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Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
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The Darby Translation
1 Chronicles 15:2
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites, for them has Jehovah chosen to carry the ark of God, and to serve him for ever.
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Christian Standard Bible®
Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the Lord has chosen them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister before him forever.”
Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the Lord has chosen them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister before him forever.”
Hebrew Names Version
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them has the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister to him forever.
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them has the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister to him forever.
King James Version
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the Lord chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the Lord chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.
English Standard Version
Then David said that no one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the Lord had chosen them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister to him forever.
Then David said that no one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the Lord had chosen them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister to him forever.
New Century Version
David said, "Only the Levites may carry the Ark of God. The Lord chose them to carry the Ark of the Lord and to serve him forever."
David said, "Only the Levites may carry the Ark of God. The Lord chose them to carry the Ark of the Lord and to serve him forever."
New English Translation
Then David said, "Only the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the Lord chose them to carry the ark of the Lord and to serve before him perpetually."
Then David said, "Only the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the Lord chose them to carry the ark of the Lord and to serve before him perpetually."
Amplified Bible
Then David said, "No one is to carry the ark of God except the Levites; for the LORD chose them to carry the ark of God and to minister to Him forever."
Then David said, "No one is to carry the ark of God except the Levites; for the LORD chose them to carry the ark of God and to minister to Him forever."
New American Standard Bible
Then David said, "No one is to carry the ark of God except the Levites; for the LORD chose them to carry the ark of the LORD and to serve Him forever."
Then David said, "No one is to carry the ark of God except the Levites; for the LORD chose them to carry the ark of the LORD and to serve Him forever."
World English Bible
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them has Yahweh chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister to him forever.
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them has Yahweh chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister to him forever.
Geneva Bible (1587)
Then Dauid saide, None ought to carie the Arke of God, but the Leuites: for the Lorde hath chosen them to beare the Arke of the Lord, and to minister vnto him for euer.
Then Dauid saide, None ought to carie the Arke of God, but the Leuites: for the Lorde hath chosen them to beare the Arke of the Lord, and to minister vnto him for euer.
Legacy Standard Bible
And David said, "No one is to carry the ark of God but the Levites; for Yahweh chose them to carry the ark of God and to minister to Him forever."
And David said, "No one is to carry the ark of God but the Levites; for Yahweh chose them to carry the ark of God and to minister to Him forever."
Berean Standard Bible
Then David said, "No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever."
Then David said, "No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever."
Contemporary English Version
He said, "Only Levites will be allowed to carry the chest, because the Lord has chosen them to do that work and to serve him forever."
He said, "Only Levites will be allowed to carry the chest, because the Lord has chosen them to do that work and to serve him forever."
Complete Jewish Bible
Then David said, "No one but the L'vi'im should carry the ark of God, because Adonai chose them to carry the ark of Adonai and to serve him forever."
Then David said, "No one but the L'vi'im should carry the ark of God, because Adonai chose them to carry the ark of Adonai and to serve him forever."
Easy-to-Read Version
Then he said, "Only the Levites are permitted to carry God's Holy Box. The Lord chose them to carry it and to serve him forever."
Then he said, "Only the Levites are permitted to carry God's Holy Box. The Lord chose them to carry it and to serve him forever."
George Lamsa Translation
Then David commanded the Levites to carry the ark of the LORD and the instruments of the tabernacle; for the Levites the LORD had chosen to minister and to carry the ark of the LORD, and to look after it for ever.
Then David commanded the Levites to carry the ark of the LORD and the instruments of the tabernacle; for the Levites the LORD had chosen to minister and to carry the ark of the LORD, and to look after it for ever.
Good News Translation
Then he said, "Only Levites should carry the Covenant Box, because they are the ones the Lord chose to carry it and to serve him forever."
Then he said, "Only Levites should carry the Covenant Box, because they are the ones the Lord chose to carry it and to serve him forever."
Lexham English Bible
Then David ordered that none except the Levites should carry the ark of God, for Yahweh had chosen them to carry the ark of Yahweh and to serve him forever.
Then David ordered that none except the Levites should carry the ark of God, for Yahweh had chosen them to carry the ark of Yahweh and to serve him forever.
Literal Translation
Then David said, None should bear the ark of God except the Levites, for Jehovah had chosen them to bear the ark of God, and to serve Him forever.
Then David said, None should bear the ark of God except the Levites, for Jehovah had chosen them to bear the ark of God, and to serve Him forever.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
At that tyme sayde Dauid: The Arke of God is not to be borne, but onely of ye Leuites: for them hath the LORDE chosen to beare the Arke of the LORDE, and to mynister vnto him for euer.
At that tyme sayde Dauid: The Arke of God is not to be borne, but onely of ye Leuites: for them hath the LORDE chosen to beare the Arke of the LORDE, and to mynister vnto him for euer.
American Standard Version
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath Jehovah chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath Jehovah chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.
Bible in Basic English
Then David said, The ark of God may not be moved by any but the Levites, for they have been marked out by God to take the ark of God, and to do his work for ever.
Then David said, The ark of God may not be moved by any but the Levites, for they have been marked out by God to take the ark of God, and to do his work for ever.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
Then Dauid saide: The arke of God ought not to be carryed but of the Leuites: For them hath the Lord chosen to beare the arke of the Lorde, and to minister vnto him for euer.
Then Dauid saide: The arke of God ought not to be carryed but of the Leuites: For them hath the Lord chosen to beare the arke of the Lorde, and to minister vnto him for euer.
JPS Old Testament (1917)
Then David said: 'None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites; for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of the LORD, and to minister unto Him for ever.'
Then David said: 'None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites; for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of the LORD, and to minister unto Him for ever.'
King James Version (1611)
Then Dauid sayd, None ought to carie the Arke of God, but the Leuites: for them hath the Lord chosen to cary the Arke of God, and to minister vnto him for euer.
Then Dauid sayd, None ought to carie the Arke of God, but the Leuites: for them hath the Lord chosen to cary the Arke of God, and to minister vnto him for euer.
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
Then said David, It is not lawful for any to bear the ark of God, but the Levites; for the Lord has chosen them to bear the ark of the Lord, and to minister to him for ever.
Then said David, It is not lawful for any to bear the ark of God, but the Levites; for the Lord has chosen them to bear the ark of the Lord, and to minister to him for ever.
English Revised Version
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Thanne Dauid seide, It is vnleueful, that the arke of God be borun of `ony thing no but of the dekenes, whiche the Lord chees to bere it, and `for to mynystre to hym `til in to with outen ende.
Thanne Dauid seide, It is vnleueful, that the arke of God be borun of `ony thing no but of the dekenes, whiche the Lord chees to bere it, and `for to mynystre to hym `til in to with outen ende.
Update Bible Version
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for Yahweh has chosen them to carry the ark of God, and to minister to him forever.
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for Yahweh has chosen them to carry the ark of God, and to minister to him forever.
Webster's Bible Translation
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister to him for ever.
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister to him for ever.
New King James Version
Then David said, "No one may carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister before Him forever."
Then David said, "No one may carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister before Him forever."
New Living Translation
Then he commanded, "No one except the Levites may carry the Ark of God. The Lord has chosen them to carry the Ark of the Lord and to serve him forever."
Then he commanded, "No one except the Levites may carry the Ark of God. The Lord has chosen them to carry the Ark of the Lord and to serve him forever."
New Life Bible
Then David said, "No one but the Levites may carry the special box of God. For the Lord chose them to carry the special box of the agreement and to serve Him forever."
Then David said, "No one but the Levites may carry the special box of God. For the Lord chose them to carry the special box of the agreement and to serve Him forever."
New Revised Standard
Then David commanded that no one but the Levites were to carry the ark of God, for the Lord had chosen them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister to him forever.
Then David commanded that no one but the Levites were to carry the ark of God, for the Lord had chosen them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister to him forever.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Then, said David, None must carry the ark of God, save the Levites, - for, of them, did Yahweh make choice, to bear the ark of Yahweh, and to attend it, unto times age-abiding.
Then, said David, None must carry the ark of God, save the Levites, - for, of them, did Yahweh make choice, to bear the ark of Yahweh, and to attend it, unto times age-abiding.
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then David said: No one ought to carry the ark of God, but the Levites, whom the Lord hath chosen to carry it, and to minister unto himself for ever.
Then David said: No one ought to carry the ark of God, but the Levites, whom the Lord hath chosen to carry it, and to minister unto himself for ever.
Revised Standard Version
Then David said, "No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the LORD chose them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister to him for ever."
Then David said, "No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the LORD chose them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister to him for ever."
Young's Literal Translation
Then said David, `None [are] to carry the ark of God, except the Levites, for on them hath Jehovah fixed to carry the ark of God, and to serve Him -- unto the age.'
Then said David, `None [are] to carry the ark of God, except the Levites, for on them hath Jehovah fixed to carry the ark of God, and to serve Him -- unto the age.'
New American Standard Bible (1995)
Then David said, "No one is to carry the ark of God but the Levites; for the LORD chose them to carry the ark of God and to minister to Him forever."
Then David said, "No one is to carry the ark of God but the Levites; for the LORD chose them to carry the ark of God and to minister to Him forever."
Contextual Overview
1 And he made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and spread a tent for it. 2 Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites, for them has Jehovah chosen to carry the ark of God, and to serve him for ever. 3 And David assembled all Israel to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of Jehovah to its place that he had prepared for it. 4 And David gathered the sons of Aaron and the Levites: 5 of the sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, and his brethren a hundred and twenty; 6 of the sons of Merari, Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty; 7 of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, and his brethren a hundred and thirty; 8 of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred; 9 of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, and his brethren eighty; 10 of the sons of Uzziel, Amminadab the chief, and his brethren a hundred and twelve.
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
None ought to: etc. Heb. It is not to carry the ark of God, but for the Levites. them hath. Numbers 4:2-15, Numbers 4:19, Numbers 4:20, Numbers 7:9, Deuteronomy 10:8, Deuteronomy 31:9, Joshua 3:3, Joshua 6:6, 2 Chronicles 35:3
to minister: Numbers 8:13, Numbers 8:14, Numbers 8:24-26, Numbers 18:1-8, Isaiah 66:21, Jeremiah 33:17-22
Reciprocal: Numbers 4:15 - after that Numbers 10:21 - the Kohathites Numbers 20:11 - smote 2 Samuel 6:7 - God smote 2 Samuel 6:13 - when they 2 Samuel 15:24 - bearing 1 Kings 8:3 - the priests took up 1 Chronicles 13:2 - the priests 1 Chronicles 13:7 - in a new cart 1 Chronicles 15:13 - for that 2 Chronicles 5:4 - the Levites
Cross-References
Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of Jehovah came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram; I am thy shield, thy exceeding great reward.
After these things the word of Jehovah came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram; I am thy shield, thy exceeding great reward.
Genesis 15:2
And Abram said, Lord Jehovah, what wilt thou give me? seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus.
And Abram said, Lord Jehovah, what wilt thou give me? seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus.
Genesis 15:3
And Abram said, Lo, to me thou hast given no seed, and behold, a son of my house will be mine heir.
And Abram said, Lo, to me thou hast given no seed, and behold, a son of my house will be mine heir.
Genesis 15:4
And behold, the word of Jehovah [came] to him, saying, This shall not be thine heir, but he that will come forth out of thy body shall be thine heir.
And behold, the word of Jehovah [came] to him, saying, This shall not be thine heir, but he that will come forth out of thy body shall be thine heir.
Genesis 15:6
And he believed Jehovah; and he reckoned it to him [as] righteousness.
And he believed Jehovah; and he reckoned it to him [as] righteousness.
Genesis 24:2
And Abraham said to his servant, the eldest of his house, who ruled over all that he had, Put thy hand, I pray thee, under my thigh,
And Abraham said to his servant, the eldest of his house, who ruled over all that he had, Put thy hand, I pray thee, under my thigh,
Genesis 24:10
And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; now all the treasure of his master was under his hand; and he arose and went to Aram-naharaim, to the city of Nahor.
And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; now all the treasure of his master was under his hand; and he arose and went to Aram-naharaim, to the city of Nahor.
Genesis 25:21
And Isaac entreated Jehovah for his wife, because she was barren; and Jehovah was entreated of him, and Rebecca his wife conceived.
And Isaac entreated Jehovah for his wife, because she was barren; and Jehovah was entreated of him, and Rebecca his wife conceived.
Genesis 39:9
There is none greater in this house than I; neither has he withheld anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife; and how should I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
There is none greater in this house than I; neither has he withheld anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife; and how should I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
Genesis 43:19
And they came up to the man that was over Joseph's house, and they spoke to him at the door of the house,
And they came up to the man that was over Joseph's house, and they spoke to him at the door of the house,
Gill's Notes on the Bible
Then David said,.... Either within himself, or to his ministers and courtiers about him:
none ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites; he saw his former mistake in employing those that were not Levites in bringing up the ark from Kirjathjearim, and bringing it in a cart, and not on the shoulders of the Levites, and so miscarried in his attempt, 2 Samuel 6:1 and, perhaps, had since more diligently consulted the law of God about this matter:
for them hath the Lord chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever; as long as the Levitical dispensation lasted, as appears from Numbers 1:50.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites - Compare marginal references. We can easily understand that David, after the “breach upon Uzza” 1 Chronicles 13:11, had carefully considered all the legal requirements with respect to moving the ark, and was anxious that they should be strictly observed (compare 1 Chronicles 15:13).
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse 1 Chronicles 15:2. None ought to carry the ark - but the Levites — It was their business; and he should have thought of this sooner, and then the unfortunate breach on Uzza would have been prevented; see 1 Chronicles 15:13.
