1 Chronicles 23:11
New International Version
Jahath was the first and Ziza the second, but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons; so they were counted as one family with one assignment.

New Living Translation
Jahath was the family leader, and Ziza was next. Jeush and Beriah were counted as a single family because neither had many sons.

English Standard Version
Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, therefore they became counted as a single father’s house.

Berean Standard Bible
Jahath was the first and Zizah was the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they were counted as one family and received a single assignment.

King James Bible
And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father's house.

New King James Version
Jahath was the first and Zizah the second. But Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons; therefore they were assigned as one father’s house.

New American Standard Bible
Jahath was the first and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they became a father’s household, one group for duty.

NASB 1995
Jahath was the first and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they became a father’s household, one class.

NASB 1977
And Jahath was the first, and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they became a father’s household, one class.

Legacy Standard Bible
Jahath was the first and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they became a father’s household, one unit.

Amplified Bible
Jahath was the first and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons [not enough for a father’s house or clan], so they were [counted together] as one father’s household, one working group.

Christian Standard Bible
Jahath was the first and Zizah was the second; however, Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they became one family and received a single assignment.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jahath was the first and Zizah was the second; however, Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they became an ancestral house and received a single assignment.

American Standard Version
And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they became a fathers' house in one reckoning.

English Revised Version
And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they became a fathers' house in one reckoning.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jahath was the first, and Ziza was the second. Jeush and Beriah didn't have many sons, so they were given an assignment as one family.

International Standard Version
Jahath served as chief and Zizah was second in rank, but since Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, they were enrolled as a single family unit.

Majority Standard Bible
Jahath was the first and Zizah was the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they were counted as one family and received a single assignment.

NET Bible
Jahath was the oldest and Zizah the second oldest. Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they were considered one family with one responsibility.

New Heart English Bible
Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons; therefore they became a fathers' house in one reckoning.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father's house.

World English Bible
Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah didn’t have many sons; therefore they became a fathers’ house in one reckoning.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jahath is the head, and Zizah the second, and Jeush and Beriah have not multiplied sons, and they become the house of a father by one numbering.

Young's Literal Translation
And Jahath is the head, and Zizah the second, and Jeush and Beriah have not multiplied sons, and they become the house of a father by one numbering.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jahath will be head, and Ziza, the second: and Jeush and Beriah did not multiply sons; and they will be to the father's house for one reviewing.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Leheth was the first, Ziza the second: but Jaus and Baria had not many children, and therefore they were counted in one family, and in one house.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now Jahath was first, Zizah second, but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, and for this reason they were reckoned as one family and one house.

New American Bible
Jahath was the chief and Zizah was second to him; but Jeush and Beriah had few sons, and therefore they were classed as a single family, exercising a single office.

New Revised Standard Version
Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they were enrolled as a single family.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Nahat was his first-born, Zabda the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons; therefore they were included in their father's family as one.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Nakhath was his older, and Zebda the second, and Yawush, and Bria, and Bria did not increase sons to himself, and it was for the house of their father, one generation.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they became a fathers' house in one reckoning.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Jeth was the chief, and Ziza the second: and Joas and Beria did not multiply sons, and they became only one reckoning according to the house of their father.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Gershonites
10And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah. These were the sons of Shimei—four in all. 11Jahath was the first and Zizah was the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they were counted as one family and received a single assignment.

Cross References
Numbers 3:32
The chief of the leaders of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest; he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary.

Numbers 4:16
Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils.”

1 Chronicles 6:48
Their fellow Levites were assigned to every kind of service of the tabernacle, the house of God.

1 Chronicles 9:32
Some of their Kohathite relatives were responsible for preparing the rows of the showbread every Sabbath.

1 Chronicles 24:1-5
These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. / With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. ...

1 Chronicles 25:1
Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service:

1 Chronicles 26:12-19
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives did. / They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. / The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. ...

1 Chronicles 28:13
for the divisions of the priests and Levites, for all the work of service in the house of the LORD, and for all the articles of service in the house of the LORD:

2 Chronicles 8:14
In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.

2 Chronicles 23:18
Moreover, Jehoiada put the oversight of the house of the LORD into the hands of the Levitical priests, whom David had appointed over the house of the LORD, to offer burnt offerings to the LORD as written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and song, as ordained by David.

2 Chronicles 31:2
Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling.

Nehemiah 12:24
The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.

Nehemiah 12:45-46
They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed. / For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Matthew 23:2-3
“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. / So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

Luke 1:8-9
One day while Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, / he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.


Treasury of Scripture

And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father's house.

Zizah

1 Chronicles 23:10
And the sons of Shimei were, Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.

Jump to Previous
Beriah Beri'ah Chief Class Counted Family Fathers Father's First Grouped Head House Household Jahath Jeush Je'ush Reckoning Second Small Together Zizah
Jump to Next
Beriah Beri'ah Chief Class Counted Family Fathers Father's First Grouped Head House Household Jahath Jeush Je'ush Reckoning Second Small Together Zizah
1 Chronicles 23
1. David in his old age makes Solomon king
2. The number and distribution of the Levites
7. The families of the Gershonites
12. The sons of Kohath
21. The sons of Merari
24. The office of the Levites














Jahath was the first
The name "Jahath" is derived from the Hebrew root "יַחַת" (Yachath), which means "union" or "joining." This name may symbolize the unity and leadership within the family lineage. In the context of the Levitical duties, being the "first" suggests a position of prominence and responsibility. Historically, the firstborn often held a special status, which included leadership roles and a double portion of inheritance. Jahath's position as the first indicates his role in maintaining the spiritual and organizational structure of the Levites.

Zizah was the second
"Zizah" is a name that appears less frequently in the biblical text, and its exact meaning is not entirely clear. However, being the "second" in this context implies a supportive role to Jahath. In the Levitical order, the second in command would assist in the administration of duties and ensure the smooth operation of temple services. This highlights the importance of collaboration and support within the family and community, reflecting the biblical principle of working together for a common purpose.

Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons
The mention of "Jeush" and "Beriah" having few descendants is significant in the context of ancient Israelite society, where large families were often seen as a sign of blessing and strength. The Hebrew names "Jeush" (יְעוּשׁ) and "Beriah" (בְּרִיעָה) carry meanings related to "assembler" and "in trouble" or "misfortune," respectively. This phrase may indicate a limitation in their ability to contribute to the Levitical duties due to their smaller family size. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by families in maintaining their roles and responsibilities within the community.

so they were counted as one family
This phrase underscores the principle of unity and cooperation within the Levitical clans. Despite their smaller numbers, Jeush and Beriah's families were "counted as one," emphasizing the importance of collective identity and shared responsibility. In the broader biblical narrative, this reflects the idea that every member of the community, regardless of size or strength, has a vital role to play in the service of God. It is a call to unity and mutual support, ensuring that no one is left out or marginalized.

and received a single assignment
The "single assignment" given to Jeush and Beriah's combined family highlights the practical approach to service in the temple. This allocation of duties ensured that all families, regardless of size, could contribute meaningfully to the worship and service of God. It reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where each person or family is entrusted with responsibilities according to their capacity. This phrase encourages believers to embrace their God-given roles and to serve faithfully, knowing that every contribution is valuable in the eyes of the Lord.

(11) But Jeush and Beriah had not many sons.--Now Jeush and Beriah had not multiplied sons; so they became (one) father-home (beth-ab), one class (or muster--p?qudd?h). Altogether, then, there were nine Gershonite clans: viz., six of the sons of Laadan, and three of the sons of Shimei, among the 24,000 Levites of 1Chronicles 23:4.

Verse 11. - In one reckoning. The Hebrew of the word here translated "reckoning" is פְקֻדָּה, i.e. "enumeration." The meaning is they were accounted as only one "father's house." The derivative significations of the word are "care," "custody," and generally "office" (2 Chronicles 23:18). The total of Gershonite houses will amount to nine, three of these being houses of Shimei, and six of Landau.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Jahath
יַ֣חַת (ya·ḥaṯ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3189: Jahath -- 'He will snatch up', the name of several Israelites

was
וַֽיְהִי־ (way·hî-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

the first
הָרֹ֔אשׁ (hā·rōš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

and Zizah
וְזִיזָ֖ה (wə·zî·zāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2125: Zizah -- a Levite

was the second;
הַשֵּׁנִ֑י (haš·šê·nî)
Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 8145: Second (an ordinal number)

but Jeush
וִיע֤וּשׁ (wî·‘ūš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3266: Jeush -- 'he comes to help', an Edomite, also the name of several Israelites

and Beriah
וּבְרִיעָה֙ (ū·ḇə·rî·‘āh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1283: Beriah -- four Israelites

did not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

have many
הִרְבּ֣וּ (hir·bū)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great

sons,
בָנִ֔ים (ḇā·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1121: A son

so they were counted as
וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ (way·yih·yū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

one family
אָ֔ב (’āḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

and received a single
אֶחָֽת׃ (’e·ḥāṯ)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

assignment.
לִפְקֻדָּ֖ה (lip̄·qud·dāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6486: Oversight, mustering, visitation, store


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 23:11 Jahath was the chief and Zizah (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 23:10
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