And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, and Jeush and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
1 Chronicles 23:10
What does 1 Chronicles 23:10 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
1 Chronicles 23:10
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Even though Shimei's sons are listed, the verse doesn't say they performed any specific service. This quiet mention suggests that not everyone in a prominent family line was necessarily called to the same public duties, highlighting God's diverse ways of using individuals.
And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, and Jeush and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is giving instructions to his son Solomon about organizing the temple service and assigning roles to the Levites. This passage details the lineage of specific Levite families, like Shimei's, who were appointed to various responsibilities in the upcoming administration of worship and security for the temple. These genealogies are crucial for understanding how the different Levite clans fit into the divinely ordained structure for Israel's spiritual life.
This verse names four individuals who trace their lineage back to Shimei. But who was Shimei, and why is his family line noted here?
Shimei's Complex Legacy
Shimei is a figure who appears during a tumultuous period in Israel's history. He's known for cursing King David as David fled from his son Absalom (2 Samuel 16:5-13). This was a serious act of defiance and disloyalty. Despite this, David later showed him mercy.
A New Assignment
In 1 Chronicles 23, we see David, now King and preparing for Solomon to take over, organizing the Levites for their service in the temple. This verse highlights four of Shimei's descendants. It’s a testament to God’s grace that even those from a lineage associated with disloyalty could be integrated into sacred service. Their inclusion shows that God can redeem and repurpose all lines for His glory.
Why does the Bible bother listing names, especially in a list that seems so specific and perhaps obscure?
Identity Rooted in Family
Genealogies in the Bible are far more than just family trees. They establish lineage, often tracing critical lines like those leading to the Messiah or those who held specific offices.
God's Attention to Detail
In this passage, the names Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah are listed because they are descendants of Shimei and are part of the Levitical service. This highlights God's meticulous attention to every individual and family. It underscores that no one is too small or too far removed to be part of His purposes. Their inclusion affirms their role and their belonging within the community of faith.
Ask a follow-up
This passage reveals the meticulous administrative and genealogical work undertaken by David to prepare for the Temple's construction and service, highlighting the importance of ordered worship and lineage in ancient Israel.
~1000 BC
Reign of King David
David unifies Israel and establishes Jerusalem as his capital, ushering in a golden age for the nation.
~995 BC
Davidic Dynasty Established
David is anointed king over all Israel, and his reign is marked by significant administrative and religious reforms.
~975 BC
David's Census and Preparations
Near the end of his life, David takes a census and makes extensive preparations for the building of the Temple in Jerusalem.
~975 BC— this verse
Organization of Levitical Service
David organizes the Levites, particularly the descendants of Kohath, Gershon, and Merari, into specific roles for Temple service. This includes the lineage of Shimei, as detailed in 1 Chronicles 23.
~975 BC
David Appoints Solomon
Before his death, David publicly designates his son Solomon as his successor, ensuring a smooth transition of power.
This passage lists the descendants of Levi, just as 1 Chronicles does, showing the genealogical structure of the Levites and their roles.
Numbers 3:17-20This section enumerates the families of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, the three main divisions of the Levites, providing context for the Levitical assignments.
1 Chronicles 23:1-6This immediately preceding section details David's commissioning of the Levites for their service in the temple, establishing the purpose behind the genealogies like the one in verse 10.
1 Chronicles 24:20-31This passage continues the detailed listing of Levitical families and their appointed duties, showing how the genealogies served practical organizational purposes for worship.
Even though Shimei's sons are listed, the verse doesn't say they performed any specific service. This quiet mention suggests that not everyone in a prominent family line was necessarily called to the same public duties, highlighting God's diverse ways of using individuals.
David is giving instructions to his son Solomon about organizing the temple service and assigning roles to the Levites. This passage details the lineage of specific Levite families, like Shimei's, who were appointed to various responsibilities in the upcoming administration of worship and security for the temple. These genealogies are crucial for understanding how the different Levite clans fit into the divinely ordained structure for Israel's spiritual life.
David is giving instructions to his son Solomon about organizing the temple service and assigning roles to the Levites. This passage details the lineage of specific Levite families, like Shimei's, who were appointed to various responsibilities in the upcoming administration of worship and security for the temple. These genealogies are crucial for understanding how the different Levite clans fit into the divinely ordained structure for Israel's spiritual life.
"And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, and Jeush and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei." — Even though Shimei's sons are listed, the verse doesn't say they performed any specific service. This quiet mention suggests that not everyone in a prominent family line was necessarily called to t…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026