King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 16:4 Mean?

1 Chronicles 16:4 in the King James Version says “And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise t...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:”

1 Chronicles 16:4 · KJV

Context

2

And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

3

And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.

4

And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:

5

Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals; with psalteries: Heb. with instruments of psalteries and harps

6

Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.

Read 1 Chronicles 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel—Three Hebrew verbs define this ministry: hizkir ('to record/remember'), hodot ('to thank'), and halel ('to praise'). David established permanent liturgical worship before the ark, foreshadowing temple worship Solomon would formalize.

The 'recording' function means calling to remembrance God's mighty acts—reciting salvation history. This became foundational to Israel's worship: rehearsing God's faithfulness to evoke thanksgiving and praise. Christian worship continues this pattern: we remember Christ's death (1 Cor 11:24-25) to fuel gratitude and adoration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David's appointment of Levitical worship leaders (c. 1001 BC) professionalized Israel's liturgy. These musicians and singers (Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun) composed and performed psalms, creating the hymnbook of Second Temple Judaism and Christianity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does regularly 'recording' God's faithfulness in your life fuel worship and thanksgiving?
  2. What role does corporate, structured worship play in maintaining your spiritual vitality?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּתֵּ֞ן1 of 13

“And he appointed”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִפְנֵ֨י2 of 13

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֲר֧וֹן3 of 13

“the ark”

H727

a box

לַֽיהוָ֖ה4 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מִן5 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַלְוִיִּ֖ם6 of 13

“certain of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

מְשָֽׁרְתִ֑ים7 of 13

“to minister”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

וּלְהַזְכִּיר֙8 of 13

“and to record”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

וּלְהוֹד֣וֹת9 of 13

“and to thank”

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

וּלְהַלֵּ֔ל10 of 13

“and praise”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

לַֽיהוָ֖ה11 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֥י12 of 13

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 16:4 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 16:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 16:37-42Psalms 70:1Psalms 105:51 Kings 8:151 Chronicles 16:81 Chronicles 23:27-32

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 16 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes