crucially, the hereditary nature of the Levitical offices. This word underscores the principle that their roles were not arbitrary assignments but were rooted in their established family lines and the sacred trust passed down through generations.

Verse Breakdown

"The sons also of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth.": This initial clause identifies specific descendants or prominent family heads within the Mushite clan. Mushi was one of the two sons of Merari, a son of Levi. While Mahli was Mushi's direct son (as per Exodus 6:19), the inclusion of Eder and Jerimoth here as "sons of Mushi" suggests either additional direct offspring or, more likely, significant family branches within the broader Mushite lineage. This detailed listing serves to complete the record of the Merarite divisions, ensuring that all relevant family lines were accounted for in David's comprehensive organizational scheme for Temple service.
"These [were] the sons of the Levites after the house of their fathers.": This concluding clause functions as a summary statement for the entire preceding genealogical list (from 1 Chronicles 24:20 onwards). It formally confirms that all the individuals and families enumerated, including the sons of Mushi, were legitimate Levites. The phrase "after the house of their fathers" is crucial, reinforcing the hereditary principle that governed Levitical service. It emphasizes that their roles and positions in the Temple were determined and validated by their ancestral lineage, ensuring continuity, proper order, and adherence to the divinely appointed tribal and familial heritage for sacred duties.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 24:30, and indeed throughout chapters 23-26, is Genealogy. This is not merely a dry list of names but a foundational literary tool in biblical narrative, used to establish identity, legitimacy, and the continuity of God's covenant promises through specific family lines. In this context, the genealogy serves to authenticate the Levites' right to serve in the Temple and to demonstrate the meticulous order established by David. The repetitive nature of the lists, while seemingly tedious, emphasizes Completeness and Thoroughness, assuring the reader that every necessary detail for the Temple's operation, particularly concerning personnel, has been accounted for. The concluding phrase "after the house of their fathers" functions as a Formulaic Affirmation, reinforcing the hereditary principle that undergirds the entire Levitical system and validating the legitimacy of those listed for sacred service.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

1 Chronicles 24:30, though a seemingly minor genealogical entry, underscores profound theological truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. It reveals a God who values order, precision, and preparation in worship and service. The meticulous organization of the Levites reflects a divine blueprint for community and function, where every part is essential for the whole to operate effectively. This attention to detail in the Old Testament foreshadows the New Testament understanding that God is not a God of confusion but of peace and order, and that every member of His spiritual house has a divinely appointed role. The emphasis on "after the house of their fathers" also speaks to the importance of faithfulness across generations and the continuity of God's covenant purposes through chosen lines.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The seemingly mundane details of genealogies and organizational charts in Scripture, such as 1 Chronicles 24:30, carry significant spiritual weight for us today. They remind us that God is a God of order, not chaos, and that He delights in intentionality and excellence in our service to Him. Just as David meticulously prepared for the Temple, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives for worship and ministry, understanding that every individual has a unique, God-given place and purpose within the body of Christ. Our "lineage" is now spiritual, through faith in Christ, but the principle of being fitted and equipped for service remains. This verse challenges us to consider how we contribute to the order and effectiveness of our spiritual communities, recognizing that even seemingly small or unseen roles are vital in God's grand design. It encourages us to embrace our unique calling, knowing that our faithful participation brings glory to God and builds up His kingdom.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous organization of the Levites in 1 Chronicles challenge my own approach to order and preparation in my spiritual life or service?
In what ways do I recognize and value the "behind-the-scenes" roles within my faith community, understanding that every part contributes to the whole?
How does the concept of hereditary service in the Old Testament inform my understanding of spiritual legacy and passing on faith to future generations?

FAQ

Why are these detailed genealogies important for us today, especially since we don't have a physical Temple or Levitical system?

Answer: While the specific Levitical system is no longer in operation, these genealogies are profoundly important for several reasons. First, they demonstrate God's meticulous nature and His desire for order and intentionality in worship and service. This principle of order is timeless and applies to the church today, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:40. Second, they establish the historical and theological legitimacy of the Old Testament narrative, showing how God worked through specific lineages to prepare for the coming of Christ. The precise record of the Levites' roles underscores that every part of God's plan, no matter how seemingly small, is significant. Finally, they highlight the value God places on every individual and family within His divine economy, reminding us that each member of God's spiritual family has a unique and vital role, just as the various Levitical families did, as described in Romans 12:4-5.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

1 Chronicles 24:30, with its emphasis on the meticulous organization of the Levites "after the house of their fathers" for Temple service, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Levitical system, with its hereditary priesthood and prescribed duties, served as a shadow pointing to the perfect, eternal priesthood of Christ. Unlike the Levites whose service was based on earthly lineage and was temporary, Jesus' priesthood is "after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 7:11-17), established not by human descent but by the power of an indestructible life. He is the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) who offered the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, rendering the continuous animal sacrifices of the Levitical system obsolete (Hebrews 10:11-14). Furthermore, in Christ, the concept of a select priestly lineage is expanded to include all believers. Through faith in Him, we become part of a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service (Hebrews 13:15-16). Thus, the meticulous order and preparation seen in 1 Chronicles 24:30 ultimately point to the perfect order and complete fulfillment found in Christ, who perfectly accomplished God's redemptive plan and now enables all His followers to participate in His eternal priestly ministry.

Copy as

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 24 verses 20–31

20 ¶ And the rest of the sons of Levi were these: Of the sons of Amram; Shubael: of the sons of Shubael; Jehdeiah.

21 Concerning Rehabiah: of the sons of Rehabiah, the first was Isshiah.

22 Of the Izharites; Shelomoth: of the sons of Shelomoth; Jahath.

23 And the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth.

24 Of the sons of Uzziel; Michah: of the sons of Michah; Shamir.

25 The brother of Michah was Isshiah: of the sons of Isshiah; Zechariah.

26 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi: the sons of Jaaziah; Beno.

27 The sons of Merari by Jaaziah; Beno, and Shoham, and Zaccur, and Ibri.

28 Of Mahli came Eleazar, who had no sons.

29 Concerning Kish: the son of Kish was Jerahmeel.

30 The sons also of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites after the house of their fathers.

31 These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.

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.

Copy as

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.

Copy as

Continue studying 1 Chronicles 24:30 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.