📖WEB · 1 Chronicles 25:3
What does 1 Chronicles 25:3 mean?
"Of Jeduthun; the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied in giving thanks and praising Yahweh with the harp."
— 1 Chronicles 25:3 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with harps, with stringed instruments, and with cymbals. The number of those who did the work according to their service was:
of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah. The sons of Asaph were under the hand of Asaph, who prophesied at the order of the king.
Of Jeduthun; the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied in giving thanks and praising Yahweh with the harp.
Of Heman; the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-Ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth.
All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.
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.
Explanation
1 Chronicles 25:3 is a simple genealogical and organizational statement identifying the six sons of Jeduthun—Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—who served under their father's supervision as musicians in Israel's worship. The verse tells us that their specific role was to "prophesy" through giving thanks and praising Yahweh with the harp, meaning their musical worship was considered a Spirit-inspired activity, not merely artistic performance.
This verse sits within 1 Chronicles 25, a chapter written by the Chronicler (traditionally associated with Ezra or a similar priestly figure) after the Babylonian exile, looking back at how King David had organized worship at the tabernacle and, later, the temple. The Chronicler's broader purpose was to remind the returning exiles of their identity as God's covenant people and to reestablish proper worship structures, including the Levitical musicians who led Israel in praise. Jeduthun was one of three chief musicians appointed by David (alongside Asaph and Heman), and his family line, along with the families of the other two, formed twenty-four courses of musicians who took turns leading worship in an organized, rotating system (as detailed later in the chapter).
Theologically, this verse highlights something significant: music and praise in ancient Israel were not peripheral or merely aesthetic additions to worship—they were viewed as a form of prophetic ministry. The Hebrew word translated
Compare translations
Go deeper with ScriptureCompanion AI
Ask questions about any verse, follow reading plans, write personal prayers, and track your daily habit — all grounded in verified scripture text.