King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 25:5 Mean?

1 Chronicles 25:5 in the King James Version says “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 fourtee...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Chronicles 25:5 · KJV

Context

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

7

So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.

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
כָּל1 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֵ֨לֶּה2 of 18
H428

these or those

בָּנִ֛ים3 of 18

“All these were 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

לְהֵימָ֗ן4 of 18

“of Heman”

H1968

heman, the name of at least two israelites

חֹזֵ֥ה5 of 18

“seer”

H2374

a beholder in vision; also a compact (as looked upon with approval)

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ6 of 18

“the king's”

H4428

a king

בְּדִבְרֵ֥י7 of 18

“in the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֜ים8 of 18

“And 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

לְהָרִ֣ים9 of 18

“to lift up”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

קָ֑רֶן10 of 18

“the horn”

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

וַיִּתֵּ֨ן11 of 18

“gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֜ים12 of 18

“And 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

לְהֵימָ֗ן13 of 18

“of Heman”

H1968

heman, the name of at least two israelites

בָּנִ֛ים14 of 18

“All these were 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

אַרְבָּעָ֥ה15 of 18

“fourteen”

H702

four

עָשָׂ֖ר16 of 18
H6240

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

וּבָנ֥וֹת17 of 18

“daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

שָׁלֽוֹשׁ׃18 of 18

“and three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

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 25:5 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 25:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 21:92 Samuel 24:111 Samuel 9:91 Chronicles 28:5Psalms 127:3Isaiah 8:18

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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