King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 25:4 Mean?

1 Chronicles 25:4 in the King James Version says “Of Heman: the sons of Heman; Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, an...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 25:4 · KJV

Context

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

6

All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman. according: Heb. by the hands of the king

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 · 18 words
הֵימָ֡ן1 of 18

“Of Heman”

H1968

heman, the name of at least two israelites

בְּנֵ֣י2 of 18

“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

הֵימָ֡ן3 of 18

“Of Heman”

H1968

heman, the name of at least two israelites

בֻּקִּיָּ֡הוּ4 of 18

“Bukkiah”

H1232

bukkijah, an israelite

מַתַּנְיָ֡הוּ5 of 18

“Mattaniah”

H4983

mattanjah, the name of ten israelites

עֻ֠זִּיאֵל6 of 18

“Uzziel”

H5816

uzziel, the name of six israelites

שְׁבוּאֵ֨ל7 of 18

“Shebuel”

H7619

shebuel or shubael, the name of two israelites

וִֽירִימ֜וֹת8 of 18

“and Jerimoth”

H3406

jerimoth or jeremoth, the name of twelve israelites

חֲנַנְיָ֣ה9 of 18

“Hananiah”

H2608

chananjah, the name of thirteen israelites

חֲנָ֗נִי10 of 18

“Hanani”

H2607

chanani, the name of six israelites

אֱלִיאָ֤תָה11 of 18

“Eliathah”

H448

eliathah, an israelite

גִדַּ֙לְתִּי֙12 of 18

“Giddalti”

H1437

giddalti, an israelite

וְרֹמַ֣מְתִּי13 of 18
H0
עֶ֔זֶר14 of 18

“and Romamtiezer”

H7320

romamti-ezer, an israelite

יָשְׁבְּקָ֣שָׁה15 of 18

“Joshbekashah”

H3436

joshbekashah, an israelite

מַלּ֔וֹתִי16 of 18

“Mallothi”

H4413

mallothi, an israelite

הוֹתִ֖יר17 of 18

“Hothir”

H1956

hothir, an israelite

מַחֲזִיאֹֽת׃18 of 18

“and Mahazioth”

H4238

machazioth, an israelite

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 25:4 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 25:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 25:221 Chronicles 24:301 Chronicles 25:301 Chronicles 24:241 Chronicles 25:281 Chronicles 15:17

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