1 Chronicles 12:32
New International Version
from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;

New Living Translation
From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.

English Standard Version
Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.

Berean Standard Bible
From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.

King James Bible
And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

New King James Version
of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command;

New American Standard Bible
From the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command.

NASB 1995
Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command.

NASB 1977
And of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command.

Legacy Standard Bible
Of the sons of Issachar, men who knew how to discern the times, to know what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their relatives were at their command.

Amplified Bible
Of the tribe of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, two hundred chiefs; and all their relatives were at their command;

Christian Standard Bible
From the Issacharites, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their relatives under their command.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
From the Issacharites, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their relatives under their command.

American Standard Version
And of the children of Issachar, men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

English Revised Version
And of the children of Issachar, men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
From Issachar's descendants there were 200 leaders who understood the times and knew what Israel should do. Their relatives were under their command.

International Standard Version
The tribe of Issachar supplied 200 leaders, along with all of their relatives under their command. They kept up-to-date in their understanding of the times and knew what Israel should do.

Majority Standard Bible
From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.

NET Bible
From Issachar there were 200 leaders and all their relatives at their command--they understood the times and knew what Israel should do.

New Heart English Bible
Of the people of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their heads were two hundred; and all their brothers were at their commandment.

Webster's Bible Translation
And of the children of Issachar, who were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command.

World English Bible
Of the children of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their heads were two hundred; and all their brothers were at their command.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And of the sons of Issachar, having understanding for the times, to know what Israel should do; their heads [are] two hundred, and all their brothers [are] at their command.

Young's Literal Translation
And of the sons of Issachar, having understanding for the times, to know what Israel should do; their heads are two hundred, and all their brethren are at their command.

Smith's Literal Translation
And from the sons of Issachar, those knowing the understanding to the times to know what Israel shall do; their heads two hundred; and all their brethren at their mouth.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Also of the sons of Issachar men of understanding, that knew all times to order what Israel should do, two hundred principal men: and all the rest of the tribe followed their counsel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Also, from the sons of Issachar, there were learned men, who knew each of the times, in order to anticipate what Israel ought to do, two hundred leaders. And all the remainder of the tribe were following their counsel.

New American Bible
Of the Issacharites, their chiefs who were endowed with an understanding of the times and who knew what Israel had to do: two hundred chiefs, together with all their kinsmen under their command.

New Revised Standard Version
Of Issachar, those who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, two hundred chiefs, and all their kindred under their command.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And of the tribe of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all weapons of war, fifty thousand, who were ready to fight against those whose loyalty was doubtful concerning the kingdom of David.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And from the sons of Issakar, knowing wisdom in their times and workers of beautiful works and upright before LORD JEHOVAH, their two hundred Chiefs, and all their brothers, whatever they were saying to them is what they were doing.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And of the children of Issachar, men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And of the sons of Issachar having wisdom with regard to the times, knowing what Israel should do, two hundred; and all their brethren with them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Army Grows at Hebron
31From the half-tribe of Manasseh: 18,000 designated by name to come and make David king. 32From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command. 33From Zebulun: 50,000 fit for service, trained for battle with all kinds of weapons of war, who with one purpose were devoted to David.…

Cross References
Genesis 49:14-15
Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds. / He saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant.

Judges 5:15
The princes of Issachar were with Deborah, and Issachar was with Barak, rushing into the valley at his heels. In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision.

2 Samuel 5:1-3
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.

1 Kings 4:7
Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year,

1 Kings 12:6-8
Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.

2 Kings 22:12-14
and commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king: / “Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah concerning the words in this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us.” / So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went and spoke to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, the keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second District.

Nehemiah 8:7-8
The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places. / So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read.

Esther 1:13
Then the king consulted the wise men who knew the times, for it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice.

Proverbs 1:5
let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel

Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Jeremiah 23:5
Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land.

Daniel 12:10
Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand.

Matthew 16:3
and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times.

Matthew 24:45
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time?


Treasury of Scripture

And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brothers were at their commandment.

Genesis 49:14
Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens:

Esther 1:12
But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.

Isaiah 22:12-14
And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth: …

to know

Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

Ephesians 5:17
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

all their

Proverbs 24:5
A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

Ecclesiastes 7:19
Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.

Ecclesiastes 9:18
Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

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1 Chronicles 12
1. The companies that came to David at Ziklag
23. The armies that came to him at Hebron














From the tribe of Issachar
The tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is named after the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. The Hebrew root of Issachar (יִשָּׂשכָר, Yissakhar) can be interpreted as "there is recompense" or "he will bring a reward." Historically, Issachar was known for its agricultural prosperity and wisdom. The tribe's geographical location in the fertile Jezreel Valley contributed to its wealth and influence. In a spiritual sense, Issachar's role in this verse highlights the importance of discernment and wisdom in leadership.

there were 200 leaders
The mention of "200 leaders" signifies a substantial and organized group within the tribe, emphasizing the importance of leadership and governance. In the Hebrew context, leaders (רָאשִׁים, roshim) often refers to heads or chiefs, indicating individuals with authority and responsibility. This number suggests a well-structured hierarchy, reflecting the tribe's ability to mobilize and guide the people effectively.

who understood the times
The phrase "understood the times" (יֹדְעֵי בִּינָה לַעִתִּים, yod'ei binah la'itim) implies a deep comprehension of the current circumstances and the ability to interpret them wisely. The Hebrew word "binah" denotes insight or discernment, suggesting that these leaders possessed a God-given ability to perceive the spiritual and political climate. This understanding is crucial for making informed decisions, especially in times of uncertainty or change.

and knew what Israel should do
The leaders' knowledge of "what Israel should do" (לָדַעַת מַה־יַּעֲשֶׂה יִשְׂרָאֵל, lada'at mah-ya'aseh Yisrael) underscores their strategic and practical wisdom. The Hebrew verb "ya'aseh" (to do) indicates action, suggesting that their insight was not merely theoretical but translated into concrete plans and actions. This ability to guide the nation aligns with the biblical principle that wisdom is demonstrated through righteous and effective deeds.

Their relatives were under their command
The phrase "under their command" (עַל־פִּיהֶם, al-pihem) indicates a structure of authority and obedience within the tribe. The Hebrew term "pihem" (mouth) metaphorically represents command or instruction, highlighting the leaders' influence over their kin. This structure reflects the biblical model of leadership, where authority is exercised with responsibility and care for the community's well-being.

(32) And of the children of Issachar . . .--Rather, And of the sons of Issachar (came) men sage in discernment for the times (tempora, critical junctures), so as to know what Israel ought to do; viz., their chiefs two hundred (in number), and all their fellow clansmen under their orders. The old Jewish expositors concluded, from the former part of this verse that the tribe of Issachar had skill i?? astrology, so that they could read in the heavens what seasons were auspicious for action, as the ancient Babylonians professed to do. But all that the text really asserts is that those men of Issachar who went over to David thereby showed political sagacity. No similar phrase occurs elsewhere in the Old Testament.

At their commandment.--Upon their mouth. (Comp. Numbers 4:27.) The clansmen marched with their chieftains. The total number of Issachar's contingent is not assigned.

Verse 32. - Had understanding of the times (2 Chronicles 2:12; Esther 1:13; Job 24:1). Compare Tacitus, "gnarus temporum" ('Agricola,' §6). This verse does not tell the number of the "children," but only of the "heads" of Issachar. It is possible that the number has slipped out. The description of the characteristics of Issachar here seems an advance upon that of Genesis 49:14, 15.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
From the Issacharites,
וּמִבְּנֵ֣י (ū·mib·bə·nê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

who understood
יוֹדְעֵ֤י (yō·wḏ·‘ê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3045: To know

the times
לַֽעִתִּ֔ים (la·‘it·tîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common plural
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

and knew
לָדַ֖עַת (lā·ḏa·‘aṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3045: To know

what
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

should do:
יַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה (ya·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

200
מָאתַ֔יִם (mā·ṯa·yim)
Number - fd
Strong's 3967: A hundred

chiefs
רָאשֵׁיהֶ֣ם (rā·šê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7218: The head

with all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

their kinsmen
אֲחֵיהֶ֖ם (’ă·ḥê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 251: A brother, )

at
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's Hebrew

their command.
פִּיהֶֽם׃ (pî·hem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 12:32 Of the children of Issachar men who (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 12:31
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