King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 16:42 Mean?

1 Chronicles 16:42 in the King James Version says “And with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instrume...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God. And the sons of Jeduthun were porters. porters: Heb. for the gate”

1 Chronicles 16:42 · KJV

Context

40

To offer burnt offerings unto the LORD upon the altar of the burnt offering continually morning and evening, and to do according to all that is written in the law of the LORD, which he commanded Israel; morning: Heb. in the morning, and in the evening

41

And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever;

42

And with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God. And the sons of Jeduthun were porters. porters: Heb. for the gate

43

And all the people departed every man to his house: and David returned to bless his house.

Read 1 Chronicles 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Ark arrives in Jerusalem - psalms of thanksgiving. The Hebrew term תּוֹדָה (todah) - thanksgiving is theologically significant here, pointing to Grateful worship as covenant response. 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 Grateful worship as covenant response. 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: Eucharist (thanksgiving) in Christ's new covenant.

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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 Ark arrives in Jerusalem - psalms of thanksgiving 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 Grateful worship as covenant response challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Eucharist (thanksgiving) in Christ's new covenant 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 · 12 words
וְעִמָּהֶם֩1 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הֵימָ֨ן2 of 12

“And with them Heman”

H1968

heman, the name of at least two israelites

יְדוּת֖וּן3 of 12

“and Jeduthun”

H3038

jeduthun, an israelite

חֲצֹֽצְר֤וֹת4 of 12

“with trumpets”

H2689

a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)

וּמְצִלְתַּ֙יִם֙5 of 12

“and cymbals”

H4700

(only dual) double tinklers, i.e., cymbals

לְמַשְׁמִיעִ֔ים6 of 12

“for those that should make a sound”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וּכְלֵ֖י7 of 12

“instruments”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

שִׁ֣יר8 of 12

“and with musical”

H7892

a song; abstractly, singing

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים9 of 12

“of 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

וּבְנֵ֥י10 of 12

“And the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְדוּת֖וּן11 of 12

“and Jeduthun”

H3038

jeduthun, an israelite

לַשָּֽׁעַר׃12 of 12

“were porters”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

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 16:42 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 16:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 25:6-7Psalms 150:3-62 Chronicles 7:6Psalms 84:102 Chronicles 29:25-28

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