King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 6:39 Mean?

1 Chronicles 6:39 in the King James Version says “And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,”

1 Chronicles 6:39 · KJV

Context

37

The son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

38

The son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.

39

And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,

40

The son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchiah,

41

The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And his brother Asaph—this introduces Asaph (אָסָף 'gatherer' or 'collector'), one of David's three chief musicians and author of 12 canonical Psalms (50, 73-83). The term brother (אָח) indicates fellow Levite, not biological sibling. Asaph stood on his right hand (הָעֹמֵד עַל־יְמִינוֹ)—the position of honor—alongside Heman the Kohathite during temple worship, with Ethan/Jeduthun the Merarite on the left (v. 44).

Asaph's genealogy traces through Berachiah (בְּרֶכְיָהוּ 'Yahweh blesses') and Shimea (שִׁמְעָא 'something heard'), names emphasizing blessing and proclamation—perfect for a worship leader whose Psalms would be 'heard' and 'bless' Israel for millennia. Asaph's prophetic gift (2 Chronicles 29:30 calls his words 'prophecy') made him not merely a musician but a Spirit-anointed messenger through song.

The tri-clan representation (Kohath-Heman, Gershon-Asaph, Merari-Ethan) in temple music demonstrated that all Levitical branches equally participate in praise, breaking down clan rivalry. This anticipates the New Testament truth that all believers—regardless of tribe or nation—are priests offering spiritual sacrifices of praise (1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 13:15).

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Historical & Cultural Context

David appointed Asaph around 1000 BC as chief musician when the ark was brought to Jerusalem. Asaph's descendants maintained this role through the First Temple era (970-586 BC), during Hezekiah's reforms (2 Chronicles 29:30), and returned from exile (Ezra 2:41). The Chronicler highlights Asaph to encourage post-exilic worship renewal, showing that authentic praise requires both Spirit-empowered gifting and legitimate genealogical standing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Asaph's role as both 'gatherer' (his name) and prophet-musician challenge modern divisions between artistic gift and spiritual authority?
  2. What does the tri-clan representation in temple worship teach about unity-in-diversity within Christ's body?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְאָחִ֣יו1 of 10

“And his brother”

H251

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

אָסָ֥ף2 of 10

“Asaph”

H623

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

הָֽעֹמֵ֖ד3 of 10

“who stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עַל4 of 10
H5921

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

יְמִינ֑וֹ5 of 10

“on his right hand”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

אָסָ֥ף6 of 10

“Asaph”

H623

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

בֶּן7 of 10

“the son”

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

בֶּֽרֶכְיָ֖הוּ8 of 10

“of Berachiah”

H1296

berekjah, the name of six israelites

בֶּן9 of 10

“the son”

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

שִׁמְעָֽא׃10 of 10

“of Shimea”

H8092

shima, the name of four israelites

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 6:39 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 6:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 2:41Nehemiah 7:44Psalms 75:1Psalms 73:1Psalms 81:12 Chronicles 29:13

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