King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 15:21 Mean?

1 Chronicles 15:21 in the King James Version says “And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel....” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel. on the: or, on the eighth to oversee”

1 Chronicles 15:21 · KJV

Context

19

So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;

20

And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;

21

And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel. on the: or, on the eighth to oversee

22

And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful. was for: or, was for the carriage: he instructed about the carriage song: Heb. lifting up

23

And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Ordained worship according to God's prescription. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ as true temple and worship center.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Ordained worship according to God's prescription challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ as true temple and worship center teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וּמַתִּתְיָ֣הוּ1 of 11

“And Mattithiah”

H4993

mattithjah, the name of four israelites

וֶאֱלִֽיפְלֵ֗הוּ2 of 11

“and Elipheleh”

H466

eliphelehu, an israelite

וּמִקְנֵיָ֙הוּ֙3 of 11

“and Mikneiah”

H4737

miknejah, an israelite

וְעֹבֵ֣ד4 of 11
H0
אֱדֹ֔ם5 of 11

“and Obededom”

H5654

obed-edom, the name of five israelites

וִֽיעִיאֵ֖ל6 of 11

“and Jeiel”

H3273

jeiel, the name of six israelites

וַֽעֲזַזְיָ֑הוּ7 of 11

“and Azaziah”

H5812

azazjah, the name of three israelites

בְּכִנֹּר֥וֹת8 of 11

“with harps”

H3658

a harp

עַל9 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַשְּׁמִינִ֖ית10 of 11

“on the Sheminith”

H8067

probably an eight-stringed lyre

לְנַצֵּֽחַ׃11 of 11

“to excel”

H5329

properly, to glitter from afar, i.e., to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the temple services and its music); to be permanent

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 15:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 15:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 92:3Psalms 6:1-10Psalms 150:3Psalms 33:21 Chronicles 16:5Psalms 12:1

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