King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 25:21 Mean?

1 Chronicles 25:21 in the King James Version says “The fourteenth to Mattithiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve :” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The fourteenth to Mattithiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve :”

1 Chronicles 25:21 · KJV

Context

19

The twelfth to Hashabiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve :

20

The thirteenth to Shubael, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve :

21

The fourteenth to Mattithiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve :

22

The fifteenth to Jeremoth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve :

23

The sixteenth to Hananiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve :

Read 1 Chronicles 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Musical divisions - worship leaders organized. The Hebrew term שִׁיר (shir) - song/singing is theologically significant here, pointing to Music as integral to worship. 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 Music as integral to worship. 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: New song of redemption in Christ.

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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 Musical divisions - worship leaders organized 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 Music as integral to worship challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does New song of redemption in Christ 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 · 7 words
לְאַרְבָּעָ֤ה1 of 7

“The fourteenth”

H702

four

עָשָׂר֙2 of 7
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

מַתִּתְיָ֔הוּ3 of 7

“to Mattithiah”

H4993

mattithjah, the name of four israelites

בָּנָ֥יו4 of 7

“he his 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

וְאֶחָ֖יו5 of 7

“and his brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

שְׁנֵ֥ים6 of 7

“were twelve”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עָשָֽׂר׃7 of 7
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

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 25:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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