1 Chronicles 25:27
New International Version
the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and relatives 12

New Living Translation
The twentieth lot fell to Eliathah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

English Standard Version
to the twentieth, to Eliathah, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

Berean Standard Bible
the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all;

King James Bible
The twentieth to Eliathah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

New King James Version
the twentieth for Eliathah, his sons and his brethren, twelve;

New American Standard Bible
for the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and his relatives, twelve;

NASB 1995
for the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and his relatives, twelve;

NASB 1977
for the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and his relatives, twelve;

Legacy Standard Bible
for the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and his relatives, twelve;

Amplified Bible
the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and his relatives, twelve;

Christian Standard Bible
the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons, and his relatives — 12

Holman Christian Standard Bible
the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons, and his brothers—12

American Standard Version
for the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and his brethren, twelve:

English Revised Version
for the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and his brethren, twelve:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The twentieth chose Eliathah, his sons, and his relatives-12 men.

International Standard Version
the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and his relatives, for a total of twelve;

NET Bible
the twentieth to Eliathah and his sons and relatives--twelve in all,

New Heart English Bible
for the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and his brothers, twelve:

Webster's Bible Translation
The twentieth to Eliathah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all;

World English Bible
for the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and his brothers, twelve;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and his brothers—twelve;

Young's Literal Translation
at the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and his brethren, twelve;

Smith's Literal Translation
For the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and brethren, twelve:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The twentieth to Eliatha, to his sons and his brethren twelve.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The twentieth went to Eliathah, to his sons and brothers, twelve.

New American Bible
The twentieth fell to Eliathah, his sons, and his kinsmen: twelve.

New Revised Standard Version
to the twentieth, to Eliathah, his sons and his brothers, twelve;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The twentieth to Eliab, he, his sons, and his brethren were twelve;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The twentieth to Eliab, and his sons and his brothers twelve.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and his brethren, twelve;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
the twentieth Heliatha, his sons and his brethren, twelve:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Twenty-Four Divisions of Musicians
26the nineteenth to Mallothi, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; 27the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons, and his brothers— 12 in all; 28the twenty-first to Hothir, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all;…

Cross References
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 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.”

2 Chronicles 5:12-13
all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. / The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud

2 Chronicles 29:25-30
Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. / The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. / And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. ...

2 Chronicles 35:15
The singers, the descendants of Asaph, were at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their posts, because their fellow Levites made preparations for them.

Nehemiah 12:24
The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.

Nehemiah 12:45-46
They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed. / For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Psalm 68:25
The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines.

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.

Ephesians 5:19
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Revelation 5:8-9
When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. / And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

Revelation 14:2-3
And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of many waters and the loud rumbling of thunder. And the sound I heard was like harpists strumming their harps. / And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

Revelation 15:2-3
And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, beside which stood those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name. They were holding harps from God, / and they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations!


Treasury of Scripture

The twentieth to Eliathah, he, his sons, and his brothers, were twelve:

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Eliathah Eli'athah Relatives Twelve Twentieth
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Eliathah Eli'athah Relatives Twelve Twentieth
1 Chronicles 25
1. The number and offices of the singers
8. Their division by lot into twenty-four orders














the twentieth to Eliathah
Eliathah is listed as the leader of the twentieth division of musicians appointed by King David for temple service. This organization of musicians is part of David's preparation for worship in the temple, which his son Solomon would later build. The division into twenty-four groups reflects a structured and orderly approach to worship, emphasizing the importance of music in Israel's religious life. Eliathah's name, meaning "God has come," may reflect the spiritual significance of his role. This organization is reminiscent of the priestly divisions established in 1 Chronicles 24, highlighting the parallel between priestly and musical service.

his sons, and his brothers
The inclusion of Eliathah's sons and brothers indicates a family-based approach to temple service, which was common in ancient Israel. This familial involvement underscores the hereditary nature of many temple roles, ensuring continuity and stability in worship practices. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of family legacy in spiritual service, as seen in the Levitical priesthood. The involvement of family members in worship can be seen as a type of the unity and community found in the body of Christ, where each member has a role to play.

12 in all
The number twelve is significant throughout the Bible, often symbolizing completeness or divine order, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. In this context, the number may signify the completeness of Eliathah's group for their specific role in temple worship. This structured approach to worship service reflects the orderliness of God's creation and His desire for organized worship. The number twelve also connects to the New Testament, where the twelve apostles are foundational to the church, paralleling the foundational role of these musicians in temple worship.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel who organized the temple musicians.

2. Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun
Leaders of the temple musicians, each with their own family groups dedicated to musical service.

3. The Temple
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the musicians served.

4. The Musicians
A group of Levites set apart for the ministry of music in the temple.

5. Prophecy through Music
The musicians were not only performers but also prophesied through their music, indicating a spiritual dimension to their service.
Teaching Points
The Role of Music in Worship
Music is a vital part of worship, serving as a means to glorify God and edify the congregation. It is not merely a performance but a spiritual act of service.

Spiritual Gifts and Service
Just as the musicians were set apart for their specific role, each believer has unique gifts and talents to be used for God's glory and the edification of the church.

Prophetic Nature of Worship
Worship can be a form of prophecy, speaking God's truth and encouragement to His people. This highlights the importance of being spiritually prepared and led by the Holy Spirit in worship.

Order and Organization in Ministry
David's organization of the musicians shows the importance of structure and order in ministry, ensuring that all aspects of worship are conducted with excellence and reverence.

Intergenerational Ministry
The involvement of families in the musical service underscores the value of involving all generations in ministry, fostering a legacy of faith and service.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 25:27?

2. How does 1 Chronicles 25:27 emphasize the importance of organized worship in church?

3. What role does music play in worship according to 1 Chronicles 25:27?

4. How can we implement structured worship in our personal devotional time?

5. How does 1 Chronicles 25:27 connect with Ephesians 5:19 about singing to the Lord?

6. How can we apply the principles of 1 Chronicles 25:27 in our worship today?

7. What is the significance of 1 Chronicles 25:27 in the context of temple worship?

8. How does 1 Chronicles 25:27 reflect the organization of Levitical musicians?

9. Why is the number of musicians important in 1 Chronicles 25:27?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 25?

11. Who was Eliezer in the Bible?

12. Which son of Zerubbabel is an ancestor of Jesus: Abiud (Matthew 1:13) or Rhesa (Luke 3:27)? Neither name matches Zerubbabel's sons listed in 1 Chronicles 3:19-20.

13. 1 Chronicles 7:20-29 - Are there historical or archaeological records supporting Ephraim's vast numbers and territorial claims listed here?

14. In 1 Chronicles 1:19, does the mention of 'division' in Peleg's time imply a global geological event that contradicts modern science?
What Does 1 Chronicles 25:27 Mean
The twentieth

• “They cast lots for their duties, the young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil” (1 Chronicles 25:8). Verse 27 records that the twentieth lot fell in this divinely directed drawing.

• Just as the twenty-four priestly courses were ordered in 1 Chronicles 24, God assigns musical service with equal precision (compare 1 Chronicles 24:18; 25:31).

• The number twenty in this list tells us the rotation is nearing its close; every family would know exactly when it was their turn, safeguarding regular, uninterrupted praise (see 1 Chronicles 23:30-31).

• By noting the twentieth course, Scripture affirms that every service date—no matter how late in the schedule—matters to God (cf. Matthew 20:1-16).


To Eliathah

• Eliathah is named earlier among Heman’s sons (1 Chronicles 25:4). Heman’s line was marked out “to give thanks and to praise the LORD” (1 Chronicles 16:41-42).

• Being selected by lot underscored that Eliathah’s ministry was God-appointed, not self-chosen (Proverbs 16:33).

• Other Hemanites served prominently in revivals under Hezekiah and Josiah (2 Chronicles 29:13-14; 35:15), showing how this family’s faithfulness stretched across generations.

• The mention “to Eliathah” highlights personal responsibility. One man’s obedience would set the tone for an entire shift of worship (1 Chronicles 15:16-22).


His sons, and his brothers—12 in all

• Every course numbered twelve, matching the total of 288 musicians (24 × 12) in 1 Chronicles 25:7.

• Twelve often signals completeness in Scripture—the tribes of Israel (Genesis 35:22-26), the gates of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:12)—so each group pictured the fullness of covenant praise.

• “His sons” stresses that worship leadership was a family affair, teaching the next generation to magnify the LORD (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 78:4).

• “His brothers” shows teamwork; no one served alone. Mutual encouragement kept worship vibrant (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Hebrews 10:24-25).

• The size—twelve—was small enough for unity yet large enough for rich harmony, echoing David’s earlier call for “joyful songs” with varied instruments (1 Chronicles 15:16).


summary

1 Ch 25:27 records that the twentieth lot for temple musicians fell to Eliathah. God’s orderly selection (the twentieth), His personal appointment (to Eliathah), and His perfect team design (his sons and his brothers—12 in all) reveal that every detail of worship was planned, personal, and participatory. The verse reminds believers today that God values structured service, raises up specific servants, and delights in families and fellow believers joining together to offer Him continual, wholehearted praise.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
the twentieth
לְעֶשְׂרִים֙ (lə·‘eś·rîm)
Preposition-l | Number - common plural
Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth

to Eliathah,
לֶֽאֱלִיָּ֔תָה (le·’ĕ·lî·yā·ṯāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 448: Eliathah -- 'God has come', an Israelite

his sons,
בָּנָ֥יו (bā·nāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

and his brothers—
וְאֶחָ֖יו (wə·’e·ḥāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

12 [in all];
שְׁנֵ֥ים (šə·nêm)
Number - md
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 25:27 For the twentieth to Eliathah his sons (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 25:26
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