I. Genealogies, Tribal, and Family Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Genealogy / Generations / Toledoth (Hebrew: toledoth) (e.g., 1 Chronicles 1:29; 5:1, 7, 17; 7:2, 4, 9; 8:28, 32; 9:9, 22, 34, 38; 26:31): A record or account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or ancestors; a family tree or lineage. 1 Chronicles begins with extensive genealogies (chapters 1-9) to establish continuity and identity for the post-exilic community, particularly focusing on Judah, David, and the Levites.;xNLx;Clan / Family (Hebrew: mishpachah) (e.g., 1 Chronicles 2:53, 55; 4:2, 8, 21, 27, 38; 5:7, 11, 13, 15, 18, 24; 6:19, 33, 39, 44, 54, 60-61, 65, 70-71; 7:2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 40; 8:6, 10, 13, 28; 9:5, 7, 9, 14, 16, 28, 33; 12:30; 15:5-10; 23:8-9, 11, 21-24; 24:4, 6, 20-31; 25:6, 8; 26:6, 8, 10, 13, 20-21, 23, 26, 28; 27:1, 22): A primary social and political unit within a tribe, based on kinship and descent from a common ancestor. Land tenure, military organization, and social identity were often structured around clans.;xNLx;Fathers' Houses / Paternal Houses (Hebrew: beth 'ab) (e.g., 1 Chronicles 5:13, 15, 24; 7:2, 7, 9, 11, 40; 8:6, 10, 13, 28; 9:9, 13, 17, 19, 33-34; 15:12; 23:9, 11, 24; 24:4, 6, 30-31; 26:13, 21, 26; 27:1; 29:6): The smallest recognized social unit within a clan, typically an extended family or household tracing its lineage through the male line. Heads of fathers' houses were important leaders in the community.;xNLx;Chiefs / Princes / Leaders (Hebrew: sar, nasi, rosh, nagid) (e.g., 1 Chronicles 1:51-54 [chiefs of Edom]; 2:10, 16; 4:38, 41-42; 5:4, 6-7, 10, 12, 15-16, 20, 22, 24-26; 6:9; 7:3, 8, 11, 16, 30-32, 34-35, 40; 8:6, 10, 21, 23, 25, 27-28, 30, 32; 9:3, 6-7, 9, 11, 13-14, 16-17, 20, 22, 26, 33-34, 36, 38, 42, 44; 11:3, 6, 10; 12:4, 14, 17-18, 20-21, 23, 25, 27-28, 30, 32, 34, 38; 13:1; 15:5, 11-12, 16, 22, 25; 16:28; 17:6; 19:2-3, 6, 16, 18; 22:17; 23:1-2, 8; 24:4-6; 25:1; 26:1, 6, 9-10, 12, 14, 26; 27:1, 16, 22; 28:1, 4, 21; 29:6, 20): Individuals holding positions of authority and leadership within tribes, clans, military units, or the royal administration. The specific Hebrew term can denote different levels or types of leadership.;xNLx;Firstborn (Hebrew: bekhor) (e.g., 1 Chronicles 1:29; 2:3, 13, 25, 27, 42, 50; 3:1, 15; 4:4, 11; 5:1-3, 12; 6:15, 28, 39, 43-44; 7:1, 20, 22, 30, 32, 35, 38; 8:1, 29-30, 38-39; 9:3, 5, 31, 35-36, 44; 26:2, 4, 6, 10): The eldest son, who typically held special privileges, including a double portion of the inheritance and leadership within the family. 1 Chronicles sometimes notes when the firstborn did not retain this preeminence (e.g., Reuben, 1 Chronicles 5:1).;xNLx;II. Royal, Political, and Military Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Anoint / Anointed (Hebrew: mashach / mashiach) (e.g., 1 Chronicles 11:3 [David]; 14:8; 16:22; 29:22 [Solomon]): The ritual application of oil to consecrate someone (especially a king or priest) for their office, signifying God's choice and empowerment. "The LORD's anointed" refers to the king.;xNLx;King / Kingdom (Throughout, but especially 1 Chronicles 10-29 regarding Saul and David, and looking forward to Solomon): The supreme ruler and the realm he governs. 1 Chronicles emphasizes David as the ideal king chosen by God.;xNLx;House (of David/Saul) (e.g., 1 Chronicles 9:39, 41 [Saul]; 10:6 [Saul]; 11:10; 17:7, 10-14, 23-27 [David]; 28:4-5 [David]): Refers to the royal dynasty or lineage. The promise of an enduring "house" for David (the Davidic Covenant) is a central theme.;xNLx;Covenant (Hebrew: berit) (e.g., 1 Chronicles 11:3 [David with elders]; 15:25-26, 28-29 [Ark]; 16:15-17; 17:1-27 [Davidic Covenant]; 21:28-29 [Ark]; 22:1, 19 [Ark]; 28:18 [Ark]): A solemn, binding agreement. Key in 1 Chronicles are the covenant God made with Abraham (recalled in 16:16) and particularly the Davidic Covenant (chapter 17), promising David an eternal throne and dynasty, which is foundational to the Chronicler's theology.;xNLx;Ark of the Covenant / Ark of God (e.g., 1 Chronicles 6:31; 13:3-14; 15:1-29; 16:1-6, 37; 17:1; 22:19; 28:2, 18): The sacred chest containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God's presence and covenant. Its journey to Jerusalem and the preparations for its housing in the Temple are major focuses.;xNLx;Jerusalem (e.g., 1 Chronicles 3:4-5; 6:10, 15, 32; 8:28, 32; 9:3, 34, 38; 11:4-9; 13:5-8; 14:2-3, 16; 15:1, 3, 25, 29; 16:1, 4, 43; 18:1; 20:1; 21:4, 12, 15-16, 18; 22:1-2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 19; 23:1, 25-26; 25:1; 26:29; 27:24; 28:1, 20; 29:23, 27): Established by David as the political and religious capital of Israel. The Chronicler highlights its central importance for worship.;xNLx;City of David (1 Chronicles 11:5, 7; 13:13; 15:1, 29): The stronghold of Zion in Jerusalem, captured by David and named after him.;xNLx;Commander (of the army) (e.g., 1 Chronicles 11:6 [Joab]; 18:15; 19:8, 10, 16; 27:3, 5, 7, 34): The chief military officer. Joab is prominent in this role under David.;xNLx;Mighty Men / The Thirty / The Three (1 Chronicles 11:10-47; 12:1-22, 30; 20:4-8; 27:6; 29:24): David's elite warriors, celebrated for their bravery and extraordinary deeds. 1 Chronicles provides lists and accounts of their exploits, emphasizing their loyalty and strength in establishing David's kingdom.;xNLx;Officers / Officials (e.g., 1 Chronicles 9:11, 13, 22, 26-27, 29; 15:2, 14, 16-17, 22, 24; 16:4-6, 37-38, 42; 18:16-17; 22:17; 23:2, 4-6; 24:3, 5-6, 19, 31; 25:1, 6, 8; 26:1, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 22-24, 26, 28-29, 31-32; 27:1, 25-34; 28:1, 21; 29:6): Individuals appointed to various administrative, military, religious, or judicial roles within the kingdom. 1 Chronicles gives considerable attention to the organization of these officials, particularly Levites and priests.;xNLx;Scribe (e.g., 1 Chronicles 2:55; 18:16; 24:6; 27:32): A royal official responsible for writing, record-keeping, and other administrative tasks.;xNLx;Recorder (1 Chronicles 18:15): A high-ranking official, likely a court historian or keeper of royal annals.;xNLx;Levy / Forced Labor (Hebrew: mas) (1 Chronicles 22:2, 15 [foreigners for labor]): While the term isn't as central to the grievance narrative as in Kings (regarding Solomon's reign which is yet to be detailed), 1 Chronicles mentions David organizing foreigners for the labor of preparing Temple materials.;xNLx;Chariots / Horsemen (e.g., 1 Chronicles 1:10 [Nimrod, figurative]; 10:1-7 [Philistines vs. Saul]; 11:9 [David's power growing]; 16:1; 18:4; 19:6-7, 18; 20:1; 21:23; 22:3; 28:18; 29:7): Elements of military strength. David captured chariots and horses, and preparations for the Temple included materials for chariots (of the cherubim).;xNLx;Spoil / Plunder (e.g., 1 Chronicles 5:21; 11:25; 14:12 [idols burned]; 20:2-3; 26:27; 29:8): Goods taken from defeated enemies. David dedicated spoil for the Temple.;xNLx;Tribute (e.g., 1 Chronicles 18:2, 6, 11; 19:19; 20:4 [context of subjugation]): Payments or goods rendered by subject peoples or nations to a dominant power.;xNLx;Census (1 Chronicles 21:1-17; 27:23-24): An official numbering of the people, particularly fighting men. David's census, taken at Satan's incitement, brought divine judgment. The Chronicler provides a different perspective on this event compared to 2 Samuel 24.;xNLx;III. Religious, Cultic, and Temple-Related Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Temple / House of the LORD (Throughout 1 Chronicles, but especially chapters 17, 21-22, 28-29, as David prepares for its construction by Solomon): The central sanctuary to be built in Jerusalem for the worship of God. While David was not permitted to build it, his extensive preparations are a major theme.;xNLx;Levites (e.g., 1 Chronicles 6:1-81 [extensive genealogies and cities]; 9:14-34, 38; 13:2, 5, 8-11; 15:2-29; 16:4-7, 37-42; 21:6, 29; Chapters 23-26 detail their organization and duties; 28:13, 21; 29:3): Members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious service, including assisting the priests, ministering in the sanctuary (later the Temple), serving as musicians, gatekeepers, treasurers, officials, and judges. The Chronicler gives them great prominence.;xNLx;Priests (Hebrew: kohanim) (e.g., 1 Chronicles 6:1-15, 33-34, 49-53 [genealogy of Aaron]; 9:10-13, 30; 12:27-28; 13:2, 5, 8-9; 15:4, 11-12, 14, 24; 16:4-6, 37, 39-40; 21:28-29; 23:2, 13, 28, 32; 24:1-31 [divisions]; 27:5; 28:13, 21; 29:21-22): Descendants of Aaron (from the tribe of Levi) who were specifically ordained to offer sacrifices, burn incense, and perform other sacred rites in the sanctuary/Temple.;xNLx;Chief Priest / High Priest (Though the specific title "High Priest" [hakohen hagadol] is less frequent in 1 Chron ESV than "chief priests" or heads of priestly families, the lineage of Aaron and Zadok implies this office, e.g., 1 Chronicles 6:4-15, 50-53; 9:11; 12:27-28; 16:39; 24:3-6, 31; 27:5): The leading priest, descended from Aaron, who had unique responsibilities.;xNLx;Divisions (of Priests and Levites) (1 Chronicles 23:6; Chapters 24-26): The systematic organization of priests and Levites into courses or groups for rotating service in the sanctuary/Temple, established by David.;xNLx;Gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 9:17-27; 15:18, 23-24; 16:38, 42; Chapter 26:1-19): Levites assigned to guard the entrances of the sanctuary/Temple and manage access.;xNLx;Musicians / Singers (1 Chronicles 6:31-48; 9:33; 13:8; 15:16-22, 27-28; 16:4-9, 37, 41-42; Chapter 25): Levites appointed by David to lead musical worship with singing, lyres, harps, cymbals, and trumpets before the Ark and in anticipation of Temple worship. Key figures include Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun (Ethan).;xNLx;Treasurers / Treasury (1 Chronicles 9:26; 26:20-28; 27:25; 28:12; 29:6-8): Levites and officials responsible for the safekeeping and administration of the sacred offerings, dedicated items, and wealth associated with the sanctuary/Temple and the kingdom.;xNLx;Consecrate / Dedicate (e.g., 1 Chronicles 15:12, 14; 18:11; 22:2-5, 14-19; 23:13; 26:20, 26-28; 28:12; 29:2-9, 17): To set apart persons, objects, or resources as holy for God's service, particularly in relation to the Temple and its worship. David and the leaders dedicated much wealth for the Temple's construction.;xNLx;Holy / Sacred (e.g., 1 Chronicles 9:29; 15:13; 16:10, 29, 35, 41; 22:19; 23:13; 26:23, 26-27; 28:12; 29:3, 5, 16): Pertaining to God, set apart for God, or possessing a divine character. Emphasized in relation to worship, offerings, and the Temple.;xNLx;Oracle / Most Holy Place (Hebrew: dvir) (1 Chronicles 28:11; 2 Chronicles 3:16, 4:20, 5:7,9 uses the term. 1 Chron usually refers to the "inner sanctuary" for the Ark): The innermost, most sacred chamber of the planned Temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was to be placed. (While 1 Chronicles focuses on David's plans, the term dvir is more explicit in the description of Solomon's actual construction in 2 Chronicles). For 1 Chronicles, the "inner sanctuary" (1 Chron 28:11) or "place for the ark" (1 Chron 28:2) serves this idea.;xNLx;Pattern (of the Temple) (1 Chronicles 28:11-12, 18-19): The detailed architectural plan and design for the Temple, its courts, chambers, and furnishings, which David received by divine inspiration and gave to Solomon.;xNLx;Incense / Altar of Incense (1 Chronicles 6:49; 16:40 [burnt offerings and incense mentioned generally]; 23:13; 28:18): Aromatic substances burned as an act of worship, creating a pleasing aroma. An altar specifically for incense was part of the sanctuary furnishings.;xNLx;Bread of the Presence / Showbread (1 Chronicles 9:32; 23:29; 28:16): Twelve loaves of unleavened bread placed weekly on a special table in the Holy Place of the sanctuary/Temple, symbolizing God's continual provision for and fellowship with Israel.;xNLx;Burnt Offering (e.g., 1 Chronicles 6:49; 16:1, 40; 21:23-24, 26, 29; 22:1; 23:31; 29:21): A sacrifice wholly consumed by fire on the altar, a primary form of worship and atonement.;xNLx;Peace Offering / Sacrifice of well-being (e.g., 1 Chronicles 16:1-2; 21:26; 29:21): An offering signifying fellowship and communion with God, parts of which were eaten by the priests and the offerer.;xNLx;Threshing floor (of Ornan/Araunah) (1 Chronicles 21:15-28): The site David purchased to build an altar after his illicit census, where sacrifice was offered to stop a plague. This became the designated site for the future Temple. (Ornan is the name used in Chronicles, Araunah in Samuel).;xNLx;Sabbath(s) (1 Chronicles 9:32; 23:31): The weekly day of rest and worship. Regular offerings were prescribed for the Sabbaths.;xNLx;New Moon(s) (1 Chronicles 23:31): Monthly festivals marked by special sacrifices.;xNLx;Appointed Feasts / Festivals (1 Chronicles 23:31): The regular, divinely commanded gatherings and observances in Israel's religious calendar (e.g., Passover, Feast of Weeks, Feast of Booths).;xNLx;Inquire of the LORD / Seek the LORD (e.g., 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 [Saul failed to]; 13:3; 14:10, 14; 15:13; 16:10-11; 21:30; 22:19; 26:31 [seeking God for understanding]; 28:8-9): To seek God's guidance, will, or presence through prayer, prophecy, or other legitimate means. This is presented as a key to success and blessing.;xNLx;IV. General and Abstract Terms with Specific Connotations:;xNLx;;xNLx;Spirit of God (e.g., 1 Chronicles 12:18 [on Amasai]; 28:12 [pattern of the Temple "by the Spirit"]): Divine empowerment, inspiration, or guidance given to individuals for specific tasks or understanding.;xNLx;Majesty / Greatness / Glory / Victory / Splendor (1 Chronicles 29:11-13): Attributes ascribed to God in David's prayer, reflecting His supreme power, honor, and sovereignty.;xNLx;Faithful / Faithfulness (e.g., 1 Chronicles 9:22, 26, 31; 16:41; 17:23; David's own faithfulness is a theme, though tested): Steadfastness, loyalty, reliability, and adherence to covenant commitments. Both God's faithfulness to Israel and the expected faithfulness of Israel (and its leaders) to God are important.;xNLx;Integrity / Whole heart / Blameless / Perfect heart (e.g., 1 Chronicles 12:33, 38; 28:9; 29:9, 17, 19): Sincerity, uprightness, and complete devotion in one's relationship with God and others. David charges Solomon to serve God with a "whole heart.";xNLx;This list covers many key terms in 1 Chronicles (ESV) that might require definition for a contemporary reader. Understanding these terms in their original context is vital for appreciating the Chronicler's message about God's enduring purposes for Israel, centered on the Davidic dynasty and true worship at the Jerusalem Temple.