1 Chronicles 27 27

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:

1 Chronicles 27:27 nkjv

And Shimei the Ramathite was over the vineyards, and Zabdi the Shiphmite was over the produce of the vineyards for the supply of wine.

1 Chronicles 27:27 niv

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.

1 Chronicles 27:27 esv

and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite; and over the produce of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite.

1 Chronicles 27:27 nlt

Shimei from Ramah was in charge of the king's vineyards. Zabdi from Shepham was responsible for the grapes and the supplies of wine.

1 Chronicles 27 verses

1 Chronicles 27 27 Meaning

This verse details specific aspects of King David's extensive administrative structure, particularly concerning the management of royal agricultural resources. It reveals that Shimei the Ramathite was appointed over the vineyards in general, implying oversight of their cultivation and maintenance. A distinct individual, Zabdi the Shiphmite, held responsibility for the produce ("increase") of these vineyards, specifically concerning its storage in "cellars of wine," highlighting a meticulous system for the collection and preservation of wine for royal or state purposes. The verse underscores the methodical organization of David's kingdom and the careful stewardship of its economic assets.

1 Chronicles 27 27 Context

This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles chapter 27, which meticulously lists the officials and administrators of King David's kingdom. Following the roster of military commanders and tribal chiefs, the Chronicler turns to the civilian administration, detailing those responsible for various economic and logistical aspects of the realm. Verses 25-31 specifically enumerate the officials in charge of the royal treasuries and the diverse agricultural assets, including general field labor, vineyards, olive groves, and livestock. This detailed inventory underscores the highly organized and sophisticated nature of David's reign, emphasizing order, administrative efficiency, and prudent management of national resources. For the original audience, who had recently returned from exile and were rebuilding, this account of a prosperous and well-managed past served as a source of national pride, a blueprint for righteous governance, and a reminder of God's blessings on obedient leadership. It also subtly countered the notion that a prosperous kingdom simply happened; rather, it was a result of diligent human effort and divine favor working in tandem.

1 Chronicles 27 27 Word analysis

• And over the vineyards: This introductory phrase immediately establishes the domain of responsibility.
  • Vineyards (כְּרָמִים - keramim): Plural form of kerem. Vineyards were a primary agricultural asset in ancient Israel, not merely for personal consumption but also for commerce, sacrifices, and a significant part of the national economy. The widespread presence of vineyards indicates considerable agricultural development and investment within David's royal estates. The term carries deep cultural and theological significance in the Bible, often symbolizing Israel itself (Isa 5:1-7, Ps 80:8-19).
• was Shimei the Ramathite: Identifies the first key administrator.
  • Shimei (שִׁמְעִי - Shim'i): A common name, meaning "my reputation" or "renowned." This Shimei is distinct from other famous figures with the same name, such as Shimei of Benjamin who cursed David (2 Sam 16:5-13). His specific role indicates a trusted position within David's court.
  • the Ramathite (הָרָמָתִי - ha-Ramati): Designates his origin from Ramah, a significant city often associated with Samuel (1 Sam 7:17). This geographical tag helps distinguish him and situates him within the established tribal and regional identities, implying a known individual or family connection.
• over the increase of the vineyards: Shifts focus from general oversight to specific production.
  • increase (תְּבוּאַת - t'vu'at): Literally "produce" or "yield." This signifies the actual harvest—the grapes and subsequently the wine derived from them. It highlights the focus on productivity and the material benefit derived from the land. This contrasts with Shimei's general oversight, suggesting Zabdi's role was more about quantifying and managing the output.
  • of the vineyards: Again emphasizes the source of this valuable produce.
• for the cellars of wine: Specifies the ultimate destination of the vineyard's produce.
  • cellars (לְמַסֵּבוֹת - l'massebot): Derived from a root meaning "to go around" or "to gather." This term can imply storage chambers, specifically those arranged for rotation or perhaps used for festive gatherings (like wine cellars also serving as dining halls or for specific feasts where wine was drawn). It points to specialized storage facilities, reflecting a developed infrastructure for handling significant quantities of wine. The need for designated "cellars" underlines the scale of royal wine production and consumption, which would include provision for the king's household, court, and possibly even diplomatic gifts or offerings.
  • of wine (הַיָּיִן - hayyayin): Refers specifically to the fermented product of grapes, a staple beverage and valuable commodity. Its inclusion confirms the primary purpose of the "increase" was wine, not simply grapes for fresh consumption. Wine was economically crucial and held social and ritualistic importance (Gen 14:18, Ps 104:15, John 2:1-11).
• was Zabdi the Shiphmite: Identifies the second key administrator, specifically for the produce.
  • Zabdi (זַבְדִּי - Zavdi): Meaning "my gift" or "Yah has given." This individual holds a distinct, yet complementary, role to Shimei, demonstrating a division of labor and specialized management.
  • the Shiphmite (הַשִּׁפְמִי - ha-Shiphmi): Indicates his origin from Shiphm, an unidentified location, though it points to the broader reach of David's administrative recruitment across his kingdom. The dual roles illustrate a careful layering of authority for crucial resources.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite:" This segment establishes the general managerial responsibility for the physical locations where grapes were cultivated. Shimei was the high-level overseer for all the king's vineyard territories. This likely involved overseeing planting, cultivation techniques, labor, and ensuring the health of the vines. It signifies a fundamental aspect of resource management: maintenance and cultivation. This careful listing of specific names reflects the Chronicler's emphasis on accountability and order in David's reign, promoting the idea that a blessed kingdom is an organized one (1 Cor 14:33).
• "over the increase of the vineyards for the cellars of wine was Zabdi the Shiphmite:" This distinct clause indicates a specialization within vineyard management. Zabdi's role was not just about the existence of vineyards, but specifically the output from them, and its sophisticated storage. This division of labor shows a remarkably advanced administrative system for its time, separating production from inventory management. The mention of "cellars of wine" suggests royal provision and luxury, possibly implying not just basic sustenance but a state-managed industry for economic benefit, official feasts, or even international trade. The Chronicler's inclusion of such detailed administrative records emphasizes David's legacy as a wise and competent ruler who established foundational structures for future prosperity. This structured management system stands in contrast to chaotic or less organized neighboring kingdoms, subtly promoting the superiority of God-ordained governance.

1 Chronicles 27 27 Bonus section

• The meticulous detailing of royal officials and their roles throughout 1 Chronicles 27 serves a greater theological purpose for the Chronicler. It emphasizes the divinely blessed order and prosperity of David's kingdom, contrasting with the often chaotic post-exilic reality of the Chronicler's audience. It functions as an exemplary model of efficient and God-fearing administration, encouraging the community to return to such foundational principles.
• The roles of Shimei and Zabdi can be seen as early examples of specialized labor and resource management, predating many modern administrative theories. This layered approach ensured both the long-term health of the productive assets (Shimei) and the effective processing and safeguarding of the finished goods (Zabdi).
• The "cellars of wine" (לְמַסֵּבוֹת הַיָּיִן - l'massebot hayyayin) suggest not just storage but possibly even rotation or arrangement of wines, hinting at a system that could accommodate different vintages or qualities, or a sequence for consumption. This implies a significant royal establishment with sophisticated needs for wine.

1 Chronicles 27 27 Commentary

First Chronicles 27:27 presents a precise insight into King David's organized bureaucracy, particularly concerning his agricultural resources. It highlights a deliberate division of labor within the royal vineyards: Shimei was the general overseer, responsible for the cultivation and health of the vineyards themselves, while Zabdi handled the harvested produce, specifically its journey into the royal wine cellars. This demonstrates not only the significant value placed on wine production in the ancient Israelite economy but also the sophisticated, hierarchical administrative structures David implemented to manage the vast resources of his kingdom. It portrays a realm marked by order, foresight, and diligent stewardship of divine blessings. The listing of specific individuals underscores personal accountability and David's reliance on trusted officials to manage crucial assets for the crown.