1 Chronicles 6 33

1 Chronicles 6:33 kjv

And these are they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,

1 Chronicles 6:33 nkjv

And these are the ones who ministered with their sons: Of the sons of the Kohathites were Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,

1 Chronicles 6:33 niv

Here are the men who served, together with their sons: From the Kohathites: Heman, the musician, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,

1 Chronicles 6:33 esv

These are the men who served and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer the son of Joel, son of Samuel,

1 Chronicles 6:33 nlt

These are the men who served, along with their sons: Heman the musician was from the clan of Kohath. His genealogy was traced back through Joel, Samuel,

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 33 Meaning

1 Chronicles 6:33 identifies Heman, a chief director of temple music, tracing his significant lineage through Joel back to the revered prophet Samuel. The verse establishes Heman as a prominent figure among the Kohathite Levites, whose generational dedication was to serve in the sanctuary, particularly through sacred song and musical leadership orchestrated by King David. It underscores the divine order, hereditary nature, and spiritual significance of Levitical roles in worship.

1 Chronicles 6 33 Context

The book of 1 Chronicles, composed in the post-exilic period, primarily served to reconnect the returned exiles to their heritage, emphasizing the unbroken lineage of David and the vital role of the temple and its legitimate worship. Chapter 6 provides an extensive genealogy of the tribe of Levi, focusing specifically on those appointed to priestly and temple service. Within this larger narrative, verse 33 begins the specific detailing of the three major lines of Levitical musicians chosen by King David: Heman, Asaph, and Ethan (or Jeduthun). This focus highlights the Chronicler's interest in the structured, consecrated nature of temple worship. By emphasizing Heman's lineage, especially his connection to the prophet Samuel, the text aims to establish the prestige and spiritual legitimacy of the temple music, showing it as a divinely sanctioned practice integral to Israel's identity and worship life.

1 Chronicles 6 33 Word analysis

• "And these" (וְאֵלֶּה, v'elleh): A common introductory phrase in genealogies and lists, signaling the beginning of a specific category or group. It functions as a bridge from the preceding broader Levitical genealogies to the particular focus on the chief temple singers.
• "are they that waited" (הָעֹמְדִים, ha'omdim): Derived from the Hebrew root עמד ('amad), meaning "to stand." In a religious context, it signifies "to stand in service," "to minister," or "to be continuously present." It denotes a position of readiness, responsibility, and unwavering dedication, particularly in a liturgical or official capacity, such as a servant attending to a master or a priest performing duties.
• "with their children" (וּבְנֵיהֶם, uvneihem): Emphasizes the hereditary and generational nature of this dedicated service. It points to the continuity of the covenant and God's design for Levitical duties to pass down through families, ensuring a consistent legacy of worship.
• "Of the sons of the Kohathites" (מִן־בְּנֵי הַקְּהָתִי, min-bnei hakkohatiy): Designates Heman's belonging to the Kohathite division of the Levites. The Kohathites, descendants of Kohath (son of Levi), were responsible for handling the most sacred articles of the Tabernacle and later the Temple (Num 3:31), implying a close connection to the holy presence of God. Their primary position among Levites is reflected here by Heman's chief role.
• "Heman" (הֵימָן, Heiman): A prominent personal name, meaning "faithful" or "trustworthy." He is presented as one of the three principal chief musicians appointed by David, playing a vital role in organizing and leading the extensive temple choirs. Interestingly, he is also referred to as a "seer" or prophet in 1 Chr 25:5, suggesting a deep spiritual connection and perhaps prophetic utterance integrated into his musical ministry.
• "the singer" (הַמְשׁוֹרֵר, hameshorer): From the Hebrew root שׁיר (shir), "to sing." The definite article "the" indicates he was not just a singer but the preeminent or chief singer, a master of his craft, entrusted with the primary musical leadership in the divine service. His role transcended mere entertainment; it was an act of sacred worship and spiritual declaration.
• "the son of Joel, the son of Samuel" (בֶּן־יוֹאֵל בֶּן־שְׁמוּאֵל, ben-yo'el ben-shemu'el): This specifies Heman's paternal lineage directly, linking him to the prophet Samuel. Samuel (שְׁמוּאֵל, Shemu'el), meaning "heard by God" or "name of God," was Israel's last judge and a key prophet who anointed both Saul and David as kings. His association with this lineage elevates the prestige and spiritual authority of Heman and the musical service. Joel (Yo'el) also signifies "the LORD is God." The Chronicler intentionally connects these sacred duties with a line possessing significant spiritual and historical gravitas in Israel.

• "And these are they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites": This phrase highlights the organized, hereditary, and dedicated nature of Levitical service within a specific lineage. It underscores the Chronicler's concern for legitimate continuity in the temple functions. The service was not incidental but a primary, life-long, generational commitment rooted in their tribal identity.
• "Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel": This is the core identification. It establishes Heman's identity, role, and the esteemed spiritual authority behind his position. By linking Heman directly to Samuel, a prophet of paramount importance who also had a Kohathite lineage, the Chronicler imbues the role of "singer" in the temple with prophetic and divine sanction, suggesting that the temple music was a profound spiritual endeavor.

1 Chronicles 6 33 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve multiple purposes, including providing a post-exilic Israel with a sense of identity and continuity, connecting them to God's covenant with Abraham and David, and reinforcing the legitimacy of priestly and Levitical lines for proper temple worship.
• The placement of these musical roles within the Levite genealogies indicates that temple music was considered a sacred ministry on par with other priestly duties, not merely a supplementary activity. It required spiritual dedication, purification, and specialized skill.
• The connection between music and prophecy in the Old Testament is seen in several instances (e.g., Elisha calling for a musician before prophesying in 2 Kgs 3:15, or Saul falling into a prophetic trance when with a company of prophets with musical instruments in 1 Sam 10:5). Heman being a "seer" suggests his music might have been a conduit for divine revelation or prophetic declaration during worship.
• While Samuel's sons are noted for their corruption in 1 Sam 8:1-3, the Chronicler focuses solely on Joel as Samuel's son to establish Heman's lineage, avoiding the negative aspects and instead highlighting the positive continuity of a divinely sanctioned line involved in sacred service. This demonstrates the Chronicler's selective use of information to promote a specific theological agenda focused on restoration and legitimate worship.

1 Chronicles 6 33 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:33 serves as an introduction to Heman, a central figure in King David's organized temple music. His identification as a Kohathite Levite placed him in a tribe specially designated for the holiest duties. The verse's emphasis on his direct lineage to Samuel, a pivotal prophet and judge, confers immense spiritual gravitas upon his role. This was not merely about skilled musical performance but about a divinely appointed service, entrusted to a family with a profound connection to God's dealings with Israel. The Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic community striving to re-establish proper worship, underscores that these roles, including sacred music, were established by God, managed by David under divine instruction, and maintained by faithful families. Heman's function, even being called a "seer," signifies that temple music was interwoven with prophetic insight and was an integral part of experiencing God's presence and receiving His word. The verse thus legitimizes and sanctifies the organized worship through music within the temple framework, stressing its enduring importance across generations.