Nehemiah 12:46
New International Version
For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the musicians and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

New Living Translation
The custom of having choir directors to lead the choirs in hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God began long ago in the days of David and Asaph.

English Standard Version
For long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers, and there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.

New King James Version
For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chiefs of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

New American Standard Bible
For in the days of David and Asaph, in ancient times, there were leaders of the singers, songs of praise and songs of thanksgiving to God.

NASB 1995
For in the days of David and Asaph, in ancient times, there were leaders of the singers, songs of praise and hymns of thanksgiving to God.

NASB 1977
For in the days of David and Asaph, in ancient times, there were leaders of the singers, songs of praise and hymns of thanksgiving to God.

Legacy Standard Bible
For in the days of David and Asaph, in ancient times, there were chiefs of the singers, songs of praise and hymns of thanksgiving to God.

Amplified Bible
For in the days of David and Asaph, in ancient times, there were leaders of singers, songs of praise and hymns of thanksgiving to God.

Christian Standard Bible
For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were heads of the singers and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were leaders of the singers and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

American Standard Version
For in the days of David and Asaph of old there was a chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.

Contemporary English Version
In fact, ever since the days of David and Asaph, there had been song leaders and songs of praise and worship.

English Revised Version
For in the days of David and Asaph of old there was a chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Long ago in the time of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the singers to lead [in singing] the songs of praise and hymns of thanksgiving to God.

Good News Translation
From the time of King David and the musician Asaph long ago, the musicians have led songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

International Standard Version
For in David's lifetime—and in the lifetime of Asaph, choir master of old—there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanks to God.

New Heart English Bible
For long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Webster's Bible Translation
For in the days of David, and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

World English Bible
For in the days of David and Asaph of old there was a chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for in the days of David and Asaph of old [were] heads of the singers, and a song of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Young's Literal Translation
for in the days of David and Asaph of old were heads of the singers, and a song of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Smith's Literal Translation
For in the days of, David and Asaph from of old the head of those singing, and the song of praise and confessions to God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For in the days of David and Asaph from the beginning there were chief singers appointed, to praise with canticles, and give thanks to God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For in the days of David and Asaph, from the beginning, there were leaders appointed over the singers, to give praise in verses, and to confess to God.

New American Bible
For in the days of David and Asaph, long ago, there were leaders of singers for songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

New Revised Standard Version
For in the days of David and Asaph long ago there was a leader of the singers, and there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For Asaph was in charge in the day of David, and he stood up at the head of the singers and sang praises and gave thanks before the LORD God.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
For Asaph was in the days of David, and he stood as Chief of the Ministers and was singing and giving thanks in front of LORD JEHOVAH God.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For in the days of David Asaph was originally first of the singers, and they sang hymns and praise to God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Provisions for Temple Worship
45They 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. 46For 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. 47So in the days of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portions for the singers and gatekeepers. They also set aside daily portions for the Levites, and the Levites set aside daily portions for the descendants of Aaron.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 25:1-7
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: / From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. / From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. ...

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 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.”

1 Chronicles 9:33
Those who were musicians, the heads of Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night.

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.

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.

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.

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. ...

1 Chronicles 25:6-7
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. / Together with their relatives, who were all trained and skillful in the songs of the LORD, they numbered 288.

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

1 Chronicles 16:41-42
With them were Heman, Jeduthun, and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the LORD, for “His loving devotion endures forever.” / Heman and Jeduthun had with them trumpets and cymbals for the music and instruments for the songs of God. And the sons of Jeduthun were stationed at the gate.

1 Chronicles 25:3
From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD.

1 Chronicles 15:27-28
Now David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, as well as the singers and Chenaniah, the director of music for the singers. David also wore a linen ephod. / So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, with the sounding of rams’ horns and trumpets, and with cymbals and the music of harps and lyres.

2 Chronicles 7:6
The priests stood at their posts, as did the Levites with the musical instruments of the LORD, which King David had made for giving thanks to the LORD and with which David had offered praise, saying, “For His loving devotion endures forever.” Across from the Levites, the priests sounded trumpets, and all the Israelites were standing.


Treasury of Scripture

For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

and Asaph.

1 Chronicles 25:1-31
Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was: …

2 Chronicles 29:30
Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the LORD with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.

Psalm 73:1-28
A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart…

Jump to Previous
Ago Ancient Asaph Blessing Chief Chiefs David Directors Heads Hymns Leaders Master Music Past Praise Singers Song Songs Thanksgiving Thanksgivings Times
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Ago Ancient Asaph Blessing Chief Chiefs David Directors Heads Hymns Leaders Master Music Past Praise Singers Song Songs Thanksgiving Thanksgivings Times
Nehemiah 12
1. The priests and the Levites which came up with Zerubbabel.
10. The succession of high priests.
22. Certain chief Levites.
27. The solemnity of the dedication of the walls.
44. The offices of priests and Levites appointed in the temple.














For long ago
This phrase sets the historical context, reaching back to a revered time in Israel's history. The Hebrew root here suggests a distant past, emphasizing continuity and tradition. It reminds us of the enduring nature of worship practices and the importance of historical foundations in faith. The phrase calls believers to respect and learn from the past, recognizing that the roots of worship are deeply embedded in the history of God's people.

in the days of David and Asaph
David, the beloved king, and Asaph, a prominent Levite musician, are central figures in the establishment of worship in Israel. David is known for his heart for God and his role in organizing temple worship, while Asaph is credited with several Psalms. This phrase highlights the collaboration between leadership and worship, underscoring the importance of godly leadership in guiding spiritual practices. It also points to the rich heritage of music and poetry in expressing devotion to God.

there were directors for the musicians
The role of directors indicates an organized and intentional approach to worship. The Hebrew term suggests oversight and guidance, ensuring that worship is conducted with excellence and order. This reflects the value placed on music as a vital component of worship, requiring skilled leadership. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation and dedication in leading others in worship, ensuring that it is both beautiful and honoring to God.

and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God
Praise and thanksgiving are central themes in biblical worship, reflecting a heart posture of gratitude and reverence. The Hebrew words for praise and thanksgiving convey a sense of celebration and acknowledgment of God's goodness and faithfulness. This phrase emphasizes the purpose of music in worship: to glorify God and express heartfelt gratitude. It encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness, recognizing that worship is not just a ritual but a sincere offering of praise to the Creator.

(46) Of old.--Always there is a reverence shown for the old precedents.

Verse 46. - For in the days of David. This verse is exegetical of the clause in ver. 45, "according to the commandment of David." The writer justifies his reference to that "commandment' by reminding his readers that the whole musical service - the singers , themselves, and their "chiefs," together with the "songs of praise" and the "thanksgiving songs - had descended to the Jews of his day from David and Asaph.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

long ago,
מִקֶּ֑דֶם (miq·qe·ḏem)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6924: The front, of place, time

in the days
בִימֵ֥י (ḇî·mê)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3117: A day

of David
דָוִ֛יד (ḏā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

and Asaph,
וְאָסָ֖ף (wə·’ā·sāp̄)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 623: Asaph -- 'gatherer', the name of several Israelites

there were directors
רָאשֵׁי֙ (rā·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7218: The head

for the singers
הַמְשֹׁ֣רְרִ֔ים (ham·šō·rə·rîm)
Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7891: To sing

and for the songs
וְשִׁיר־ (wə·šîr-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7892: A song, singing

of praise
תְּהִלָּ֥ה (tə·hil·lāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8416: Praise, song of praise

and thanksgiving
וְהֹד֖וֹת (wə·hō·ḏō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3034: To throw, at, away, to revere, worship, to bemoan

to God.
לֵֽאלֹהִֽים׃ (lê·lō·hîm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT History: Nehemiah 12:46 For in the days of David (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 12:45
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