1 Chronicles 25:6
New International Version
All these men were under the supervision of their father for the music of the temple of the LORD, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king.

New Living Translation
All these men were under the direction of their fathers as they made music at the house of the LORD. Their responsibilities included the playing of cymbals, harps, and lyres at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman reported directly to the king.

English Standard Version
They were all under the direction of their father in the music in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the order of the king.

Berean Standard Bible
All these were under the direction of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
All these were under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the authority of the king.

New American Standard Bible
All of these were under the direction of their father to sing in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king.

NASB 1995
All these were under the direction of their father to sing in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, harps and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the direction of the king.

NASB 1977
All these were under the direction of their father to sing in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, harps and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the direction of the king.

Legacy Standard Bible
All these were under the direction of their father to sing in the house of Yahweh, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king.

Amplified Bible
All these were under the direction of their father to sing in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the order and direction of the king.

Christian Standard Bible
All these men were under their own fathers’ authority for the music in the LORD’s temple, with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of God’s temple. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the king’s authority.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
All these men were under their own fathers’ authority for the music in the LORD’s temple, with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of God’s temple. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the king’s authority.

American Standard Version
All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of Jehovah, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God; Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman being under the order of the king.

Contemporary English Version
His sons were under his direction and played cymbals, harps, and other stringed instruments during times of worship at the temple. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman took their orders directly from the king.

English Revised Version
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; Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman being under the order of the king.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
All these [Levites] sang at the LORD's temple under the direction of their fathers Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman. They played cymbals, lyres, and harps for worship in God's temple under the direction of the king.

Good News Translation
All of his sons played cymbals and harps under their father's direction, to accompany the Temple worship. And Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under orders from the king.

International Standard Version
They were all under their father's supervision regarding music in the Temple of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the Temple of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under command of the king.

Majority Standard Bible
All these were under the direction of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king.

NET Bible
All of these were under the supervision of their fathers; they were musicians in the LORD's temple, playing cymbals and stringed instruments as they served in God's temple. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the supervision of the king.

New Heart English Bible
All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of God's house; Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman being under the order of the king.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
All these were under the hands of their father for song in Yahweh’s house, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of God’s house: Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman being under the order of the king.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
All these [are] by the side of their father in the song of the house of YHWH, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God; by the side of the king [are] Asaph, and Jeduthun, and Heman.

Young's Literal Translation
All these are by the side of their father in the song of the house of Jehovah, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God; by the side of the king are Asaph, and Jeduthun, and Heman.

Smith's Literal Translation
All these upon the hands of their father in the song of the house of Jehovah, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the service of the house of God, upon the hands of the king, Asaph and Jeduthun and Heman.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
All these under their father's hand were distributed to sing in the temple of the Lord, with cymbals, and psalteries and harps, for the service of the house of the Lord near the king: to wit, Asaph, and Idithun, and Heman.

Catholic Public Domain Version
All these, under their father’s hand, were distributed in order to sing in the temple of the Lord, with cymbals and psalteries and harps, in the ministry of the house of the Lord beside the king, specifically, Asaph, and Jeduthun, and Heman.

New American Bible
All these, whether of Asaph, Jeduthun, or Heman, were under their fathers’ direction in the singing in the house of the LORD to the accompaniment of cymbals, harps and lyres, serving in the house of God, under the guidance of the king.

New Revised Standard Version
They were all under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the order of the king.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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, Jeruthun, and Heman.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
All these were under the hands of their fathers for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the direction of the king--Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
All these sang hymns with their father in the house of God, with cymbals, and lutes, and harps, for the service of the house of God, near the king, and Asaph, and Idithun, and Aeman.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Twenty-Four Divisions of Musicians
5All these sons of Heman the king’s seer were given him through the promises of God to exalt him, for God had given Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. 6All these were under the direction of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king. 7Together with their relatives, who were all trained and skillful in the songs of the LORD, they numbered 288.…

Cross References
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 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. ...

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 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 15:16-22
David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals. / So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah; / and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel. ...

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 8:14
In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.

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 12:24-26
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. / Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates. / They served in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest and scribe.

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 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.

Psalm 33:2-3
Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings. / Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.

Psalm 81:1-2
For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. Of Asaph. Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob. / Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre.

Psalm 92:1-3
A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath day. It is good to praise the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High, / to proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning and Your faithfulness at night / with the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre.

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


Treasury of Scripture

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.

the king's seer

1 Chronicles 21:9
And the LORD spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying,

1 Samuel 9:9
(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)

words.

God gave

1 Chronicles 28:5
And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

Genesis 33:5
And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.

Psalm 127:3
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Jump to Previous
Asaph Brass Cymbals Direction Fathers Hands Harps Heman House Instruments Jeduthun Jedu'thun King's Lyres Music Order Psalteries Service Sing Song Stringed Supervision
Jump to Next
Asaph Brass Cymbals Direction Fathers Hands Harps Heman House Instruments Jeduthun Jedu'thun King's Lyres Music Order Psalteries Service Sing Song Stringed Supervision
1 Chronicles 25
1. The number and offices of the singers
8. Their division by lot into twenty-four orders














All these were under the direction of their fathers
This phrase highlights the importance of family lineage and mentorship in the Levitical musical tradition. The Levites were set apart for the service of the temple, and their roles were often passed down through generations. This reflects the biblical principle of honoring one's parents and the transmission of faith and skills from one generation to the next, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7.

for the music of the house of the LORD
Music played a crucial role in the worship practices of ancient Israel. The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was the central place of worship. Music was used to glorify God and to lead the people in worship, as seen in Psalm 150. The use of music in worship is a theme that continues throughout the Bible, culminating in the heavenly worship scenes in Revelation.

with cymbals, harps, and lyres
These instruments were commonly used in ancient Israelite worship. Cymbals were percussion instruments that added rhythm and emphasis. Harps and lyres were stringed instruments that provided melody and harmony. The use of these instruments indicates a well-organized and diverse musical ensemble, similar to the orchestras found in other ancient Near Eastern cultures.

for the service of the house of God
The phrase underscores the purpose of the music: to serve in the temple. This service was not merely a performance but an act of worship and ministry. The Levites' musical service was integral to the temple rituals and ceremonies, as described in 2 Chronicles 5:12-14, where music accompanies the presence of God's glory.

Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman
These three men were prominent leaders of the Levitical musicians. Asaph is credited with several psalms (e.g., Psalm 73-83), indicating his role as a composer and worship leader. Jeduthun, also known as Ethan, is associated with prophetic music (1 Chronicles 25:1). Heman is noted for his wisdom and musical skill (1 Kings 4:31). Their leadership reflects the organized and prophetic nature of temple worship.

were under the direction of the king
This phrase indicates the king's involvement in temple worship, emphasizing the unity between the monarchy and religious practices. King David, in particular, was instrumental in organizing the temple musicians (1 Chronicles 23-25). This connection between the king and worship points to the ideal of a godly ruler who leads the nation in honoring God, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Asaph
A prominent Levite musician and seer, appointed by King David to lead worship in the temple. Asaph's descendants continued his legacy in temple music.

2. Jeduthun
Another key figure in temple music, Jeduthun was a Levite and a leader of one of the three families of temple musicians. His family was known for their prophetic music ministry.

3. Heman
A Levite musician and seer, Heman was known for his wisdom and musical talent. He was one of the main leaders of temple worship alongside Asaph and Jeduthun.

4. King David
The king of Israel who organized the temple worship and appointed the Levites to their roles. His leadership was instrumental in establishing the musical worship in the temple.

5. House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites, where the Levites performed their musical duties.
Teaching Points
The Role of Music in Worship
Music is a vital component of worship, serving to glorify God and edify the congregation. The organization of temple musicians underlines the importance of music in spiritual life.

Leadership and Direction in Worship
The direction by the fathers and the king signifies the need for leadership and order in worship. Effective worship requires guidance and structure.

Generational Legacy in Ministry
Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman's roles highlight the importance of passing down spiritual gifts and responsibilities through generations.

Unity in Worship
The collaboration of different families and leaders in temple music illustrates the unity required in worship, bringing together diverse talents for a common purpose.

Prophetic Nature of Worship
The mention of prophetic music suggests that worship can be a means through which God communicates with His people, offering insight and encouragement.(6) All these were under the hands of their father . . . and harps.--Rather, All these were under the direction of their conductor in the music in the house of Jehovah, with cymbals, harps, and lutes, (See Notes on 1Chronicles 25:2-3.)

According to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.--Rather, under the directions of the king (and), Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun. The meaning is that the arrangement of the duties of the minstrels was accomplished by David with the assistance of the three chief musicians, just as, in the classification of the priests, the king had been helped by the chief priests Zadok and Ahimelech (1Chronicles 24:3).

All these.--That is, the twenty-four leading minstrels, enumerated in 1Chronicles 25:2-4. Each performed under the supervision of his own "father," i.e., director.

Verse 6. - This verse needs nothing except exact translation to make its meaning clear and consistent, All these (i.e. the names of vers. 2-4) were under the directions of their father, in the song of the house of the Lord, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, under the directions of the king, Asaph, and Jeduthun and Heman.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
All
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

these [were]
אֵ֣לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

under
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the direction
יְדֵי֩ (yə·ḏê)
Noun - fdc
Strong's 3027: A hand

of their fathers
אֲבִיהֶ֨ם (’ă·ḇî·hem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

for the music
בַּשִּׁ֜יר (baš·šîr)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7892: A song, singing

of the house
בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of the LORD
יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

with cymbals,
בִּמְצִלְתַּ֙יִם֙ (bim·ṣil·ta·yim)
Preposition-b | Noun - cd
Strong's 4700: Double tinklers, cymbals

harps,
נְבָלִ֣ים (nə·ḇā·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5035: A skin-bag for, liquids, a vase, a lyre

and lyres,
וְכִנֹּר֔וֹת (wə·ḵin·nō·rō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3658: A harp

for the service
לַעֲבֹדַ֖ת (la·‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5656: Work of any kind

of the house
בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of God.
הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

Asaph,
אָסָ֥ף (’ā·sāp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 623: Asaph -- 'gatherer', the name of several Israelites

Jeduthun,
וִידוּת֖וּן (wî·ḏū·ṯūn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3038: Jeduthun

and Heman
וְהֵימָֽן׃ (wə·hê·mān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1968: Heman -- an Israelite name

were under
עַ֚ל (‘al)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the direction
יְדֵ֣י (yə·ḏê)
Noun - fdc
Strong's 3027: A hand

of the king.
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king


Links
1 Chronicles 25:6 NIV
1 Chronicles 25:6 NLT
1 Chronicles 25:6 ESV
1 Chronicles 25:6 NASB
1 Chronicles 25:6 KJV

1 Chronicles 25:6 BibleApps.com
1 Chronicles 25:6 Biblia Paralela
1 Chronicles 25:6 Chinese Bible
1 Chronicles 25:6 French Bible
1 Chronicles 25:6 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Chronicles 25:6 All these were under the hands (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 25:5
Top of Page
Top of Page