TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over the things that were made in the pans.
Complete Jewish Bible
Mattityah, one of the L'vi'im, who was the firstborn of Shalum the Korchi, was permanently in charge of baking operations.
Berean Standard Bible
A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with baking the bread.
American Standard Version
And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the first-born of Shallum the Korahite, had the office of trust over the things that were baked in pans.
World English Bible Messianic
Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the office of trust over the things that were baked in pans.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Mattithiah one of the Leuites which was the eldest sonne of Shallum the Korhite, had the charge of the things that were made in the frying panne.
Young's Literal Translation
And Mattithiah, of the Levites (he is the first-born to Shallum the Korahite), is in office over the work of the pans.
See also
In the KJVVerse 10,647 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9 verses 14–34
14 ¶ And of the Levites; Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;
15 And Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;
16 And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.
17 And the porters were, Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum was the chief;
18 Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.
19 And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the LORD, were keepers of the entry.
20 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, and the LORD was with him.
21 And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
22 All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office.
23 So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the LORD, namely, the house of the tabernacle, by wards.
24 In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.
25 And their brethren, which were in their villages, were to come after seven days from time to time with them.
26 For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.
27 And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them.
28 And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale.
29 Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices.
30 And some of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices.
31 And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over the things that were made in the pans.
32 And other of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the shewbread, to prepare it every sabbath.
33 And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night.
34 These chief fathers of the Levites were chief throughout their generations; these dwelt at Jerusalem.
We have here a further account of the good posture which the affairs of religion were put into immediately upon the return of the people out of Babylon. They had smarted for their former neglect of ordinances and under the late want of ordinances. Both these considerations made them very zealous and forward in setting up the worship of God among them; so they began their worship of God at the right end. Instances hereof we have here.
I. Before the house of the Lord was built they had the house of the tabernacle, a plain and movable tent, which they made use of in the mean time. Those that cannot yet reach to have a temple must not be without a tabernacle, but be thankful for that and make the best of it. Never let God's work be left undone for want of a place to do it in.
II. In allotting to the priests and Levites their respective employments, they had an eye to the model that was drawn up by David, and Samuel the seer, Ch1 9:22. Samuel, in his time, had drawn the scheme of it, and laid the foundation, though the ark was then in obscurity, and David afterwards finished it, and both acted by immediate direction from God. Or David, as soon as he was anointed had this matter in his mind and consulted Samuel about it, though he was then in his troubles, and the plan was formed in concert between them. This perhaps had been little regarded for many ages; but now, after a long interruption, it was revived. In dividing the work, they observed these ancient land-marks.
III. The most of them dwelt at Jerusalem (Ch1 9:34), yet there were some that dwelt in the villages (Ch1 9:16, Ch1 9:22), because, it may be, there was not yet room for them in Jerusalem. However they were employed in the service of the tabernacle (Ch1 9:25): They were to come after seven days from time to time. They had their week's attendance in their turns.
IV. Many of the Levites were employed as porters at the gates of the house of God, four chief porters (Ch1 9:26), and, under them, others, to the number of 212, Ch1 9:22. They had the oversight of the gates (Ch1 9:23), were keepers of the thresholds, as in the margin (Ch1 9:19), and keepers of the entry. This seemed a mean office; and yet David would rather have it than dwell in the tents of wickedness, Psa 84:10. Their office was, 1. To open the doors of God's house every morning (Ch1 9:27) and shut them at night. 2. To keep off the unclean, and hinder those from thrusting in that were forbidden by the law. 3. To direct and introduce into the courts of the Lord those that came thither to worship, and to show them where to go and what to do, that they might not incur punishment. This required care, and diligence, and constant attendance. Ministers have work to do of this kind.
V. Here is one Phinehas, a son of Eleazar, that is said to be a ruler over them in time past (Ch1 9:20), not the famous high priest of that name, but (as is supposed) an eminent Levite, of whom it is here said that the Lord was with him, or (as the Chaldee reads it) the Word of the Lord was his helper - the eternal Word, who is Jehovah, the mighty one on whom help is laid.
VI. It is said of some of them that, because the charge was upon them, they lodged round about the house of God, Ch1 9:27. It is good for ministers to be near their work, that they may give themselves wholly to it. The Levites pitched about the tabernacle when they marched through the wilderness. Then they were porters in one sense, bearing the burdens of the sanctuary, now porters in another sense, attending the gates and the doors - in both instances keeping the charge of the sanctuary.
VII. Every one knew his charge. Some were entrusted with the plate, the ministering vessels, to bring them in and out by tale, Ch1 9:28. Others were appointed to prepare the fine flour, wine, oil, etc., Ch1 9:29. Others, that were priests, made up the holy anointing oil, Ch1 9:30. Others took care of the meat-offerings, Ch1 9:31. Others of the show-bread, Ch1 9:32. As in other great houses, so in God's house, the work is likely to be done well when every one knows the duty of his place and makes a business of it. God is the God of order: but that which is every body's work will be nobody's work.
VIII. The singers were employed in that work day and night, Ch1 9:33. They were the chief fathers of the Levites that made a business of it, not mean singing-men, that made a trade of it. They remained in the chambers of the temple, that they might closely and constantly attend it, and were therefore excused from all other services. It should seem, some companies were continually singing, at least at stated hours, both day and night. Thus was God continually praised, as it is fit he should be who is continually doing good. Thus devout people might, at any hour, have assistance in their devotion. Thus was the temple a figure of the heavenly one, where they rest not day nor night from praising God, Rev 4:8. Blessed are those that dwell in thy house; they will be still praising thee.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–34. Public domain.
Copy as
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON FIRST CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
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.
Copy as
Continue studying 1 Chronicles 9:31 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:31 introduces Mattithiah, a Levite of the Korahite lineage, who held a significant and trusted administrative role within the re-established temple service in post-exilic Jerusalem. His "set office" involved overseeing the meticulous preparation of sacred food items, specifically those "made in the pans," underscoring the divine emphasis on order, faithfulness, and the inherent dignity of all service, even seemingly mundane tasks, within the Levitical system for God's worship and the spiritual nourishment of His people.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is deeply embedded within the extensive genealogical and administrative records of 1 Chronicles 9, which meticulously details the inhabitants of Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile and the crucial re-establishment of temple worship. Chapters 1-9 of 1 Chronicles serve as a foundational genealogical history, tracing Israel's lineage from Adam to the post-exilic community. Chapter 9 marks a pivotal transition, moving from these broad lists to a granular account of the specific families and individuals—particularly priests, Levites, and gatekeepers—who resumed their divinely appointed duties in Jerusalem and the temple. Mattithiah's specific mention here, alongside other Levitical officers responsible for various aspects of temple function, powerfully reinforces the Chronicler's overarching emphasis on the meticulous organization and divine blueprint for sacred service. It highlights that every role, regardless of its perceived prominence, was indispensable for the proper functioning of the sanctuary, reflecting the comprehensive list of returnees and their assigned responsibilities found from 1 Chronicles 9:2 onward.
Historical & Cultural Context: The historical backdrop for 1 Chronicles 9:31 is the crucial post-exilic period, following the return of the Jewish people from their seventy-year captivity in Babylon. The paramount concern of this era was not merely the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple, but also the spiritual restoration and re-establishment of proper worship in strict accordance with the Mosaic Law. The Levites, as the tribe divinely consecrated for temple service, were absolutely central to this endeavor. Mattithiah is specifically identified as a Korahite, a branch of the Levites with a complex and notable history. While their ancestor Korah famously led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, challenging divine authority (Numbers 16:1-3), his surviving descendants remarkably became prominent and respected figures in temple service, often serving as gatekeepers, musicians, and administrators. Their re-integration into such vital temple roles, as further attested in passages like 1 Chronicles 9:19, stands as a profound testament to God's enduring grace, His capacity for restoration, and the possibility of redemption for families who had once strayed, now faithfully serving in the heart of the sanctuary.
Key Themes: This verse significantly contributes to several profound themes prevalent throughout 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully underscores Order and Organization in Worship, illustrating the divine blueprint for temple service where every role was meticulously planned, assigned, and executed. This reflects a broader biblical principle that God, as a God of order, desires structure and intentionality in all aspects of life, particularly within corporate worship (1 Corinthians 14:40). Secondly, it highlights the profound Dignity of Every Service performed for God. Mattithiah's role, though seemingly mundane in its culinary nature, was absolutely integral to preparing the sacred grain offerings, which constituted a crucial part of the sacrificial system detailed in the Law (Leviticus 2:5-7). This vital detail emphasizes that all tasks performed in service to God, whether grand or humble, carry inherent dignity, spiritual significance, and contribute to the overall holiness of worship. Finally, the description of Mattithiah's "set office" inherently implies Faithfulness and Trustworthiness in Designated Roles, showcasing the paramount importance of diligence, reliability, and integrity in one's assigned duties within the community of faith and the sacred space of the temple.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Metonymy and Synecdoche. The phrase "things that were made in the pans" functions as a metonymy, where the instrument or method of preparation (the pans) stands in for the specific type of sacred grain offerings themselves. It also serves as a synecdoche, where a specific part (the pan-prepared items) represents a larger whole (the entire system of food offerings and their meticulous administration within the temple). Furthermore, the detailed enumeration of roles throughout 1 Chronicles 9, including Mattithiah's specific task, exemplifies Cataloging or Listing. This common literary device in historical and genealogical texts emphasizes comprehensiveness, order, and the divine oversight of every minute detail within the post-exilic community's re-establishment. This meticulous listing implicitly underscores the powerful Symbolism of order, dedication, and divine precision in worship, where even seemingly small or mundane tasks are vital components of a larger, divinely ordained structure for God's glory.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 9:31 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God values order, diligence, and unwavering faithfulness in all aspects of worship and service. Mattithiah's specific and trusted role, even in what might appear to be the mundane task of preparing offerings, underscores the profound truth that no service rendered to God is insignificant or overlooked. Every individual, regardless of their perceived prominence or the visibility of their task, contributes indispensably to the proper functioning of God's house and the spiritual well-being of the community. This detailed account in Chronicles served to remind the post-exilic community, and continues to remind believers today, that God's design for His people involves a harmonious, organized, and dedicated engagement of every member's unique gifts and responsibilities, all contributing to the glory of His name and the flourishing of His kingdom.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mattithiah's "set office over the things that were made in the pans" offers a remarkably profound and practical lesson for contemporary believers. In a culture often preoccupied with visible accomplishments, public recognition, and prominent roles, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that true significance in God's kingdom is found in the faithful stewardship of any assigned task, no matter how humble, hidden, or behind-the-scenes it may appear. Mattithiah's diligence ensured the proper preparation of sacred offerings, directly facilitating the community's worship and adherence to divine instruction. Our "pans" today might manifest as administrative tasks, consistent prayer, acts of hospitality, teaching children, quiet acts of mercy, or diligent work in our secular professions. The enduring call is to embrace our unique gifts and positions within the body of Christ, serving with excellence, integrity, and a heart of devotion, knowing that our faithfulness in the seemingly "small things" is profoundly seen, valued, and honored by God, contributing directly to the overall spiritual health, effectiveness, and witness of the church in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does 1 Chronicles include such detailed lists of temple personnel and their specific duties, like Mattithiah's?
Answer: 1 Chronicles, written for the post-exilic community returning to Jerusalem, aimed to re-establish a profound sense of identity, continuity, and divine purpose. The inclusion of such detailed lists of temple personnel, including figures like Mattithiah and their specific duties, served several crucial and interconnected functions. Firstly, they provided a historical and theological link to the glorious past of Israel and the divinely ordained temple system established under David and Solomon, reminding the returned exiles of their rich heritage and God's unchanging covenant. Secondly, these lists powerfully emphasized order and proper worship, demonstrating that God's service was not haphazard but meticulously organized, with specific roles and responsibilities for each Levite and priest, as precisely outlined in the Mosaic Law (e.g., Numbers 3:5-10). Thirdly, they served a vital practical purpose, guiding the re-establishment of temple operations and ensuring that all necessary functions, from gatekeeping to preparing sacred offerings, were covered by designated and accountable individuals. Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, they underscored the dignity and spiritual significance of all service within God's house, showing that every role, from the most prominent high priest to the most seemingly humble administrator of daily provisions, was vital, honored by God, and contributed to the holiness of His presence among His people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mattithiah's "set office over the things that were made in the pans" finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The entire Levitical system, with its meticulous preparation of offerings and the dedicated service of its personnel, served as a shadow pointing forward to the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus. While Mattithiah oversaw the preparation of grain offerings—sacred food for the priests and a symbol of dedication—Jesus Himself became the ultimate "bread of life," providing eternal sustenance for all who believe (John 6:35). He is also the perfect Lamb of God, whose body was broken and blood poured out as the once-for-all sacrifice for the sin of the world (John 1:29; Hebrews 10:10). Furthermore, Mattithiah's role as a faithful administrator of a specific, perhaps mundane, task within the temple foreshadows Christ's ultimate and perfect faithfulness in fulfilling every aspect of God's will, even to the point of obedient death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). In Christ, the need for human administrators overseeing ritual food preparation is superseded by His complete and sufficient provision; He is both the perfect offering and the eternal High Priest who continually intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25). Thus, Mattithiah's dedicated service, though confined to the shadows of the Old Covenant, points powerfully to the perfect, all-sufficient, and eternally effective service of our Lord Jesus Christ, who fulfills all righteousness and makes us a kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2:9) called to serve Him in every area of our lives, now by grace through faith.