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 profound insight into the lives of specific Judahite families, detailing their skilled occupations rather than just their lineage. It identifies them as potters and those who cultivated plants and hedges, emphasizing their distinct and essential roles within the kingdom. The verse highlights that these craftsmen and cultivators "dwelt with the king for his work," signifying their direct, continuous, and vital service to the monarchy. This detailed interjection within extensive genealogies underscores the Chronicler's interest in the practical contributions, dignified labor, and integral function of God's people within the broader societal and theological framework of the kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the extensive and often dense genealogies of 1 Chronicles, specifically within chapter 4, which meticulously traces the descendants of Judah. While the majority of the chapter consists of long lists of names, the Chronicler occasionally interjects unique descriptive details about certain individuals or families, thereby breaking the monotony and highlighting particular aspects of their lives or contributions. Notable examples include the poignant prayer of Jabez in [1 Chronicles 4:9-10](/1_chronicles/4-9-10 "1 Chronicles 4:9-10 - The Prayer of Jabez") and the military exploits of Simeon's descendants in [1 Chronicles 4:39-43](/1_chronicles/4-39-43 "1 Chronicles 4:39-43 - Simeon's Conquests"). Verse 23 stands out as one such descriptive insertion, providing rare occupational and locational details. This deliberate inclusion indicates the Chronicler's particular interest in the functional roles, stability, and contributions of these specific groups within the tribal structure, emphasizing their integral place in the kingdom's fabric beyond mere ancestry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel and the broader Near East, skilled crafts like pottery and agricultural labor were not merely common occupations but foundational pillars of daily life, economy, and societal stability. Potters were indispensable, producing essential vessels for storage, cooking, and ritual, while those involved with "plants and hedges" were crucial for horticulture, maintaining royal gardens, vineyards, or managing agricultural estates vital for sustenance and royal prestige. The phrase "dwelt with the king for his work" points to a system of royal patronage or direct employment, a common practice in ancient monarchies where skilled artisans and laborers were retained for royal projects. Such positions would have offered 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 strategic resource management. This arrangement highlights the value placed on specialized skills and the centralized nature of royal administration.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 4:23 significantly contributes to several prominent themes woven throughout the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **dignity of labor**, demonstrating that even seemingly ordinary or common occupations were deemed significant enough to be meticulously recorded in a sacred genealogy, especially when performed in direct service to the king. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that all honorable work, when performed diligently, can be a form of worship and a contribution to God's purposes, as seen in the commendation of skilled workers in [Proverbs 22:29](/proverbs/22-29 "Proverbs 22:29 - Diligence in Work"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **divine providence and the ordering of society**, illustrating how different individuals are uniquely gifted with diverse skills to fulfill various, yet equally vital, roles within the community and kingdom. Finally, the emphasis on "dwelling with the king for his work" speaks directly to the theme of **service to authority**. It illustrates 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 and the importance of civic contribution, as articulated in passages like [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Potters (Hebrew, _yâtsar'_):** This term, derived from H3335, means "to mould into a form; especially as a potter." It signifies the skilled craftsmanship involved in shaping clay into various vessels. In ancient societies, potters were essential artisans, producing everything from simple domestic wares to ornate ceremonial vessels, requiring 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 and daily life.
* **Dwelt (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, this root means "to sit down... by implication, to dwell, to remain." In this context, it implies a continuous, perhaps permanent, association or residence. The phrase "there they dwelt with the king" suggests a stable and ongoing relationship, indicating that their presence and skills were consistently available and utilized for royal purposes, perhaps even implying a form of royal patronage or direct employment that provided a secure living.
* **Work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** Derived from H4399, this word signifies "employment or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)." It denotes purposeful, often skilled, labor that is distinct from servile work. Here, "his work" specifies that their skills were directly employed in the king's projects or service, emphasizing that their labor was not random but dedicated, essential, and contributed directly to the monarch's specific needs and endeavors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [were] the potters":** This initial clause identifies a distinct group among the descendants of Judah by their primary, skilled occupation. It highlights their identity as artisans specializing in the creation of pottery, a craft vital for daily life, storage, and various other functions within the community and royal household.
* **"and those that dwelt among plants and hedges":** This clause introduces a second group, characterized by their living or working environment, which was agricultural or horticultural. "Plants" (Netaim, H5196) refers to planted areas like gardens or orchards, while "hedges" (gᵉdêrâh, H1448) implies fences or enclosures used to protect cultivated land. This suggests their involvement in specialized cultivation, landscaping, or the maintenance of royal estates, vineyards, or other valuable planted areas.
* **"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 or estates. Their "dwelling with the king" implies a close, continuous, and possibly even residential relationship, signifying that their specialized skills were indispensable and directly utilized for the king's specific projects, administration, or personal needs. This elevates their status from mere laborers to essential contributors to the royal household or administration, highlighting the value placed on their craftsmanship and dedication.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's inclusion of 1 Chronicles 4:23 within a lengthy genealogical record employs several compelling literary techniques. The most prominent is **Selection**, as the author deliberately chooses to highlight these specific occupations and their unique relationship with the king out of countless possible details. This selective focus serves as a powerful form of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the dignity of skilled labor and the importance of dedicated service within the kingdom. The mention of "potters" and "those that dwelt among plants and hedges" can be interpreted as **Metonymy**, where the craft or the cultivated environment stands in for the people themselves and their highly specialized roles. Furthermore, the concluding phrase, "there they dwelt with the king for his work," functions as a **Climax** for the verse, providing the ultimate purpose and distinction for these individuals, underscoring their direct, continuous, and essential contribution to the monarchy's well-being and projects.

### 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, echoing the divine mandate for humanity to cultivate and keep the earth.

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

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

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

### 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 that are often bare enumerations, 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, essential, and integral to the functioning of the kingdom. It underscores the Chronicler's interest not just in lineage, but in the practical contributions, stability, 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, perhaps even a form of royal patronage.

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

Answer: This phrase is highly significant, implying 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 essential vessels and cultivation for food and 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, illustrating a model of dedicated and purposeful service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:23 speaks of service to an earthly king, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate service due to the heavenly King, Jesus Christ. Just as the potters and gardeners found their purpose, dignity, and livelihood 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 and Lord of lords"). Our vocations, skills, and daily labors are not merely secular pursuits but are transformed into acts of worship and stewardship within His eternal kingdom. Jesus Himself, a carpenter, dignified manual labor, and through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, He redeemed all of creation, including our work. In Christ, every believer is called to be a faithful servant, using their unique gifts and talents "for His work," contributing to the building of His church and the advancement of His kingdom on earth, until that day when [He makes all things new](/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 ancient potters and gardeners, reflects our profound devotion to the Lord, knowing that [whatever we do, we are to 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.

Cross-References

Psalms 81:6

I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots.

1 Chronicles 4:14

And Meonothai begat Ophrah: and Seraiah begat Joab, the father of the valley of Charashim; for they were craftsmen.