What number verse is 1 Chronicles 27:3 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 27:3 is the 11,113th 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 27:3 sits at position 11,113.

Translation

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

Of the children ^H1121 of Perez ^H6557 was the chief ^H7218 of all the captains ^H8269 of the host ^H6635 for the first ^H7223 month ^H2320.

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Complete Jewish Bible

He was from the descendants of Peretz and was in charge of all the army captains during the first month.

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Berean Standard Bible

He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army commanders for the first month.

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American Standard Version

He was of the children of Perez, the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month.

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World English Bible Messianic

He was of the children of Perez, the chief of all the captains of the army for the first month.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Of the sonnes of Perez was the chiefe ouer all the princes of the armies for the first moneth.

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Young's Literal Translation

of the sons of Perez is the head of all princes of the hosts for the first month.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 27:3 provides a precise detail within King David's highly organized administrative and military structure, specifically identifying the lineage of the chief commander appointed for the first month of the annual rotation. This verse underscores David's exceptional organizational foresight and his commitment to maintaining a stable and ready kingdom through a meticulously ordered system of leadership, accountability, and the strategic utilization of personnel based on their tribal affiliations and proven capabilities.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of 1 Chronicles 27, a chapter dedicated to meticulously detailing King David's comprehensive administrative and military systems during the latter part of his reign. Following a general introduction to David's military divisions and their commanders in 1 Chronicles 27:1, verse 2 specifically names Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel as the commander for the first month. Verse 3 then elaborates on Jashobeam's lineage, identifying him as "of the children of Perez," a significant genealogical detail. This pattern of detailed enumeration continues throughout the chapter, listing the commanders for each of the twelve months, alongside other key officials. The Chronicler's emphasis on such meticulous record-keeping highlights a profound concern for order, legitimacy, and the proper functioning of God's people under their divinely appointed king, showcasing David's wisdom in establishing a structured and accountable kingdom.
Historical & Cultural Context: King David's reign marked a pivotal era of expansion, consolidation, and relative peace for Israel, necessitating robust administrative and military infrastructures to govern a growing empire. The rotational military system described in 1 Chronicles 27 was an ingenious and practical solution for maintaining a large, trained standing army without imposing an unbearable, year-round burden on the populace. Each division, comprising 24,000 men, served for one month annually, ensuring continuous military readiness and distributing the national defense responsibility equitably across the kingdom. The specific mention of "Perez" is culturally significant, as Perez was one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38:29), making his descendants a prominent and numerous clan within the powerful tribe of Judah. In Israelite society, lineage was paramount, often determining social status, inheritance rights, and eligibility for leadership roles. Jashobeam, identified in this verse, was also renowned as one of David's elite "mighty men" (1 Chronicles 11:11), indicating that David appointed highly capable, proven warriors to these critical command positions, reflecting both strategic acumen and trust.
Key Themes: 1 Chronicles 27:3 and its broader context illuminate several profound themes. Foremost is Order and Organization, showcasing David's commitment to meticulous planning and administrative structure as indispensable foundations for a stable and prosperous kingdom. This reflects a divine principle, as God Himself is a God of order, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). The verse also highlights Wise Leadership and Delegation, demonstrating David's prudence in entrusting significant responsibilities to capable individuals, a principle essential for effective governance, echoing Jethro's counsel to Moses in Exodus 18:21. Furthermore, the emphasis on Perez's lineage underscores the Significance of Tribal Identity and Heritage, illustrating the enduring importance of family and tribal contributions within Israel's national framework, particularly for the tribe of Judah from which David himself hailed and from which the messianic line would emerge (Genesis 49:10). Finally, the systematic rotational system inherently implies Accountability, where each commander was responsible for their division during their assigned period, fostering a culture of diligent and responsible service.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Perez (Hebrew, Perets, H6557): This name, meaning "breach" or "bursting forth," recalls the dramatic circumstances of his birth as recorded in Genesis 38:29, where he emerged first, breaking through before his twin brother Zerah. As a son of Judah, Perez became the progenitor of a significant and numerous clan within the tribe, a lineage that held prominence and from which King David himself descended. The mention here underscores the importance of tribal and familial identity in Israelite society and the Chronicler's meticulous attention to genealogy, connecting the commander to a respected and foundational family line.
Chief (Hebrew, ro'sh, H7218): Derived from a root meaning "to shake," this term refers to the head, whether literally or figuratively, signifying the most prominent or leading position. In this context, it denotes the supreme military leader, the highest-ranking official responsible for the entire "host" (army) during his designated month. The use of ro'sh emphasizes the paramount authority and significant responsibility entrusted to this individual within David's highly organized and hierarchical military structure.
Host (Hebrew, tsaba', H6635): This term refers to a mass of persons, especially those organized for war, such as an army or military force. While tsaba' can also refer to heavenly bodies ("the host of heaven"), in this military context, it specifically designates the 24,000-man military division that served under the designated captain for a particular month. Its use highlights the organized, disciplined, and substantial nature of David's armed forces, which were crucial for maintaining the kingdom's security and order.

Verse Breakdown

"Of the children of Perez": This opening clause immediately establishes the specific lineage and tribal affiliation of the commander, identifying him as a descendant of Perez, a prominent clan within the tribe of Judah. This detail was crucial for the original Israelite audience, as it underscored the commander's legitimate standing within the national framework and connected him to a respected heritage that was foundational to David's own royal line. It highlights the Chronicler's emphasis on genealogy and the importance of family identity in Israelite society.
"[was] the chief of all the captains of the host": This phrase precisely defines the elevated role and extensive authority of the individual. He was not merely one among many captains, but the supreme "chief" over all other captains within the substantial military division assigned for that month. This vividly illustrates the hierarchical and well-structured nature of David's army, emphasizing the significant leadership and strategic responsibility vested in this single commander to oversee 24,000 men.
"for the first month": This concluding clause specifies the temporal assignment of this commander, revealing the systematic, rotational nature of David's military organization. It underscores that different leaders and divisions took turns serving the king throughout the year, ensuring continuous military readiness, distributing the burden of service, and fostering a broad base of experienced leadership within the kingdom. This detail highlights David's foresight in creating a sustainable and efficient defense system.

Literary Devices

The Chronicler employs several key literary devices in this passage, consistent with his broader narrative style in 1 Chronicles 27. Enumeration is a dominant feature, as the text meticulously lists the commanders for each month, demonstrating a comprehensive and systematic approach to record-keeping that emphasizes the order and structure David brought to his kingdom. There is a strong Emphasis on divine order and human organization, reflecting the Chronicler's theological perspective that a well-ordered kingdom, much like a well-ordered temple, receives God's blessing and functions effectively. The Detailing of specific lineages, such as "Of the children of Perez," serves a dual purpose: it legitimizes the appointments by connecting them to established and respected family lines within Israel, and it reinforces the continuity and strength derived from Israel's tribal identity and heritage, particularly from the tribe of Judah, the royal tribe.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The meticulous organization of David's kingdom, as exemplified in 1 Chronicles 27:3, reflects a profound theological truth: God is a God of order, not of chaos. David's administrative genius in establishing such a systematic and rotational military structure was not merely a practical necessity but also a reflection of divine wisdom, enabling the kingdom to function effectively, maintain stability, and ensure justice. This principle extends beyond military organization to all aspects of life and faith, emphasizing the importance of diligence, good governance, and responsible stewardship of resources and people. The delegation of authority, the accountability inherent in the rotational system, and the utilization of diverse gifts from various tribes all point to a model of leadership that seeks to maximize effectiveness for the common good, mirroring God's own orderly creation and the structured way He provides for and leads His people. This passage implicitly teaches that divine blessing often accompanies human diligence and wise administration.

Exodus 18:21 - Jethro's advice to Moses to appoint capable leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, demonstrating the importance of delegated authority and organized administration in God's plan for His people.
Romans 13:1 - Paul's instruction that all governing authorities are instituted by God, underscoring the divine sanction and purpose behind earthly order and leadership, reflecting God's desire for a well-ordered society.
1 Corinthians 14:33 - A foundational theological statement affirming that God is not a God of confusion but of peace and order, a principle vividly reflected in David's well-organized kingdom and applicable to the functioning of the church.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The detailed account of David's military organization in 1 Chronicles 27:3, though seemingly a simple historical record, offers profound insights for contemporary life and leadership. It serves as a powerful reminder that effective leadership, whether in a family, a business, a church, or a community, necessitates intentional planning, strategic delegation, and an unwavering commitment to order. Just as David ensured the readiness and stability of his kingdom through a systematic and accountable approach, we are called to cultivate discipline and structure in our own lives and endeavors. This includes wisely stewarding our time, talents, and resources, and recognizing the transformative value of empowering others by delegating responsibilities according to their gifts and strengths. The mention of specific lineages also highlights the importance of valuing diverse gifts and backgrounds within any collective body, recognizing that God equips different individuals for different roles for the benefit of the whole. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to pursue excellence in organization and administration, not as ends in themselves, but as faithful means to achieve God-honoring goals, foster human flourishing, and bring glory to His name.

Questions for Reflection

In what areas of your personal life, family, or professional responsibilities could greater order and organization lead to more effective and less chaotic outcomes?
How effectively do you delegate tasks and empower others, recognizing and utilizing their unique gifts and strengths for the common good?
What systems of accountability or rotational responsibilities could you implement to prevent burnout, foster new perspectives, or develop broader leadership within your sphere of influence?
How does the theological principle of God as a God of order influence your approach to daily tasks, long-term planning, and the pursuit of excellence in your commitments?

FAQ

What was the significance of mentioning "the children of Perez" in this verse?

Answer: The mention of "the children of Perez" is significant for several reasons. Perez was one of the twin sons of Judah, and his lineage constituted a prominent and numerous clan within the powerful tribe of Judah (Genesis 38:29). This detail highlights the enduring importance of tribal identity and the specific contributions of various clans within Israel's national structure. For the Chronicler, who often emphasized genealogies, it also served to legitimize the appointment of Jashobeam, the commander for the first month, by connecting him to a notable and respected lineage within the royal tribe from which King David himself descended. It underscores the continuity and strength derived from Israel's established family and tribal structures, reinforcing the legitimacy of David's administration.

What was the purpose of David's monthly military rotation system?

Answer: David's monthly military rotation system, meticulously detailed in 1 Chronicles 27, served multiple crucial purposes for his kingdom. Firstly, it ensured a constant state of military readiness without placing an undue, year-round burden on the entire populace. Each division of 24,000 men served for one month, allowing the majority of the population to engage in their agricultural or other pursuits for the rest of the year. Secondly, it provided ongoing training and experience for a broad segment of the fighting force, enhancing national defense capabilities. Thirdly, it efficiently distributed the responsibility and cost of maintaining a standing army across the entire kingdom. Finally, it fostered a sense of national unity and shared defense, with different tribes and leaders taking turns in service to the king and the nation, strengthening the bonds of the kingdom.

How does this verse reflect David's leadership qualities?

Answer: 1 Chronicles 27:3, situated within the broader context of 1 Chronicles 27, powerfully reflects David's exceptional leadership qualities. It demonstrates his strategic foresight in establishing a comprehensive and sustainable military system that balanced readiness with the needs of the populace. It highlights his organizational genius in meticulously structuring the army into divisions with clear responsibilities and a rotational schedule. His leadership was also characterized by wise delegation, entrusting critical roles to capable and proven individuals like Jashobeam, who was renowned as one of his "mighty men" (1 Chronicles 11:11). Furthermore, it showcases his attention to detail and his profound understanding of the importance of lineage and tribal identity in maintaining order, loyalty, and a sense of shared purpose within his kingdom.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 1 Chronicles 27:3 details the earthly administration of King David, a figure who serves as a type and shadow of the greater King to come, it subtly points to the perfect and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. David's meticulous organization of his earthly host, with its rotational leadership and temporal assignments, stands in stark contrast to the eternal and unchanging headship of Christ over His spiritual host, the church. Jesus is the ultimate "Chief" and "Commander" (Isaiah 55:4), the true Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), whose kingdom is not of this world and knows no end (John 18:36). Unlike David's commanders who served for a month and then rotated out, Christ's priesthood and kingship are permanent and unchangeable (Hebrews 7:24). He is the one who perfectly orders and upholds all things by the word of His power (Colossians 1:17) and perfectly administers His body, the church, equipping its members for service and growth into maturity (Ephesians 4:11). In Christ, we find the ultimate fulfillment of divine order, perfect leadership, and an eternal kingdom administered by the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world and reigns forevermore (John 1:29 and Revelation 11:15).

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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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Cross-References

Numbers 26:20
And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.
Genesis 38:29
And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.
Genesis 49:8
¶ Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.
Genesis 49:10
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
Numbers 10:14
In the first place went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host was Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
Numbers 7:12
And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah: