King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 16:5 Mean?

1 Chronicles 16:5 in the King James Version says “Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Chronicles 16:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.

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 · 19 words
וְאָסָ֖ף1 of 19

“Asaph”

H623

asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first

הָרֹ֖אשׁ2 of 19

“the chief”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וּמִשְׁנֵ֣הוּ3 of 19

“and next”

H4932

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

זְכַרְיָ֑ה4 of 19

“to him Zechariah”

H2148

zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites

וִֽיעִיאֵ֗ל5 of 19

“Jeiel”

H3273

jeiel, the name of six israelites

וּשְׁמִֽירָמ֡וֹת6 of 19

“and Shemiramoth”

H8070

shemiramoth, the name of two israelites

וִֽיחִיאֵ֡ל7 of 19

“and Jehiel”

H3171

jechiel (or jechavel), the name of eight israelites

וּמַתִּתְיָ֡ה8 of 19

“and Mattithiah”

H4993

mattithjah, the name of four israelites

וֶֽאֱלִיאָ֡ב9 of 19

“and Eliab”

H446

eliab, the name of six israelites

וּבְנָיָהוּ֩10 of 19

“and Benaiah”

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

וְעֹבֵ֨ד11 of 19
H0
אֱדֹ֜ם12 of 19

“and Obededom”

H5654

obed-edom, the name of five israelites

וִֽיעִיאֵ֗ל13 of 19

“Jeiel”

H3273

jeiel, the name of six israelites

בִּכְלֵ֤י14 of 19
H3627

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

נְבָלִים֙15 of 19

“with psalteries”

H5035

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

וּבְכִנֹּר֔וֹת16 of 19

“and with harps”

H3658

a harp

וְאָסָ֖ף17 of 19

“Asaph”

H623

asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first

בַּֽמְצִלְתַּ֥יִם18 of 19

“with cymbals”

H4700

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

מַשְׁמִֽיעַ׃19 of 19

“made a sound”

H8085

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

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 16:5 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 16:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 6:392 Chronicles 29:251 Chronicles 15:16-241 Chronicles 25:1-6

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