Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They also cast lots, just as their relatives the descendants of Aaron did, in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelek, and the heads of families of the priests and of the Levites. The families of the oldest brother were treated the same as those of the youngest. New Living Translation Like the descendants of Aaron, they were assigned to their duties by means of sacred lots, without regard to age or rank. Lots were drawn in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the family leaders of the priests and the Levites. English Standard Version These also, the head of each father’s house and his younger brother alike, cast lots, just as their brothers the sons of Aaron, in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of fathers’ houses of the priests and of the Levites. Berean Standard Bible As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike. Berean Literal Bible And they also cast lots as their brothers, the sons of Aaron, before the face of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers of the priests and Levites—the chief father as his younger brother. King James Bible These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren. New King James Version These also cast lots just as their brothers the sons of Aaron did, in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers’ houses of the priests and Levites. The chief fathers did just as their younger brethren. New American Standard Bible These also cast lots just as their relatives, the sons of Aaron did in the presence of David the king, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the priests and of the Levites—the head of fathers’ households as well as those of his younger brother. NASB 1995 These also cast lots just as their relatives the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the priests and of the Levites— the head of fathers’ households as well as those of his younger brother. NASB 1977 These also cast lots just as their relatives the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the priests and of the Levites—the head of fathers’ households as well as those of his younger brother. Legacy Standard Bible These also cast lots alongside their relatives the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the priests and of the Levites—the head of fathers’ households alongside those of his younger brother. Amplified Bible These also cast lots as did their relatives the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the priests and of the Levites—the head of father’s households as well as those of his younger brother. Berean Annotated Bible As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did (light bringer), they also cast lots in the presence of King David (beloved) and of Zadok (righteous), Ahimelech (my brother is king), and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike. Christian Standard Bible They also cast lots the same way as their relatives the descendants of Aaron did in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike. Holman Christian Standard Bible They also cast lots the same way as their relatives the sons of Aaron did in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike. American Standard Version These likewise cast lots even as their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers' houses of the priests and of the Levites; the fathers' houses of the chief even as those of his younger brother. Contemporary English Version Each one was assigned his duties in the same way that their relatives the priests had been assigned their duties. David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the family leaders of the priests and Levites were the witnesses. English Revised Version These likewise cast lots even as their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers' houses of the priests and of the Levites; the fathers' houses of the chief even as those of his younger brother. GOD'S WORD® Translation They drew lots as their relatives, Aaron's descendants, had done. They drew them in front of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the leaders of the families of the priests and Levites. The families of the oldest brother were treated the same way as those of the youngest. Good News Translation The head of each family and one of his younger brothers drew lots for their assignments, just as their relatives, the priests descended from Aaron, had done. King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of families of the priests and of the Levites were witnesses. International Standard Version These individuals also cast lots corresponding to their relatives, Aaron's descendants, in the presence of King David, Zadok, and Ahimelech, and in the presence of the heads of the ancestral households of the priests and of the descendants of Levi, and the eldest was treated as impartially as was the younger brother. NET Bible Just like their relatives, the descendants of Aaron, they also cast lots before King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, the leaders of families, the priests, and the Levites. The families of the oldest son cast lots along with the those of the youngest. New Heart English Bible These likewise cast lots even as their kinsmen the descendants of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the heads of the ancestral houses of the priests and of the Levites; the ancestral houses of the chief even as those of his younger brother. Webster's Bible Translation These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAs their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike. World English Bible These likewise cast lots even as their brothers the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the priests and of the Levites, the fathers’ households of the chief even as those of his younger brother. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they also cast lots just as their brothers, the sons of Aaron, before David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and heads of the fathers for priests and for Levites; the chief father just as his younger brother. Berean Literal Bible And they also cast lots as their brothers, the sons of Aaron, before the face of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers of the priests and Levites—the chief father as his younger brother. Young's Literal Translation and they cast, they also, lots over-against their brethren the sons of Aaron, before David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and heads of the fathers, for priests and for Levites; the chief father over-against his younger brother. Smith's Literal Translation And they will also cast lots near their brethren the sons of Aaron before David the king and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers to the priests and to the Levites, the fathers the head near his brethren the small. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they also cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron before David the king, and Sadoc, and Ahimelech, and the princes of the priestly and Levitical families, both the elder and the younger. The lot divided all equally. Catholic Public Domain Version And they also cast lots concerning their brothers, the sons of Aaron, before David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the leaders of the priestly and Levitical families, as much concerning the elder as the younger. The lot divided all things equitably. New American Bible They too, in the same manner as their kinsmen, the sons of Aaron, cast lots in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the priestly and levitical families; the more important family did so in the same way as the less important one. New Revised Standard Version These also cast lots corresponding to their kindred, the descendants of Aaron, in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of ancestral houses of the priests and of the Levites, the chief as well as the youngest brother. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThese likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers, over against their younger brethren. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917These likewise cast lots even as their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers' houses of the priests and of the Levites; the fathers' houses of the chief even as those of his younger brother. Brenton Septuagint Translation And they also received lots as their brethren the sons of Aaron before the king; Sadoc also, and Achimelech, and the chiefs of the families of the priests and of the Levites, principal heads of families, even as their younger brethren. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Rest of the Levites…30And the sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites, according to their families. 31As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites— the family heads and their younger brothers alike. Cross References As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, Numbers 18:1-7 So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. / But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. / And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. … Numbers 3:10 So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood; but any outsider who approaches the tabernacle must be put to death.” they also cast lots 1 Chronicles 25:8 They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil. Joshua 18:10 And Joshua cast lots for them in the presence of the LORD at Shiloh, where he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions. Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. in the presence of King David 1 Chronicles 28:1 Now David summoned all the leaders of Israel to Jerusalem: the leaders of the tribes, the leaders of the divisions in the king’s service, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the property and cattle of the king and his sons, along with the court officials and mighty men—every mighty man of valor. 1 Chronicles 29:1 Then King David said to the whole assembly, “My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The task is great because this palace is not for man, but for the LORD God. 1 Kings 1:32-35 Then King David said, “Call in for me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. / “Take my servants with you,” said the king. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon. / There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. You are to blow the ram’s horn and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ … and of Zadok, Ahimelech, 2 Samuel 8:17 Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe; 1 Chronicles 18:16 Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Shavsha was the scribe; 2 Samuel 15:24-29 Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had passed out of the city. / Then the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again. / But if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.” … and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites— 2 Chronicles 19:8 Moreover, Jehoshaphat appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the Israelite families to judge on behalf of the LORD and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem. Ezra 8:29 Guard them carefully until you weigh them out in the chambers of the house of the LORD in Jerusalem before the leading priests, Levites, and heads of the Israelite families.” 1 Chronicles 23:24 These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD. the family heads and their younger brothers alike. 1 Chronicles 26:13 They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. 2 Chronicles 31:15 Under his authority, Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah faithfully distributed portions to their fellow priests in their cities, according to their divisions, old and young alike. Treasury of Scripture These likewise cast lots over against their brothers the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brothers. Mushi 1 Chronicles 6:47 The son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi. 1 Chronicles 23:23 The sons of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three. Jump to Previous Aaron Ahimelech Cast Chief David Fathers Heads Houses Likewise Presence Priests Principal Relatives Younger ZadokJump to Next Aaron Ahimelech Cast Chief David Fathers Heads Houses Likewise Presence Priests Principal Relatives Younger Zadok1 Chronicles 24 1. The division of the sons of Aaron by lot into twenty-four orders.20. The Kohathites 26. and the Merarites, divided by lot As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did This phrase refers to the practice of casting lots, a method used to determine the order of service among the priests. The descendants of Aaron, the first high priest, were set apart for priestly duties. This highlights the continuity and shared responsibilities among the Levitical families, emphasizing the unity and order within the priesthood as established by God through Moses (Exodus 28:1). They also cast lots In the presence of King David And of Zadok, Ahimelech And the heads of the families of the priests and Levites The family heads and their younger brothers alike Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe second king of Israel, who played a significant role in organizing the priestly divisions. 2. Zadok A high priest during the reign of King David, representing the line of Eleazar. 3. Ahimelech A priest, possibly representing the line of Ithamar, involved in the priestly organization. 4. Descendants of Aaron The priestly line originating from Aaron, Moses' brother, divided into various families for temple service. 5. Heads of the families of the priests and the Levites Leaders responsible for overseeing the divisions and duties of the temple service. Teaching Points Divine Order and OrganizationGod values order and structure in worship and service, as seen in the detailed organization of the priestly divisions. Equality in Service The casting of lots ensured that both the heads of families and their younger brothers had equal opportunity to serve, highlighting the importance of equality in ministry roles. Seeking God's Guidance The use of lots demonstrates a reliance on God's sovereignty in decision-making, encouraging believers to seek His guidance in their own lives. Leadership and Responsibility The involvement of leaders like David, Zadok, and Ahimelech underscores the importance of godly leadership in organizing and maintaining spiritual practices. Continuity of Worship The careful organization of the priestly duties reflects a commitment to the continuity and consistency of worship, a principle applicable to modern church practices. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 24:31?2. How does 1 Chronicles 24:31 emphasize the importance of orderly worship practices? 3. What role does family lineage play in 1 Chronicles 24:31's priestly duties? 4. How can we apply the principle of fairness from 1 Chronicles 24:31 today? 5. What scriptural connections exist between 1 Chronicles 24:31 and New Testament church leadership? 6. How does 1 Chronicles 24:31 encourage us to serve God with integrity and order? 7. What is the significance of casting lots in 1 Chronicles 24:31 for priestly duties? 8. How does 1 Chronicles 24:31 reflect the organization of religious leadership in ancient Israel? 9. Why were the sons of Aaron divided into groups in 1 Chronicles 24:31? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 24? 11. Is the claim in 1 Chronicles 24 of David having enough priests to fill 24 separate divisions historically plausible? 12. Does gambling align with biblical teachings on stewardship? 13. What does casting lots mean in the Bible? 14. Is there any archaeological or historical evidence outside the Bible that confirms these 24 priestly orders ever existed? What Does 1 Chronicles 24:31 Mean As their brothers the descendants of Aaron didThe Chronicler has just listed the twenty-four priestly divisions descending from Aaron through Eleazar and Ithamar (1 Chron 24:1-19). Now he turns to the Levites who assist the priests. • By saying “as their brothers … did,” Scripture affirms that the Levites follow the same God-given pattern already shown among the priestly sons of Aaron (Numbers 18:1-7; 1 Chron 23:32). • This continuity underscores that every ministry function—whether priest or Levite—operates under the same divine order, not human preference (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). • In practical terms, God values faithfulness to His revealed structure more than personal ambition or seniority (Numbers 16:8-10; Matthew 20:25-28). they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech • “Casting lots” placed the decision squarely in God’s hands (Proverbs 16:33; Acts 1:24-26). The leaders accept whatever result He appoints. • King David represents civil authority; Zadok (from Eleazar) and Ahimelech (from Ithamar) represent priestly authority. Both spheres acknowledge that final authority rests with the Lord (2 Samuel 8:15; 1 Peter 2:13-17). • By publicly casting lots before these leaders, the process remains transparent, preventing favoritism (Deuteronomy 1:17; James 2:1). • The verse models godly decision-making: invite spiritual and civic oversight, seek God’s will, accept His choice. and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites— • Family heads stand as witnesses, ensuring each clan is represented (Exodus 18:21; 1 Chron 23:2). • Their involvement underscores corporate responsibility; leadership is accountable both upward to God and outward to the people (Hebrews 13:17). • The phrase links priests and Levites together, reminding us that while roles differ, devotion to holy service unites them (Numbers 3:6-10; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6). the family heads and their younger brothers alike • Age or birth order does not alter calling. Whether firstborn or youngest, each receives assignment directly from God (Genesis 48:17-20; 1 Samuel 16:11-13). • This equal footing dismantles every flesh-based hierarchy, pointing to the New Covenant reality where all believers are a “royal priesthood” (Galatians 3:28; 1 Peter 2:9). • The phrase protects against pride among elders and discouragement among younger members, fostering unity (Romans 12:3-5; Ephesians 4:16). • Practically, ministry opportunities and responsibilities should be distributed by God’s gifting, not merely seniority or human tradition (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Corinthians 12:18). summary 1 Chronicles 24:31 shows that God assigns ministry roles impartially and transparently. By casting lots before civil and priestly leaders, both elders and younger men submit to the Lord’s sovereign choice. The verse teaches that faithful service, not status, defines greatness, and that all God’s people—regardless of age or lineage—share together in His ordered plan. (31) These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron.--Rather, Just like, in the same way as their brethren, the priests. The same compound preposition (le'ummath) recurs in 1Chronicles 26:12; 1Chronicles 26:16. In 2Samuel 16:13 it has the sense of over against, or parallel with. The lots were cast, as in the case of the priests, to determine the order according to which the classes were to serve in rotation.Their brethren the sons of Aaron.--This expression seems to indicate that the preceding list does not include all the Levites, but only those who assisted the priests in the Temple services: that is, the 24,000 of 1Chronicles 23:4. The chronicler naturally returned to them after his account of the priestly classes. Hence, perhaps, the omission of the Gershonite houses is intentional. The narrative proceeds to treat of the Levites who were not in immediate attendance on the priesthood in 1 Chronicles 25, 26 The chief of the fathers.--Rather, the chiefs of the clans. Even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.--Rather, clans--the chief just like his younger brother. The word "fathers" (?both) is a brief form of "father-houses" (beth- ?both). The meaning appears to be that all the Levitical houses received their position by lot, senior and junior branches alike. The order, as thus determined, is not communicated; nor is it expressly stated that the Levitical classes were twenty-four in number, but it appears highly probable, both from the data of the text, and from the analogy of the classes of the priests and the musicians (1 Chronicles 25). . . . Verse 31. - Over against... over against. This translation of the Hebrew (לְעמַּת) is obscure and awkward. The meaning is "equally with," or "correspondingly with" (1 Chronicles 26:12, 16, etc.). The root means "communion," and the word is found only in the constructive state. The Vulgate shows the translation, Omnes sors aequaliter dividebat; tam majores quam minores.
Hebrew Asלְעֻמַּ֣ת ׀ (lə·‘um·maṯ) Preposition-l Strong's 5980: Society, near, beside, along with their brothers אֲחֵיהֶ֣ם (’ă·ḥê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 251: A brother, ) the descendants בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Aaron did, אַהֲרֹ֗ן (’a·hă·rōn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses they הֵ֨ם (hêm) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They also גַם־ (ḡam-) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and cast וַיַּפִּילוּ֩ (way·yap·pî·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5307: To fall, lie lots גּוֹרָל֜וֹת (gō·w·rā·lō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1486: Lot -- a lot (for casting) in the presence לִפְנֵ֨י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face of King הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king David דָוִ֤יד (ḏā·wîḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse and of Zadok, וְצָד֣וֹק (wə·ṣā·ḏō·wq) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6659: Zadok -- the name of several Israelites Ahimelech, וַאֲחִימֶ֔לֶךְ (wa·’ă·ḥî·me·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 288: Ahimelech -- 'brother of a king', an Israelite name, also a Hittite name and the heads וְרָאשֵׁי֙ (wə·rā·šê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 7218: The head of the families הָֽאָב֔וֹת (hā·’ā·ḇō·wṯ) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1: Father of the priests לַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים (lak·kō·hă·nîm) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3548: Priest and Levites— וְלַלְוִיִּ֑ם (wə·lal·wî·yim) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi the family אָב֣וֹת (’ā·ḇō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1: Father heads הָרֹ֔אשׁ (hā·rōš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7218: The head and their younger הַקָּטָֽן׃ (haq·qā·ṭān) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant brothers alike. אָחִ֥יו (’ā·ḥîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) Links 1 Chronicles 24:31 NIV1 Chronicles 24:31 NLT 1 Chronicles 24:31 ESV 1 Chronicles 24:31 NASB 1 Chronicles 24:31 KJV 1 Chronicles 24:31 BibleApps.com 1 Chronicles 24:31 Biblia Paralela 1 Chronicles 24:31 Chinese Bible 1 Chronicles 24:31 French Bible 1 Chronicles 24:31 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Chronicles 24:31 These likewise cast lots even as their (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) |
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