What number verse is 1 Chronicles 27:14 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 27:14 is the 11,124th 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 27:14 sits at position 11,124.

Translation

King James Version

The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

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KJV (with Strong's)

The eleventh ^{H6249 H6240} captain for the eleventh ^{H6249 H6240} month ^H2320 was Benaiah ^H1141 the Pirathonite ^H6553, of the children ^H1121 of Ephraim ^H669: and in his course ^H4256 were twenty ^H6242 and four ^H702 thousand ^H505.

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Complete Jewish Bible

The eleventh commander, for the eleventh month, was B'nayah from Pir'aton, from the descendants of Efrayim; there were 24,000 in his division.

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Berean Standard Bible

The eleventh, for the eleventh month, was Benaiah the Pirathonite, an Ephraimite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

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American Standard Version

The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

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World English Bible Messianic

The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his division were twenty-four thousand.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The eleueth for the eleuenth moneth was Benaiah the Pirathonite of the sonnes of Ephraim: and in his course foure and twentie thousand.

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Young's Literal Translation

Eleventh, for the eleventh month, is Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the sons of Ephraim, and on his course are twenty and four thousand.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 27:14 meticulously details a specific aspect of King David's highly organized administrative and military structure, identifying Benaiah the Pirathonite as the commander of the eleventh division. This division, comprising twenty-four thousand men from the tribe of Ephraim, was assigned to serve for the eleventh month of the year. The verse is part of a larger catalog that underscores David's foresight in establishing a robust system for national defense and governance, highlighting the importance of order, delegation, and preparedness for the stability and flourishing of God's people under wise leadership.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: 1 Chronicles 27:14 is embedded within a comprehensive account of King David's administrative and military organization, following chapters that chronicle his reign, conquests, and the extensive preparations for the temple. Chapter 27 itself serves as an extraordinary register, systematically detailing the twelve monthly divisions of 24,000 men each, along with their respective commanders, tribal affiliations, and the specific month of their service. This meticulous listing, which continues with other civil and military officials, emphasizes the highly structured and efficient nature of David's kingdom. The Chronicler's inclusion of such precise administrative records showcases David's foresight in establishing a robust infrastructure for national security and stability, a theme consistent with his broader aim of presenting David as an ideal king who established a well-ordered kingdom under God's covenant. This detailed administrative record parallels the Chronicler's emphasis on the organized worship and service of the Levites and priests, as seen in passages like 1 Chronicles 23.
Historical & Cultural Context: David's reign marked a pivotal transition for Israel from a loose tribal confederacy to a centralized monarchy. This shift necessitated the development of sophisticated administrative structures to manage a growing population, maintain internal peace, and effectively defend against external threats. The unique military system described in 1 Chronicles 27, where twelve divisions of 24,000 men each served for one month annually, was a brilliant innovation. This rotating system ensured a large, well-trained standing army was always available for national defense, while simultaneously allowing the majority of able-bodied men to return to their agricultural and pastoral livelihoods for most of the year, thereby preventing economic disruption. This provided a crucial balance of military readiness and economic stability for the nascent kingdom. Benaiah the Pirathonite, hailing from Pirathon in the territory of Ephraim, exemplifies the successful integration of various tribes into this unified national service, reflecting David's success in consolidating the kingdom.
Key Themes: This verse, as an integral part of 1 Chronicles 27, contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent throughout the book. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of Order and Organization, demonstrating David's remarkable ability to establish and maintain a highly structured and efficient kingdom, reflecting a divine wisdom in governance. Secondly, it highlights Leadership and Delegation, as David entrusted significant responsibility to capable commanders like Benaiah, ensuring the smooth operation of his vast military machine. This illustrates the importance of empowering others in positions of authority for effective administration, a principle echoed in the selection of leaders for the early church in Acts 6:3. Thirdly, the system speaks to Preparedness and Security, ensuring that Israel always had a substantial, well-trained force ready for defense or offense, reflecting a proactive approach to national well-being. Finally, the detailed listing of each captain and their division signifies the Recognition of Service and the importance of every individual's contribution to the nation's well-being, even those serving in a rotating capacity. This affirms that each role contributes to the overall success of the community, much like the diverse gifts within the body of Christ described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Benaiah (Hebrew, Bᵉnâyâh', H1141): This name, meaning "Jah has built" or "Yahweh has established," is significant. While this Benaiah is distinct from Benaiah son of Jehoiada, one of David's mighty men, the name itself subtly points to the divine hand in the establishment and stability of the kingdom. It aligns with the Chronicler's theological emphasis that God is actively involved in the affairs of Israel and the success of its leaders, implying that David's well-ordered kingdom was, in a sense, "built" by God.
Course (Hebrew, machălôqeth', H4256): This term refers to a "section" or "division," specifically of soldiers or Levites. In this context, it denotes the rotating period of service for Benaiah's military division. The use of "course" emphasizes the systematic, ordered, and rotational nature of David's military administration, where each unit had its appointed time and turn of duty, ensuring consistent readiness and equitable distribution of service.
Thousand (Hebrew, ʼeleph', H505): This numerical term signifies the immense scale and meticulous organization of David's military. Each division of 24,000 men was a substantial force, demonstrating David's capacity for large-scale planning and resource management. The consistent number across all twelve divisions highlights the uniformity, standardization, and efficiency of the system, underscoring the king's ability to mobilize and sustain a formidable army.

Verse Breakdown

"The eleventh [captain] for the eleventh month [was] Benaiah the Pirathonite": This clause precisely identifies the individual commander responsible for the military division serving in the eleventh month of the year. The specificity of "eleventh" for both captain and month underscores the systematic and orderly nature of David's administration, where each leader had a defined role and period of service, reflecting a highly organized governmental structure.
"of the children of Ephraim": This phrase specifies Benaiah's tribal affiliation, indicating that leaders were intentionally drawn from across the Israelite tribes. This detail reinforces the unity of the kingdom under David's rule, demonstrating his success in integrating diverse tribal groups into a cohesive national service. It also provides geographical context for his origin, Pirathon being in Ephraim.
"and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand": This final clause details the exact size of the military division under Benaiah's command during his month of service. The consistent number of 24,000 men for each monthly division highlights the robust and standardized nature of David's military preparedness, ensuring a substantial, well-regulated, and readily available force for the kingdom's defense and security.

Literary Devices

The Chronicler's presentation of 1 Chronicles 27, including verse 14, prominently employs several literary devices. The most obvious is Catalog or List, as the entire chapter is a detailed enumeration of military and civil officials. This meticulous listing serves to emphasize the comprehensive and organized nature of David's administration, leaving no doubt about the king's foresight and capacity for governance. Coupled with this is Precision and Detail, evident in the exact numbers (twenty-four thousand) and specific identifiers (Pirathonite, eleventh month). This precision lends an air of historical accuracy and administrative thoroughness to the account, reinforcing the reliability of the Chronicler's record. Furthermore, the Repetition of the structural pattern for each monthly division (captain, month, tribal affiliation, number of men) creates a sense of order and reinforces the systematic nature of David's kingdom, highlighting its stability and efficiency.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

1 Chronicles 27:14, though seemingly a mere administrative detail, profoundly illustrates the biblical value of order, wisdom in governance, and the diligent stewardship of resources. David's meticulous organization of his kingdom, including its military, reflects a principle that God Himself is a God of order, not of chaos (1 Corinthians 14:33). The establishment of such a robust and efficient system speaks to the importance of human responsibility in exercising dominion and leadership, echoing the divine mandate given at creation (Genesis 1:28). The Chronicler's inclusion of these details elevates human administration to a realm where it can be seen as an act of faithful stewardship under God's overarching sovereignty, contributing to the well-being and security of His people. It implicitly teaches that good governance and careful planning are not merely secular pursuits but can be expressions of godly wisdom and obedience.

Proverbs 24:27 - "Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house."
Romans 13:1 - "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
Exodus 18:21 - "Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens."

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While 1 Chronicles 27:14 describes an ancient military structure, its underlying principles offer timeless wisdom for contemporary life. David's commitment to systematic planning, effective delegation, and valuing the contributions of diverse individuals provides a powerful model for leadership in any context—be it a family, a business, a church, or a personal endeavor. This verse encourages us to cultivate intentionality and order in our own spheres of influence, recognizing that good stewardship of our time, talents, and resources leads to greater stability and fruitfulness. Just as David ensured every part of his kingdom was well-managed for the security and prosperity of Israel, we are called to bring order and excellence to our responsibilities, understanding that even seemingly mundane administrative details contribute to the larger picture of God's work in the world. Furthermore, the recognition of individuals like Benaiah reminds us to appreciate and affirm the unique contributions of every member within a team or community, fostering a sense of value, shared purpose, and mutual respect. This principle applies equally to the body of Christ, where every member is vital and contributes to the overall health and mission of the church.

Questions for Reflection

How can I apply the principles of order and systematic planning from David's administration to my own life, family, or work?
In what ways can I better delegate responsibilities and empower others, recognizing their unique contributions and fostering a sense of shared purpose?
How does this verse encourage me to be more prepared and proactive in addressing challenges or responsibilities, rather than reactive?
How can I better recognize and affirm the contributions of those around me, even in roles that might seem less prominent, fostering a culture of appreciation?

FAQ

Why is such a detailed list, like the one in 1 Chronicles 27:14, included in the Bible?

Answer: The inclusion of such detailed administrative lists in the Bible, particularly in books like 1 Chronicles, serves several important purposes. Firstly, it provides historical authenticity and demonstrates the meticulous record-keeping prevalent in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, affirming the historicity of the biblical narrative. Secondly, from a theological perspective, it highlights the importance of order, organization, and faithful stewardship in the life of God's people. It shows that God is concerned not only with spiritual matters but also with the practical administration and well-being of His kingdom on earth. For the Chronicler, these details underscored David's exemplary leadership and his role in establishing a stable kingdom that could facilitate the worship of God. It also served to remind the post-exilic community, for whom the book was primarily written, of their rich heritage and the divine blueprint for a well-ordered society under God's covenant, encouraging them to rebuild with similar diligence.

What was the purpose of this rotating military system described in 1 Chronicles 27?

Answer: King David's rotating military system, where twelve divisions of 24,000 men each served for one month of the year, was a highly innovative and effective strategy. Its primary purpose was to ensure that Israel always had a large, well-trained, and ready standing army without placing an undue economic burden on the population. By having men serve for only one month, the majority of the year could be spent on their agricultural and pastoral livelihoods, preventing widespread economic disruption that a permanent, full-time army would cause. This system provided both national security and economic stability. It allowed for continuous training, maintained military readiness, and fostered a sense of national unity and shared responsibility among the tribes, as leaders and soldiers from across Israel participated in the defense of the kingdom. This foresight in leadership contributed significantly to the strength and prosperity of David's reign, allowing him to expand and secure the borders of Israel, as seen in his military campaigns described in 2 Samuel 8.

Is Benaiah the Pirathonite the same Benaiah mentioned elsewhere, such as one of David's mighty men?

Answer: No, Benaiah the Pirathonite mentioned in 1 Chronicles 27:14 is distinct from the more famous Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, who was one of David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:20-23) and later became commander of Solomon's army (1 Kings 2:35). While both served King David, Benaiah son of Jehoiada was from Kabzeel in Judah, whereas Benaiah the Pirathonite was from Pirathon in the territory of Ephraim. The name "Benaiah" was relatively common in ancient Israel, meaning "Yahweh has built" or "Yahweh has established," which explains the presence of multiple individuals bearing the same name in the biblical record. This specific Benaiah was a key figure in David's monthly military rotation, demonstrating the breadth of leadership talent David employed from across the tribes to manage his kingdom effectively.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 1 Chronicles 27:14 details the meticulous organization of an earthly kingdom under King David, it subtly points forward to the ultimate, perfect order and administration of God's eternal kingdom under Christ. David's efforts to establish a secure and well-governed nation, ensuring peace and stability through careful planning and delegation, foreshadow the comprehensive peace and security found in the reign of Jesus, the true King of kings. Just as David meticulously organized his forces for the well-being of Israel, Christ, as the head of His church, orchestrates all things for the good of His body, the church, and the advancement of His spiritual kingdom (Ephesians 1:22-23). The detailed listing of captains and their divisions in David's time speaks to the divine value of every individual's contribution within God's purposes; in Christ, every believer is a vital member of His spiritual army, equipped and called to serve within the perfect order of His design, each possessing unique gifts for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:27). The temporary, rotating service under David gives way to an eternal, unwavering allegiance to Christ, who provides everlasting security and peace, transcending any earthly administrative structure through His unchangeable priesthood and continuous intercession (Hebrews 7:24-25). Thus, the order and preparedness of David's kingdom serve as a tangible, albeit imperfect, illustration of the divine order and ultimate fulfillment found in the redemptive work and ongoing reign of Jesus Christ, who is building an eternal kingdom that will never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44).

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 27 verses 1–15

1 ¶ Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand.

2 Over the first course for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

3 Of the children of Perez was the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month.

4 And over the course of the second month was Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course was Mikloth also the ruler: in his course likewise were twenty and four thousand.

5 The third captain of the host for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

6 This is that Benaiah, who was mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty: and in his course was Ammizabad his son.

7 The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

8 The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

9 The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

10 The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

11 The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

12 The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

13 The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

14 The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

15 The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

We have here an account of the regulation of the militia of the kingdom. David was himself a man of war, and had done great things with the sword; he had brought into the field great armies. Now here we are told how he marshalled them when God had given him rest from all his enemies. He did not keep them all together, for that would have been a hardship on them and the country; yet he did not disband and disperse them all, for then he would have left his kingdom naked, and his people would have forgotten the arts of war, wherein they had been instructed. He therefore contrived to keep up a constant force, and yet not a standing army. The model is very prudent. 1. He kept up 24,000 constantly in arms, I suppose in a body, and disciplined, in one part or other of the kingdom, the freeholders carrying their own arms and bearing their own charges while they were up. This was a sufficient strength for the securing of the public peace and safety. Those that are Israelites indeed must learn war; for we have enemies to grapple with, whom we are concerned constantly to stand upon our guard against. 2. He changed them every month; so that the whole number of the militia amounted to 288,000, perhaps about a fifth part of the able men of the kingdom. By being thus distributed into twelve courses, they were all instructed in, and accustomed to, military exercises; and yet none were compelled to be in service, and at expenses, above one month in the year (which they might very well afford), unless upon extraordinary occasions, and then they might all be got together quickly. It is the wisdom of governors, and much their praise, while they provide for the public safety, to contrive how to make it effectual and yet easy, and as little as possible burdensome to the people. 3. Every course had a commander in chief over it. Besides the subaltern officers that were rulers over thousands, and hundreds, and fifties, there was one general officer to each course or legion. All these twelve great commanders are mentioned among David's worthies and champions, 2 Sa. 23 and 1 Chr. 11. They had first signalized themselves by their great actions and then they were advanced to those great preferments. It is well with a kingdom when honour thus attends merit. Benaiah is here called a chief priest, Ch1 27:5. But, cohen signifying both a priest and a prince, it might better be translated here a chief ruler, or (as in the margin) a principal officer. Dodai had Mikloth (Ch1 27:4) either for his substitute when he was absent or infirm, or for his successor when he was dead. Benaiah had his son under him, Ch1 27:6. Asahel had his son after him (Ch1 27:7), and by this it seems that this plan of the militia was laid in the beginning of David's reign; for Asahel was killed by Abner while David reigned in Hebron. When his wars were over he revived this method, and left the military affairs in this posture, for the peaceable reign of his son Solomon. When we think ourselves most safe, yet, while we are here in the body, we must keep in a readiness for spiritual conflicts. Let not him that girdeth on the harness boast as he that puts it off.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–15. 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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