1 Chronicles 25:3 kjv
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.
1 Chronicles 25:3 nkjv
Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp to give thanks and to praise the LORD.
1 Chronicles 25:3 niv
As for Jeduthun, from his sons: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah and Mattithiah, six in all, under the supervision of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied, using the harp in thanking and praising the LORD.
1 Chronicles 25:3 esv
Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the lyre in thanksgiving and praise to the LORD.
1 Chronicles 25:3 nlt
From the sons of Jeduthun, there were Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six in all. They worked under the direction of their father, Jeduthun, who proclaimed God's messages to the accompaniment of the lyre, offering thanks and praise to the LORD.
1 Chronicles 25 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Chr 25:1 | David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun... to prophesy with instruments. | Context: David organizes temple musicians to prophesy with instruments. |
| 1 Chr 9:33 | ...the singers, heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites... for their duty day and night. | Levitical singers were appointed for continuous, dedicated service. |
| 1 Chr 23:5 | ...and 4,000 to praise the LORD with instruments that I have made for praise. | A large number of Levites were designated for instrumental praise in the Temple. |
| 1 Sam 10:5-6 | You will meet a group of prophets... with lyre, tambourine, flute, and harp... The Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you. | Shows music enabling prophetic inspiration. |
| 1 Sam 19:20 | ...Saul saw the company of the prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing as head over them. | "Prophesying" often involved communal and inspired proclamation. |
| 2 Ki 3:15 | But now bring me a harpist. And when the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon him. | Illustrates music as a channel for divine inspiration or prophetic utterance. |
| Ex 15:20-21 | Miriam, the prophetess... went out with tambourines... sang, “Sing to the LORD...” | Prophetic leadership involving music and thanksgiving. |
| Ps 33:2 | Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! | Directly links musical instruments to thanksgiving to God. |
| Ps 43:4 | Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. | Joyful praise to God through stringed instruments. |
| Ps 92:1-3 | It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises... with the ten-stringed lute and with the harp. | Expressly states that musical thanksgiving is good and appropriate. |
| Ps 149:3 | Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! | Encourages musical praise. |
| Ps 150:3-6 | Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!... Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! | Call to use all instruments and breath for universal praise. |
| Jer 33:11 | The voice of mirth and the voice of gladness... those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD... 'Give thanks to the LORD of hosts, for the LORD is good...' | Thanksgiving and praise are restored blessings and acts of worship. |
| Ezra 3:10-11 | When the builders laid the foundation of the temple... they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD. | Continual practice of thanksgiving and praise in worship. |
| Eph 5:19-20 | Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks. | New Testament model of Spirit-filled, musical worship with gratitude. |
| Col 3:16 | Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly... teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. | Music, teaching, and thankfulness as a comprehensive Christian life. |
| Heb 13:15 | Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. | Sacrifice of praise, fulfilling the spirit of Old Testament worship. |
| 1 Pet 2:9 | ...a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you... | Believers called to "proclaim excellencies," akin to prophetic praise. |
| 1 Tim 1:2 | To Timothy, my true child in the faith... | Spiritual father-son relationship facilitating training and ministry. |
| 2 Tim 2:2 | ...and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. | The principle of passing on spiritual truth and ministry through teaching. |
| Num 8:19 | And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the people of Israel, to do the service of the people... | God's specific appointment of Levites for service. |
| Neh 12:46 | For long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers, songs of praise and songs of thanksgiving to God. | Acknowledges David's foundational role in organized praise and thanksgiving. |
1 Chronicles 25 verses
1 Chronicles 25 3 Meaning
This verse specifies a group of Jeduthun’s sons—Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, totaling six individuals with another son mentioned elsewhere—who were placed directly under their father Jeduthun’s instruction and guidance. Their sacred role was to "prophesy with the harp," indicating that their musical performance was divinely inspired and expressed through this stringed instrument. The explicit purpose of this Spirit-led worship was to offer thanks and express praise to the LORD.
1 Chronicles 25 3 Context
1 Chronicles 25 forms part of David's meticulous preparations for the Temple service, even though the Temple itself would be built by his son Solomon. This chapter details the organization of the Levitical musicians into 24 courses or divisions, serving by roster, similar to the priestly courses. Jeduthun is identified as one of the three principal music leaders, alongside Asaph and Heman, demonstrating his prominence. Verse 3 specifically introduces the names of five of Jeduthun’s six sons designated for this musical ministry, highlighting that their service was a family affair, carried out under their father's direct oversight. Historically, this highly structured musical corps reflects David’s deep understanding of worship as central to Israel's national life and covenant relationship with the LORD. It underscores that sacred music was a professional and spiritual calling, requiring training, dedication, and divine anointing, performed as a profound service to God.
1 Chronicles 25 3 Word analysis
- of Jeduthun: Identifies the lineage and primary leadership. Jeduthun (יְדֻתוּן, Yedûtūn) signifies "praise," directly connecting him to his function.
- Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six: Lists specific individuals—sons of Jeduthun—dedicated to this musical ministry. Though five names are given, the count "six" anticipates 1 Chr 25:6, where Shimei is listed as the sixth son in this specific arrangement of the courses, emphasizing the complete set designated for this purpose. Zeri (צְרִי, Tsərî) is an alternative spelling/transliteration of Izri found in other contexts (1 Chr 25:11).
- under the hands of their father Jeduthun: The phrase (עַל־יְדֵ֣י, ‘al-yedê) implies subordination, guidance, and direct tutelage. It illustrates a master-apprentice model, where spiritual gifts and skills were intentionally passed down through familial and generational leadership, ensuring order, continuity, and quality in their sacred service.
- who prophesied (הַנִּבָּאִ֛ים, hannibā’îm): This participle of נָבָא (nava), "to prophesy," in this musical context, means "those who were inspired" or "those who performed under divine anointing." It signifies that their music was not merely entertainment or human skill but a Spirit-empowered utterance or proclamation of divine truth, praise, or revelation. This spiritual elevation marked their service as unique and sacred.
- with the harp (בַּכִּנּוֹר, bakinnôr): Specifies the kinnor (כִּנּוֹר), a lyre or harp, as their instrument. This instrument was widely used in Israelite worship, associated with comfort, joy, and often linked to prophetic activities and divine inspiration (e.g., King David).
- to give thanks (לְהוֹדֹ֖ת, lehôdôth): An infinitive from הוֹדָה (hodah), meaning "to confess," "to acknowledge," "to laud," or "to express gratitude." This outlines the first primary purpose: an outpouring of gratitude for God’s character, faithfulness, and benevolent acts.
- and to praise (וּלְהַלֵּ֥ל, ûlehalêl): An infinitive from הָלַל (halal), meaning "to boast," "to extol," or "to praise exuberantly." This signifies the second crucial purpose: the active adoration and exaltation of God's majesty, power, and glory, often with enthusiastic expression.
- the LORD (לַֽיהוָֽה, lāhYHWH): The covenant name of God (Yahweh), explicitly identifying the sole recipient of all this divinely inspired music, thanksgiving, and praise. It affirms that their entire service was devoted exclusively to the God of Israel.
- Words-group Analysis:
- "under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp": This phrase intricately ties spiritual anointing to a structured, disciplined form of leadership and discipleship. It suggests that the prophetic gift in music was nurtured and expressed within an established, authoritative framework, emphasizing the order and intentionality of their spiritual service.
- "who prophesied with the harp to give thanks and to praise the LORD": This complete purpose statement reveals the sacred nature of their calling. Their inspired music was entirely directed towards expressing gratitude and adoration to God. It highlights that in true worship, music serves as a profound medium for acknowledging God's deeds (thanksgiving) and celebrating His being (praise).
1 Chronicles 25 3 Bonus section
- Theological Emphasis on Ordered Worship: The Chronicler (the likely author of 1 & 2 Chronicles) dedicates significant attention to the organization of Levitical services, particularly music. This emphasis underscores a core theological tenet: that a properly ordered and consecrated worship of YHWH is fundamental to the well-being and faithfulness of God's people. This account sets a high standard for liturgical purity and sacred conduct.
- Continuity of Spiritual Heritage: The structure described, where sons serve "under the hands of their father," highlights a strong theme of intergenerational transmission of spiritual office, gifts, and ministry within the Levitical tradition. This pattern ensures that knowledge, skill, and anointing are preserved and passed down, providing a blueprint for spiritual mentoring and legacy within God's people.
- Music as Divine Communication: The "prophesying with the harp" underscores music's potential as a profound vehicle for divine encounter. In this context, music moves beyond a mere accompaniment to worship; it becomes a direct channel for God's Spirit to flow through individuals, expressing and activating truths about God, potentially even evoking responses in the hearts of worshippers. This makes the musical dimension of worship incredibly powerful.
1 Chronicles 25 3 Commentary
1 Chronicles 25:3 provides essential insight into the organization and spiritual essence of Temple worship instituted by King David. It identifies Jeduthun's sons as part of the core group of Levites specifically chosen for sacred music. The verse’s profundity lies in its description of their musical role as "prophesying with the harp." This isn't just about skilled performance; it signifies that their playing was empowered and guided by God's Spirit, transforming musical sounds into a divinely inspired message of truth, comfort, or revelation. Their prophetic capacity meant they were speaking forth God's heart, character, and works through their melodies. The twin purposes of "giving thanks and praising the LORD" establish the fundamental posture of all true worship: a recognition of God's benevolent acts in the past and an exuberant adoration of His unchanging majesty and goodness. This verse encapsulates how dedicated leadership, rigorous training, divine anointing, and clear purpose converged to create an extraordinary worship tradition central to Israel's relationship with God.
- Examples: This model finds resonance today where worship leaders train and disciple younger musicians, encouraging them to seek not only technical proficiency but also a spiritual anointing in their music, ensuring that the primary goal remains to give thanks and praise to God, fostering an atmosphere of His presence rather than mere entertainment.