King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 25:3 Mean?

1 Chronicles 25:3 in the King James Version says “Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD. Zeri: or, Izri”

1 Chronicles 25:3 · KJV

Context

1

Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:

2

Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king. Asarelah: otherwise called Jesharelah according: Heb. by the hands of the king

3

Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD. Zeri: or, Izri

4

Of Heman: the sons of Heman; Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamtiezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth: Uzziel: also called, Azareel, ver.18. Shebuel: also called, Shubael, ver.20.

5

All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. words: or, matters

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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 · 19 words
יְדוּתוּן֙1 of 19

“Jeduthun”

H3038

jeduthun, an israelite

בְּנֵ֣י2 of 19

“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

יְדוּתוּן֙3 of 19

“Jeduthun”

H3038

jeduthun, an israelite

גְּדַלְיָ֡הוּ4 of 19

“Gedaliah”

H1436

gedaljah, the name of five israelites

וּצְרִ֡י5 of 19

“and Zeri”

H6874

tseri, an israelite

וִֽ֠ישַׁעְיָהוּ6 of 19

“and Jeshaiah”

H3470

jeshajah, the name of seven israelites

חֲשַׁבְיָ֨הוּ7 of 19

“Hashabiah”

H2811

chashabjah, the name of nine israelites

וּמַתִּתְיָ֜הוּ8 of 19

“and Mattithiah”

H4993

mattithjah, the name of four israelites

שִׁשָּׁ֗ה9 of 19

“six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

עַל֩10 of 19
H5921

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

יְדֵ֨י11 of 19

“under the hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֲבִיהֶ֤ם12 of 19

“of their father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

יְדוּתוּן֙13 of 19

“Jeduthun”

H3038

jeduthun, an israelite

בַּכִּנּ֔וֹר14 of 19

“with a harp”

H3658

a harp

הַנִּבָּ֕א15 of 19

“who prophesied”

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

עַל16 of 19
H5921

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

הֹד֥וֹת17 of 19

“to give thanks”

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

וְהַלֵּ֖ל18 of 19

“and to 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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃19 of 19

“the LORD”

H3068

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

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 25:3 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 25:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 16:41-421 Chronicles 9:16Jeremiah 33:111 Chronicles 15:211 Chronicles 15:182 Chronicles 29:14

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