1 Chronicles 27:27

KJV

And over the vineyards [was] Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars [was] Zabdi the Shiphmite:

KJV (with Strong's)

And over the vineyards {H3754} was Shimei {H8096} the Ramathite {H7435}: over the increase of the vineyards {H3754} for the wine {H3196} cellars {H214} was Zabdi {H2067} the Shiphmite {H8225}:

Complete Jewish Bible

In charge of the vineyards was Shim'i the Ramati, while Zavdi the Shifmi was responsible for the produce from the vineyards for the wine-cellars.

Berean Standard Bible

Shimei the Ramathite was in charge of the vineyards. Zabdi the Shiphmite was in charge of the produce of the vineyards for the wine vats.

American Standard Version

and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: and over the increase of the vineyards for the wine-cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:27 offers a precise glimpse into the highly organized administrative structure of King David's kingdom, specifically detailing the officials responsible for the management of the royal vineyards. This verse highlights the appointment of Shimei the Ramathite, who oversaw the vineyards themselves, and Zabdi the Shiphmite, who was in charge of processing and storing the increase of the vineyards in wine cellars. It underscores David's meticulous attention to detail in economic stewardship, ensuring the efficient production and preservation of one of ancient Israel's most vital agricultural resources, thereby contributing to the kingdom's stability and prosperity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a comprehensive list in [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Organization"), which meticulously enumerates the various officials, military divisions, and administrators appointed by King David. Following the detailed organization of the army into monthly courses (vv. 1-15) and the listing of tribal princes (vv. 16-22), the narrative shifts to the king's personal estate managers (vv. 25-31). This transition emphasizes the breadth of David's administrative foresight, extending beyond military and political leadership to include the diligent stewardship of royal resources. The inclusion of vineyard managers alongside overseers of treasuries, fields, and olive groves underscores the economic foundations supporting the kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, agriculture was the bedrock of the economy, and vineyards held immense economic, social, and religious significance. Grapes were consumed fresh, dried as raisins, or fermented into wine, a staple beverage and an important commodity for trade and offerings. The climate and terrain of the Levant were well-suited for viticulture, making vineyards a valuable asset. Kings, including David, maintained extensive royal estates to provide for their households, armies, and administrative needs. The meticulous organization described in this chapter reflects a sophisticated administrative system typical of established monarchies in the ancient Near East, where efficient resource management was crucial for national stability and power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, along with the broader chapter, contributes to several overarching themes within Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Order and Administration**, showcasing David's systematic and detailed approach to governance, ensuring every aspect of the kingdom's economy was properly managed. This reflects a commitment to good stewardship and resource allocation, a recurring motif in the Chronicler's portrayal of ideal kingship. Secondly, it highlights **Specialized Roles and Delegation**, as distinct individuals are appointed for different aspects of vineyard management, emphasizing the importance of specialized skills and division of labor within a large administration, a principle echoed in the New Testament concerning the body of Christ in [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ"). Lastly, the focus on vineyards underscores the **Economic Importance of Agriculture** and the king's responsibility for the material well-being of his kingdom, a theme often tied to God's blessing on the land, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:8](/deuteronomy/28-8 "Deuteronomy 28:8 - Blessings in Storehouses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vineyards (Hebrew, _kərāmîm'_):** This plural noun refers to planted areas of grapevines. In ancient Israel, vineyards were not merely agricultural plots but significant economic assets, often representing prosperity and blessing. Their produce, grapes, was versatile, used for fresh consumption, dried raisins, and most importantly, wine. The term here emphasizes the primary agricultural focus of Shimei's oversight.
* **Increase (Hebrew, _təvû'āh'_):** This term denotes the "produce," "yield," or "harvest" of the land. It specifically refers to the fruit of the vineyards—the grapes—that were ready for processing. Zabdi's role was not over the vines themselves, but over the tangible outcome of the vineyard's labor, highlighting a focus on the harvested product rather than the cultivation process.
* **Wine Cellars (Hebrew, _'ōtsərôt hay-yayin'_):** This phrase literally means "treasuries of the wine" or "storehouses of the wine." These were specialized storage facilities, often underground or in cool, dark places, designed to preserve wine after fermentation. Their mention signifies the importance of proper storage and preservation for long-term use, consumption, or trade, indicating a sophisticated approach to resource management.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And over the vineyards [was] Shimei the Ramathite:"** This clause identifies the first official, Shimei, and his specific domain of responsibility: the vineyards themselves. His role would have involved overseeing the cultivation, pruning, harvesting, and general maintenance of the king's grapevines, ensuring healthy growth and optimal yield. His designation as "the Ramathite" indicates his geographical origin or ancestral connection to Ramah, a common way of identifying individuals in ancient Israel.
* **"over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars [was] Zabdi the Shiphmite:"** This second clause introduces Zabdi and delineates his distinct, yet related, responsibility. While Shimei managed the growing vines, Zabdi was in charge of the harvested produce ("increase") specifically destined for the "wine cellars." This implies his role encompassed the processing of grapes into wine and its subsequent storage and preservation. His designation as "the Shiphmite" likewise points to his place of origin, Shiphmath. The clear division of labor between Shimei and Zabdi highlights the specialized nature of David's administration.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs **Metonymy** by using "vineyards" to stand for the entire viticultural enterprise, encompassing not just the land but the cultivation process and the produce. The text also utilizes **Synecdoche** by specifying "wine cellars" as a part representing the larger system of royal storage and resource management. The meticulous listing of officials throughout [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Structure") is an example of **Cataloging**, a common literary device in historical narratives to convey thoroughness, order, and the vastness of an undertaking. This detailed enumeration serves to emphasize the king's comprehensive control and the kingdom's organized structure. The juxtaposition of two distinct roles (vineyard cultivation vs. wine storage) within a single verse also subtly highlights **Division of Labor**, a practical administrative principle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 27:27, while seemingly a minor administrative detail, contributes to a broader biblical theology of stewardship and order. It illustrates King David's commitment to managing the resources entrusted to him by God with diligence and foresight, reflecting the principle that all earthly possessions are ultimately God's and we are merely managers. This meticulous organization of agricultural assets underscores the importance of practical wisdom and responsible governance in ensuring the well-being and prosperity of a nation. It implicitly teaches that effective leadership involves attention to detail, delegation, and valuing the diverse skills of individuals for the common good, mirroring God's own orderly creation and providential care.

* [Proverbs 27:23](/proverbs/27-23 "Proverbs 27:23 - Diligence in Knowing Your Flocks")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly mundane verse offers profound lessons for contemporary life, especially concerning leadership, stewardship, and the value of every role within a community. David's meticulous organization of his kingdom's resources, down to the specific management of vineyards and wine cellars, reminds us that true leadership involves attention to detail and a commitment to efficient, responsible management of all that has been entrusted to us. Whether in our homes, workplaces, churches, or communities, we are called to be good stewards of our time, talents, and resources. This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of specialized skills and the benefits of delegating tasks to those best suited for them, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support. It highlights that even seemingly "minor" or "behind-the-scenes" roles are vital for the overall health and flourishing of any endeavor, contributing significantly to collective prosperity and stability.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life (personal, professional, spiritual) could you apply greater organizational diligence and attention to detail, inspired by David's example?**
* **How does recognizing the specialized roles of Shimei and Zabdi inform your understanding of teamwork and delegation within your own spheres of influence?**
* **What resources (time, talents, finances) has God entrusted to you, and how can you demonstrate more faithful and efficient stewardship of them?**
* **How can you better appreciate and affirm the "behind-the-scenes" work of others that contributes to the overall well-being of your community or organization?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of administrators and their roles?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists, such as the one in [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Organization"), serves several important purposes. Historically, it authenticates the narrative, providing a verifiable record of David's reign and the sophistication of his administration. Theologically, it underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on order, structure, and faithful stewardship as hallmarks of a God-blessed kingdom. These lists demonstrate David's wisdom in establishing a stable and prosperous nation not just through military might, but through meticulous economic and administrative management, reflecting the principle that God is a God of order, not chaos ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")). Spiritually, it offers a model for responsible leadership and the importance of every individual's contribution, no matter how specialized or seemingly mundane, to the overall health and flourishing of a community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 27:27 details the meticulous administration of King David's earthly kingdom, it subtly points to the ultimate and perfect administration of God's eternal kingdom under Christ. David, as an earthly king, diligently managed resources for the temporal well-being of his people; Jesus, the true King and Son of David, manages all of creation for the eternal well-being of His redeemed people. Just as David appointed specialized roles for the care of his vineyards, Christ, as the Head of the Church, has appointed diverse gifts and ministries to His body, the church, for its growth and flourishing ([Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Church")). He is the ultimate Steward, who perfectly manages the "vineyard" of God's people ([John 15:1-5](/john/15-1 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus the True Vine")), ensuring its fruitfulness and the preservation of its produce for eternal glory. The order and efficiency seen in David's administration foreshadow the divine order and perfect governance of Christ, who brings all things into subjection under His rule, ultimately leading to the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

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.