1 Chronicles 6 48

1 Chronicles 6:48 kjv

Their brethren also the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God.

1 Chronicles 6:48 nkjv

And their brethren, the Levites, were appointed to every kind of service of the tabernacle of the house of God.

1 Chronicles 6:48 niv

Their fellow Levites were assigned to all the other duties of the tabernacle, the house of God.

1 Chronicles 6:48 esv

And their brothers the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tabernacle of the house of God.

1 Chronicles 6:48 nlt

Their fellow Levites were appointed to various other tasks in the Tabernacle, the house of God.

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 48 Meaning

This verse describes the essential and comprehensive role of the Levites, who were not designated as priests. They were specifically assigned and entrusted with "all manner of service" related to the sanctuary—referred to here as the "tabernacle of the house of God." This highlights their fundamental and extensive duties in maintaining, organizing, and operating the physical space and practical aspects of divine worship, distinct from the sacerdotal functions performed by the Aaronic priesthood. Their appointment was for dedicated service in God's dwelling place.

1 Chronicles 6 48 Context

First Chronicles chapter 6 comprehensively details the genealogies and roles of the Levites, emphasizing their crucial position in Israel's worship and national identity. The chapter traces the priestly lineage of Aaron (from Levi's son Kohath) and then outlines the significant responsibilities of the non-priestly Levites, specifically highlighting those dedicated to temple music (1 Chr 6:31-47) from the families of Kohath, Gershon, and Merari. Verse 48 concludes this specific section by generalizing the broad scope of duties for the "brothers" – meaning the other members of the Levite tribe not specifically mentioned as musicians or priests – in the physical care and operation of God's sanctuary. This reflects the Chronicler's intense interest in the legitimate, organized worship centered around God's dwelling place, often drawing parallels back to the Mosaic Law and the Davidic arrangements for the Temple, which were seen as faithful implementations of God's divine instructions. Historically, the Levites performed various tasks from guarding and cleaning to managing treasures and assisting the priests. This verse succinctly encapsulates the all-encompassing nature of their dedicated service.

1 Chronicles 6 48 Word analysis

• and their brothers (וַאֲחֵיהֶם - va'achēihem): This refers to the other members of the tribe of Levi, distinguishing them from the high-priestly line of Aaron or the specialized musical guilds just detailed. "Brothers" signifies their shared tribal identity and collective purpose within the larger Levitical body, emphasizing kinship and unity in service.

• the Levites (הַלְוִיִּם - haLevi'im): This is the designated tribe descended from Levi, set apart by God for sanctuary service instead of military or general tribal duties. Their role was sacral and permanent, crucial for maintaining ritual purity and order in the tabernacle/temple.

• were appointed (נִתְּנוּ - nitt'nu): This is the Pual form of the verb natan (to give). It indicates a passive sense of "they were given" or "they were assigned," implying a divine or authoritative delegation. This was not a self-chosen task but an established, ordained position, highlighting the divine initiative behind their service. It carries a strong sense of consecration and purpose.

• to all manner of service (כָּל־עֲבֹדַת - kol-'avōdāt):

  • kol (כָּל): "all," "every," signifying comprehensiveness and totality.
  • 'avōdāh (עֲבֹדָה): This versatile Hebrew word encompasses "work," "service," "ministry," and even "worship." Here, it points to the full spectrum of practical, logistical, and perhaps even some instructional or judicial duties that supported the sacred rituals performed by the priests. It means all non-priestly work connected to the sanctuary.

• in the tabernacle of the house of God (מִשְׁכַּן בֵּית הָאֱלֹהִים - mishkan beit ha'Elohim):

  • mishkan (מִשְׁכַּן): "dwelling place," specifically referring to the portable sanctuary built in the wilderness. By linking to the "tabernacle," the Chronicler connects the permanent temple (the "house of God") with its ancient, divinely ordained precursor, reinforcing the continuity and legitimacy of their service from Mosaic times onward.
  • beit ha'Elohim (בֵּית הָאֱלֹהִים): "house of God," a common phrase for the sanctuary, whether the Tabernacle or later the Temple. It signifies the sacred space where God manifested His presence among His people, the center of Israel's spiritual life and worship. The combination "tabernacle of the house of God" thus emphasizes both the historical root and the sacred function of God's dwelling place.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "their brothers the Levites were appointed": This phrase highlights the collective identity and divine ordination of this specific group within the Levite tribe. They are part of the larger whole, yet with a distinct, God-given role, not self-selected.
  • "to all manner of service in the tabernacle of the house of God": This emphasizes the comprehensive scope of their responsibilities within the most sacred space of the nation. It implies meticulous, ordered, and continuous work essential for the proper functioning and reverence of God's dwelling. The term 'service' (avodah) connects their physical labor to a sacred ministry, signifying devotion to God himself.

1 Chronicles 6 48 Bonus section

The Levitical duties described, while appearing administrative or manual, were considered sacred because they supported the work of the priesthood and maintained the sanctity of God's presence. They served as a constant reminder of the meticulous order God requires in His worship and the collective responsibility of His people in maintaining a holy dwelling place for Him. This also reflects the structured nature of the covenant community, where diverse roles contribute to a unified purpose – drawing near to God in an orderly and respectful manner. The distinction between priests and Levites demonstrates a hierarchy and division of labor instituted by God, not for human pride, but for the effective and holy operation of divine worship.

1 Chronicles 6 48 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:48 succinctly summarizes the broad and indispensable functions of the non-priestly Levites within the cultic life of Israel. They were not merely laborers but a divinely "appointed" body whose every task, regardless of how mundane it might appear, was a vital component of "all manner of service" directed towards the "tabernacle of the house of God." This highlights the biblical principle that service to God encompasses a wide spectrum of duties, each essential to the overall divine purpose. The very use of "tabernacle of the house of God" points back to the enduring Mosaic mandate, underscoring the timeless nature of the Levites' consecrated duties and the reverence due to God's dwelling. Their detailed work ensured the holiness and operational readiness of the sanctuary, making worship possible. In a broader sense, this verse reminds us that in God's economy, every contribution of service within His 'house' – whether physical, administrative, or directly ministerial – is invaluable and divinely purposed for His glory and the good of His people.