1 Chronicles 4 23

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.

1 Chronicles 4:23 nkjv

These were the potters and those who dwell at Netaim and Gederah; there they dwelt with the king for his work.

1 Chronicles 4:23 niv

They were the potters who lived at Netaim and Gederah; they stayed there and worked for the king.

1 Chronicles 4:23 esv

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

1 Chronicles 4:23 nlt

They were the pottery makers who lived in Netaim and Gederah. They lived there and worked for the king.

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 23 Meaning

1 Chronicles 4:23 identifies certain descendants of Judah, specifically potters and those who resided in areas described as "plants and hedges." The core message of the verse is that these individuals lived in proximity to the king and dedicated their labor directly to his service. This highlights their specific, perhaps hereditary, and vital roles within the royal household or administration, indicating their sustained, honorable, and divinely sanctioned service to the monarchy.

1 Chronicles 4 23 Context

This verse is situated within the extensive genealogies of the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically detailing the lineage of Judah, the royal tribe. Following the records of King David's descendants, the Chronicler focuses on other significant families within Judah, highlighting not only their lineage but often their geographical locations and specific occupations. Chapter 4 provides a deep dive into various clans and their activities, emphasizing stability, inherited roles, and contribution to the social and economic fabric of the kingdom. The mention of these potters and residents implies their long-standing importance and established position within the community, providing essential services to the crown. The historical context reflects a period, especially post-exilic, where identity and continuity through lineage and stable contributions to the nation were highly valued, affirming God's continued covenant with Israel through specific family lines and their occupations, even humble ones.

1 Chronicles 4 23 Word analysis

• "These" (אֵלֶּה - 'elleh): A demonstrative pronoun referring collectively to the families just mentioned in 1 Chron 4:21-22, particularly those of Shelah, son of Judah, and "the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen." It establishes a direct connection to a specific lineage within Judah, signifying continuity and importance.
• "were the potters" (הַיּוֹצְרִים - hayyōṣĕrîm): יוֹצֵר (yotser) means "one who forms, a potter, a designer." This explicitly names their trade. Potters were crucial in ancient societies, producing vessels for water, food, storage, and even religious or ornamental purposes. Their craft was fundamental.
• "and those that dwelt among the plants and hedges" (וְיֹשְׁבֵי נְטָעִים וּגְדֵרוֹת - w'yošvê n'ṭā‘îm u-g'dērôṯ):
  • וְיֹשְׁבֵי (w'yošvê): "and dwellers of/who dwelled." Indicates their residence or a specific population group.
  • נְטָעִים (Netaim): Means "plantations" or "planted fields."
  • וּגְדֵרוֹת (Gederot): Means "fences," "hedges," or "enclosures."
  • This phrase might refer to specific geographical locations or settlements named after these features (e.g., Netaim and Gederot were possibly place names). Alternatively, it could describe the natural environment where they lived, perhaps chosen for the availability of suitable clay for pottery, often found near water sources within cultivated or enclosed lands. Some scholars suggest these "dwellers" were a related craft, like gardeners or fence-builders, or even watchmen of vineyards, associating them closely with the potters in their service to the king.
• "there they dwelt" (שָׁם יָשְׁבוּ - sham yāšāvū): יָשַׁב (yashav) means "to sit, remain, dwell, settle." It emphasizes their established and continuing residence in those locations, likely inherited positions or long-standing settlements. This indicates stability and a recognized place within the societal structure.
• "with the king" (עִם הַמֶּלֶךְ - ‘im hammeleḵ): עִם (im) means "with." This is a significant phrase, denoting more than just working for the king. It suggests royal patronage, close association, protection, or even direct presence within a royal domain or under special royal oversight. It implies a high status for common laborers, highlighting their security and provision directly from the monarchy.
• "for his work" (לִמְלַאכְתּוֹ - lim'laḵtô): מְלָאכָה (melakhah) means "work, business, occupation, mission, service." The suffix וֹ (ô) is possessive, "his." This clarifies the purpose of their dwelling "with the king": their occupation was directly for the service of the king, whether producing pottery for royal use, constructing or maintaining royal estates (plants and hedges), or otherwise contributing directly to the royal household and kingdom's needs. This dignifies their labor by connecting it directly to royal service, signifying their vital role in the functioning of the state.

1 Chronicles 4 23 Bonus section

The Chronicler's emphasis on occupations within genealogies (beyond just tribal affiliations) serves a theological purpose. It highlights God's sovereignty over every aspect of life, including one's work and societal function. The "potters" imagery is pervasive in the Bible, often symbolizing God's shaping hand on humanity (e.g., Isa 64:8, Jer 18:6). While these are earthly potters, their secure and respected service to the earthly king can subtly reflect the blessed state of those who serve the true King, God, diligently in their given callings. This verse underscores the biblical principle that all work done in service to an divinely ordained authority (like the king) or for the benefit of God's people is meaningful and dignified. The details about "plants and hedges" suggest an integrated approach to land management and craft production within the royal economy, showcasing a well-organized kingdom under divine guidance.

1 Chronicles 4 23 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:23 succinctly summarizes the established role and respected position of certain families within the tribe of Judah. The Chronicler, concerned with validating Israel's post-exilic identity and divine continuity, carefully notes these specialized groups. These potters and the inhabitants of "plants and hedges" were not merely independent laborers but were firmly integrated into the king's administration. "Dwelling with the king" signifies not just geographical proximity, but also a privileged status; they likely received provisions, protection, and a secure livelihood directly from the royal household in exchange for their essential craft. This emphasizes the value placed on practical skills and dedicated service, illustrating that even seemingly ordinary occupations could hold significant importance and be a form of loyal contribution to God's ordained leadership, in this case, the Davidic monarchy. The verse implicitly honors stable, intergenerational work and highlights how all segments of society contribute to the well-being of the whole, especially when done faithfully within the divine order.