New International Version and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel and Azaziah were to play the harps, directing according to sheminith. New Living Translation Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were chosen to play the lyres. English Standard Version but Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead with lyres according to the Sheminith. Berean Standard Bible And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to Sheminith. Berean Literal Bible and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with lyres according to Sheminith, to oversee. King James Bible And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel. New King James Version Mattithiah, Elipheleh, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, to direct with harps on the Sheminith; New American Standard Bible and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, to lead with lyres tuned to the sheminith. NASB 1995 and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel and Azaziah, to lead with lyres tuned to the sheminith. NASB 1977 and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, to lead with lyres tuned to the sheminith. Legacy Standard Bible and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, to lead with lyres set according to the sheminith. Amplified Bible and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead with lyres set to Sheminith [that is, the eighth string, a low pitch]. Berean Annotated Bible And Mattithiah (gift of YHWH), Eliphelehu (my God sets him apart), Mikneiah (possession of YHWH), Obed-edom (servant of Edom), Jeiel (God sweeps away), and Azaziah (YHWH is mighty) were to lead the music with lyres according to Sheminith (Sheminith). Christian Standard Bible and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to the Sheminith. Holman Christian Standard Bible and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to the Sheminith. American Standard Version and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps set to the Sheminith, to lead. English Revised Version and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps set to the Sheminith, to lead. GOD'S WORD® Translation Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were appointed to play lyres and to conduct the [sheminith]. International Standard Version and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah led on lyres, sounding the octaves. NET Bible Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to play the lyres according to the sheminith style, as led by the director; New Heart English Bible and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps tuned to the eight-stringed lyre, to lead. Webster's Bible Translation And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to Sheminith. World English Bible and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps tuned to the eight-stringed lyre, to lead. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, to oversee with harps on the eighth. Berean Literal Bible and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with lyres according to Sheminith, to oversee. Young's Literal Translation and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps, on the octave, to oversee. Smith's Literal Translation And Mattithiah and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps upon the Sheminith to shine. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Mathathias, and Eliphalu, and Macenias and Obededom, and Jehiel and Ozaziu, sung a song of victory for the octave upon harps. Catholic Public Domain Version Then Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah and Obededom, and Jeiel and Azaziah were singing a song of victory with the harps, for the octave. New American Bible But Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel led the song on lyres set to “sheminith.” New Revised Standard Version but Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead with lyres according to the Sheminith. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd those who sang songs: Mattitha, Mikiaho, Ober-edom, Uzzael, and Uzzanaiah; these played with harps every day at three o'clock and at nine o'clock. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And those who sang with hymns of praise: Matitha, and Meqyahu, and, UbarAdom, and Uziel, and Uzyayel; these were ministering on the harp every day in the daytime at the third hour, and at the sixth and at the ninth. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and Mattithiah, and Eliphalehu, and Mikneiahu, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith, to lead. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Mattathias, and Eliphalu, and Makenia, and Abdedom, and Jeiel, and Ozias, with harps of Amasenith, to make a loud noise. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Priests and Levites Carry the Ark…20Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to Alamoth. 21And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to Sheminith. 22Chenaniah the head Levite was the director of the music because he was highly skilled.… Cross References And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah 1 Chronicles 16:4-6 David appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to celebrate, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel. / Asaph was the chief, Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph sounded the cymbals / and the priests Benaiah and Jahaziel blew the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God. 1 Chronicles 23:5 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.” were to lead the music 1 Chronicles 6:31-32 These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. / They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them. 1 Chronicles 25:1 Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: with lyres 1 Samuel 16:23 And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up his harp and play. Then Saul would find relief and feel better, and the spirit of distress would depart from him. Psalm 33:2 Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings. according to Sheminith. Psalm 6:1 For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments, according to Sheminith. A Psalm of David. O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath. Psalm 12:1 For the choirmaster. According to Sheminith. A Psalm of David. Help, O LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. Psalm 150:3-5 Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. / Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. / Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals. 2 Samuel 6:5 David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals. 1 Chronicles 13:8 David and all the Israelites were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs and on harps and lyres, with tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets. Psalm 81:2 Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre. Psalm 92:3 with the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre. Psalm 98:5-6 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, in melodious song with the harp. / With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King. Psalm 144:9 I will sing to You a new song, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will make music to You— Psalm 149:3 Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp. Treasury of Scripture And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel. Mattithiah 1 Chronicles 15:18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters. 1 Chronicles 16:5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals; harps 1 Chronicles 25:6,7 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… 1 Samuel 10:5 After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: Psalm 33:2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sheminith to excel. Psalm 6:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Psalm 12:1 To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. Jump to Previous Azaziah Azazi'ah Corded Directing Eight-Stringed Eliphalehu Elipheleh Eliphelehu Eliph'elehu Excel First Harps Instruments Jeiel Je-I'el Lyres Mattithiah Mattithi'ah Mikneiah Miknei'ah Note Obededom Obed-Edom O'bed-E'dom Octave Oversee Sheminith Singing Song TunedJump to Next Azaziah Azazi'ah Corded Directing Eight-Stringed Eliphalehu Elipheleh Eliphelehu Eliph'elehu Excel First Harps Instruments Jeiel Je-I'el Lyres Mattithiah Mattithi'ah Mikneiah Miknei'ah Note Obededom Obed-Edom O'bed-E'dom Octave Oversee Sheminith Singing Song Tuned1 Chronicles 15 1. David having prepared a place for the ark,15. the priests and Levites bring it from Obed-Edom 25. He performs the solemnity thereof with great joy 29. Michal despises him And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah These Levites received a solemn assignment in David’s preparation for bringing the ark to Jerusalem. Obed-edom had already witnessed God’s blessing during the ark’s three-month stay in his house, and his continued service showed a household marked by reverence for God’s presence. 1Ch 16:4-6 David appointed some of the Levites to minister… were to lead the music David ordered Israel’s worship with appointed singers and instrumentalists as the ark was carried according to the Lord’s command. Their leadership helped unite the nation in joyful, reverent praise before the God who had chosen Zion as the place of His dwelling. 1Ch 6:31-32 These are the men David put in charge of the music… with lyres Lyres accompanied the singers and added ordered beauty to Israel’s public worship. Music served neither as entertainment nor mere ceremony, but as a fitting response to God’s holiness, faithfulness, and saving acts. 1Sa 16:23 And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul… according to Sheminith. Sheminith designated a recognized musical arrangement, likely connected with a lower register or octave. The detailed musical instruction demonstrates that worship surrounding the ark was prepared carefully, with skilled service offered to the Lord. Psa 6:1 For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments,… Persons / Places / Events 1. Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and AzaziahThese individuals were Levites appointed by King David to play harps during the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Their role was crucial in leading worship and ensuring the proper reverence and joy in the presence of God. 2. Harps tuned to the Sheminith The Sheminith is a musical term that likely refers to an eight-stringed instrument or a specific musical tuning or style. It indicates the precision and care taken in worship, emphasizing the importance of music in glorifying God. 3. The Ark of the Covenant The central focus of this event, the Ark represented God's presence among His people. The transportation of the Ark to Jerusalem was a significant event in Israel's history, symbolizing God's blessing and favor. 4. King David As the leader of Israel, David organized the Levites and musicians, demonstrating his commitment to worship and the proper honor of God. 5. Jerusalem The destination for the Ark, Jerusalem was becoming the spiritual and political center of Israel, highlighting the importance of worship in the life of the nation. Teaching Points The Importance of Order in WorshipGod values order and preparation in worship, as seen in the careful organization of musicians and instruments. The Role of Music in Worship Music is a powerful tool for worship, capable of leading hearts and minds to focus on God. It should be used thoughtfully and skillfully. The Significance of Leadership in Worship Leaders in worship, like the Levites, have a responsibility to guide others into the presence of God with reverence and joy. The Presence of God in Our Lives Just as the Ark symbolized God's presence, we should seek to carry His presence with us daily, ensuring our lives are aligned with His will. Joyful Worship as a Community Worship is a communal activity that brings believers together in unity and joy, reflecting the collective celebration of God's goodness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 15:21?2. How does 1 Chronicles 15:21 highlight the importance of musical worship in church? 3. What role did harps play in worship according to 1 Chronicles 15:21? 4. How can we incorporate "harps, tuned to the eighth" in modern worship settings? 5. Why is it important to follow God's instructions in worship, as seen here? 6. How does this verse connect with Psalm 150's call to praise with instruments? 7. What is the significance of harps in 1 Chronicles 15:21 for worship practices? 8. How does 1 Chronicles 15:21 reflect the importance of music in biblical worship? 9. Why were specific instruments chosen for worship in 1 Chronicles 15:21? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 15? What Does 1 Chronicles 15:21 Mean The musicians named- “Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah” (1 Chronicles 15:21) are Levites specifically chosen by King David. - Their listing highlights that God values individual servants; each name is recorded because each role matters (compare 1 Chronicles 15:17-18; 16:5; 25:1). - Obed-edom is the same man who had earlier hosted the ark (1 Chronicles 13:13-14), showing continuity between reverence for the ark and joyful service in music. Were to lead the music - “Were to lead” points to a leadership assignment, not casual participation. David organized worship so it would be orderly and God-honoring (1 Chronicles 15:16; 23:5). - Spiritual leadership includes guiding God’s people in praise; these men modeled that calling (see 2 Chronicles 20:21, where singers go before the army). With lyres - Lyres were stringed instruments producing a soft yet clear tone, suitable for accompanying voices. - Scripture often pairs the lyre with praise: “Give thanks to the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with a ten-stringed lyre” (Psalm 33:2; also Psalm 92:3). - The detail shows that worship can employ artistry without compromising reverence. According to Sheminith - “Sheminith” is a musical directive. While scholars discuss exact meaning, the context implies a specific style, tuning, or octave setting, ensuring unified sound. - Similar notations appear in the superscriptions of Psalm 6 and Psalm 12, linking temple music with the psalter and underscoring God’s desire for intentional, skillful praise. summary 1 Chronicles 15:21 records six Levites hand-picked to guide Israel’s worship on lyres, following a precise musical arrangement called Sheminith. The verse affirms that God values named individuals, purposeful leadership, skilled instrumentation, and thoughtful order in congregational praise. (21) The six lute-players.With harps on the Sheminith.—“With lutes (or lyres) in the bass.” Literally, after the mode of the eighth—i.e., an octave below the tenor—al ottava bassa. To excel.—To lead the orchestra, to precent. (Comp. Psalms 6, heading.) Hebrew and Mattithiah,וּמַתִּתְיָ֣הוּ (ū·mat·tiṯ·yā·hū) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4993: Mattithiah -- 'gift of Yah', the name of several Israelites Eliphelehu, וֶאֱלִֽיפְלֵ֗הוּ (we·’ĕ·lî·p̄ə·lê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 466: Eliphelehu -- 'may God distinguish him', a doorkeeper Mikneiah, וּמִקְנֵיָ֙הוּ֙ (ū·miq·nê·yā·hū) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4737: Mikneiah -- 'possession of Yah', a Levitical musician Obed-edom, אֱדֹ֔ם (’ĕ·ḏōm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5654: Obed-edom -- 'servant of Edom', an Israelite name Jeiel, וִֽיעִיאֵ֖ל (wî·‘î·’êl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3273: Jeiel and Azaziah וַעֲזַזְיָ֑הוּ (wa·‘ă·zaz·yā·hū) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5812: Azaziah -- 'Yah is mighty', three Israelites were to lead the music לְנַצֵּֽחַ׃ (lə·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 5329: To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent with lyres בְּכִנֹּר֥וֹת (bə·ḵin·nō·rō·wṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3658: A harp according to עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Sheminith. הַשְּׁמִינִ֖ית (haš·šə·mî·nîṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8067: An eight-stringed lyre Additonal Resources 1 Chronicles 15:21 Blue Letter Bible1 Chronicles 15:21 Bible Gateway 1 Chronicles 15:21 Bible.com 1 Chronicles 15:21 NIV |
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