1 Chronicles 4:23

KJV

These [were] the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.

KJV (with Strong's)

These were the potters {H3335}, and those that dwelt {H3427} among plants {H5196} and hedges {H1448}: there they dwelt {H3427} with the king {H4428} for his work {H4399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These were potters and inhabitants of N'ta'im and G'derah; they lived there, occupied with the king's work.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the potters who lived at Netaim and Gederah. They lived there in the service of the king.

American Standard Version

These were the potters, and the inhabitants of Netaim and Gederah: there they dwelt with the king for his work.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:23 offers a unique and insightful glimpse into the lives of specific Judahite families, identifying them not merely by lineage but by their skilled occupations as potters and those who worked with plants and hedges. The verse highlights their distinct and essential role within the kingdom, emphasizing that these craftsmen and cultivators "dwelt with the king for his work," signifying their direct, continuous, and vital service to the monarchy. This detail underscores the Chronicler's interest in the practical contributions and dignified labor of God's people, even within the extensive genealogical records.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the extensive genealogies of 1 Chronicles, specifically in chapter 4, which meticulously details the descendants of Judah. While most of the chapter consists of lists of names, the Chronicler occasionally interjects unique descriptive details about certain individuals or families, such as Jabez's prayer in [1 Chronicles 4:9-10](/1_chronicles/4-9 "1 Chronicles 4:9-10 - The Prayer of Jabez") or the military exploits of Simeon's descendants in [1 Chronicles 4:39-43](/1_chronicles/4-39 "1 Chronicles 4:39-43 - Simeon's Conquests"). Verse 23 is one such descriptive insertion, providing a rare occupational and locational detail that stands out amidst the names, indicating the Chronicler's particular interest in the functional roles and contributions of these specific groups within the broader tribal structure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, skilled crafts like pottery and agriculture were foundational to daily life and the economy. Potters produced essential vessels for storage, cooking, and ritual, making their trade indispensable. Those who worked with "plants and hedges" were involved in horticulture, possibly tending royal gardens, vineyards, or maintaining agricultural estates, which were crucial for sustenance and royal prestige. The phrase "dwelt with the king for his work" suggests a system of royal patronage or direct employment, common in ancient Near Eastern monarchies. Such positions would have implied a stable livelihood, a degree of social standing, and a direct contribution to the functioning and prosperity of the kingdom, whether for practical needs, aesthetic purposes, or even military logistics.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the **dignity of labor**, showing that even seemingly humble or common occupations were significant enough to be recorded in a sacred genealogy, especially when performed in service to the king. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that all honorable work can be a form of worship and contribution to God's purposes, as seen in [Proverbs 22:29](/proverbs/22-29 "Proverbs 22:29 - Diligence in Work"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine providence and ordering of society**, where different individuals are gifted with diverse skills to fulfill various roles within the community and kingdom. Finally, the emphasis on "dwelling with the king for his work" speaks to the theme of **service to authority**, illustrating how individuals contributed directly to the well-being and projects of the monarchy, a concept that finds echoes in later biblical teachings on submission to governing powers, such as in [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Potters (Hebrew, _ḥārāšîm_):** This term refers to skilled craftsmen, specifically those who work with clay to fashion vessels. In ancient societies, potters were essential, producing everything from simple domestic wares to ornate ceremonial vessels. Their craft required significant skill, knowledge of materials, and often, a dedicated workshop. The mention of potters here elevates their status beyond mere laborers, recognizing them as integral to the kingdom's infrastructure.
* **Plants and hedges (Hebrew, _nəṭā‘îm ûgəḏērōṯ_):** This phrase describes those involved in cultivation and perhaps landscaping or agricultural maintenance. "Plants" (_nəṭā‘îm_) refers to planted things, like gardens or orchards, while "hedges" (_gəḏērōṯ_) implies fences or enclosures, often used to protect cultivated areas. This suggests a connection to agriculture, horticulture, or the upkeep of royal estates and vineyards, indicating a specialized role in managing valuable land resources.
* **Dwelt with the king for his work (Hebrew, _yāšəbû šām ‘im-hammeleḵ limlāḵtô_):** This is the most significant phrase. "Dwelt with" implies a continuous, perhaps permanent, association or residence near the king or his royal enterprises. "For his work" specifies their purpose: their skills were directly employed in the king's projects or service. This was not casual labor but dedicated, essential employment, suggesting a stable and possibly privileged position due to the importance of their crafts to the monarchy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [were] the potters":** This clause identifies a specific group of descendants of Judah by their primary occupation. It highlights their identity as skilled artisans, indicating that their craft was significant enough to be noted in the genealogical record.
* **"and those that dwelt among plants and hedges":** This clause identifies a second group, characterized by their living or working environment, which was agricultural or horticultural. This suggests their involvement in cultivation, gardening, or the maintenance of planted areas, possibly royal lands or specialized farms.
* **"there they dwelt with the king for his work":** This crucial concluding phrase unites both groups under a common banner: direct royal service. "There" likely refers to the location where their work was performed, often associated with royal centers. Their "dwelling with the king" implies a close, continuous, and perhaps even residential relationship, signifying that their skills were indispensable and directly utilized for the king's specific projects and needs. This elevates their status from mere laborers to essential contributors to the royal household or administration.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's inclusion of 1 Chronicles 4:23 within a lengthy genealogy employs several literary techniques. The most prominent is **Selection**, as the author deliberately chooses to highlight these specific occupations out of countless possible details, indicating their particular significance. This selective detail serves as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the dignity of labor and the importance of skilled service within the kingdom. The mention of "potters" and "those that dwelt among plants and hedges" can be seen as **Metonymy**, where the craft or location represents the people themselves and their specialized roles. The phrase "dwelt with the king for his work" acts as a **Climax** for the verse, providing the ultimate purpose and distinction for these individuals, underscoring their direct and essential contribution to the monarchy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 4:23 offers profound theological insights by dignifying ordinary labor and illustrating God's use of diverse skills within His overarching plan. The fact that these potters and cultivators "dwelt with the king for his work" implies that their daily, seemingly mundane tasks were integrated into the larger structure of the kingdom and served a royal purpose. This teaches us that all legitimate vocations, when performed with diligence and integrity, can be seen as a form of service, not just to earthly authorities or employers, but ultimately to God. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all aspects of life, including our work, and that He can use every skill and profession to advance His purposes. Our faithfulness in our daily tasks, no matter how humble, contributes to the flourishing of society and reflects God's design for human productivity and stewardship.

* [Jeremiah 18:6](/jeremiah/18-6 "Jeremiah 18:6 - The Potter and the Clay")
* [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Work Heartily as for the Lord")
* [Ephesians 6:7-8](/ephesians/6-7 "Ephesians 6:7-8 - Serving with Good Will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly small verse from a genealogical list carries immense practical weight for believers today. It challenges us to reconsider our perspective on our daily work. Just as the potters and gardeners served the king directly with their skills, we are called to perform our vocations, whatever they may be, with excellence and a sense of purpose, recognizing that our ultimate service is to God. This means finding dignity in every honest job, from the most visible to the most hidden, and understanding that our faithfulness in our work contributes to the common good and honors our Creator. It encourages us to see our workplaces as spheres of influence where we can embody Christ's character and contribute to His kingdom, transforming our mundane tasks into acts of worship and stewardship. Our skills, talents, and efforts are gifts from God, to be used not just for personal gain, but for His glory and the benefit of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that "all work is God's work" change your perspective on your daily tasks or profession?**
* **In what ways can you consciously perform your work "for the King" (Christ) in your current role?**
* **What specific skills or talents has God given you, and how can you steward them faithfully for His purposes, even in seemingly ordinary contexts?**
* **How does the dignity of labor, as seen in this verse, challenge modern societal views that often devalue certain types of work?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific occupations mentioned in a genealogical list that primarily focuses on names?**

Answer: The Chronicler's inclusion of these specific occupations (potters and those working with plants and hedges) is a deliberate literary and theological choice. Unlike other genealogical lists, the Chronicler occasionally inserts details that highlight the significance of certain groups or individuals. In this case, it serves to dignify labor, emphasizing that even seemingly common crafts and agricultural work were valued and essential to the functioning of the kingdom. It underscores the Chronicler's interest not just in lineage, but in the practical contributions and divine ordering of society, showing how diverse skills were utilized within God's people for the benefit of the monarchy and, by extension, the nation. It also suggests a stable and recognized social role for these families.

**What does "there they dwelt with the king for his work" imply about their status or role?**

Answer: This phrase is highly significant. It implies a direct, continuous, and essential relationship with the monarchy. "Dwelt with the king" suggests a form of royal patronage or direct employment, possibly even residing near royal estates or within the king's service. This was likely a stable and perhaps privileged position, as their skills (pottery for vessels, cultivation for food/resources) were indispensable for the king's household, administration, or specific royal projects. It signifies that these individuals were not merely independent craftsmen or farmers, but were formally engaged in the king's service, contributing directly to the kingdom's infrastructure and well-being. This highlights their importance and the value placed on their specialized labor by the highest authority in the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:23 speaks of service to an earthly king, it foreshadows the ultimate service due to the heavenly King, Jesus Christ. Just as the potters and gardeners found their purpose and dignity in serving the monarch, believers today find their truest purpose and highest calling in serving Christ, the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of kings"). Our vocations, skills, and daily labors are not merely secular pursuits but can be transformed into acts of worship and stewardship within His eternal kingdom. Jesus Himself, a carpenter, dignified manual labor, and through His life, death, and resurrection, He redeemed all of creation, including our work. In Christ, every believer is called to be a faithful servant, using their unique gifts "for His work," contributing to the building of His church and the advancement of His kingdom on earth, until that day when [all things are made new in Him](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I am making all things new"). Our faithfulness in the "small things" of our daily work, like the potters and gardeners, reflects our devotion to the Lord, knowing that [whatever we do, we do it heartily, as for the Lord and not for men](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Work heartily as for the Lord").

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.