New International VersionAlong with their relatives—all of them trained and skilled in music for the LORD—they numbered 288.
New Living TranslationThey and their families were all trained in making music before the LORD, and each of them—288 in all—was an accomplished musician.
English Standard VersionThe number of them along with their brothers, who were trained in singing to the LORD, all who were skillful, was 288.
Berean Standard BibleTogether with their relatives, who were all trained and skillful in the songs of the LORD, they numbered 288.
King James BibleSo the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.
New King James VersionSo the number of them, with their brethren who were instructed in the songs of the LORD, all who were skillful, was two hundred and eighty-eight.
New American Standard BibleTheir number who were trained in singing to the LORD, with their relatives, all who were skillful, was 288.
NASB 1995Their number who were trained in singing to the LORD, with their relatives, all who were skillful, was 288.
NASB 1977And their number who were trained in singing to the LORD, with their relatives, all who were skillful, was 288.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd their number who were trained in singing to Yahweh, with their relatives, all who were skillful, was 288.
Amplified BibleSo their number [who led the remainder of the 4,000], with their relatives who were trained in singing to the LORD, all who were skillful, was 288.
Christian Standard BibleThey numbered 288 together with their relatives who were all trained and skillful in music for the LORD.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThey numbered 288 together with their relatives who were all trained and skillful in music for the LORD.
American Standard VersionAnd the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in singing unto Jehovah, even all that were skilful, was two hundred fourscore and eight.
Contemporary English VersionThere were 288 of these men, and all of them were skilled musicians.
English Revised VersionAnd the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in singing unto the LORD, even all that were skilful, was two hundred fourscore and eight.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThey, along with their relatives, were trained, skilled musicians for the LORD. There were 288 of them.
Good News TranslationAll these twenty-four men were experts; and their fellow Levites were trained musicians. There were 288 men in all.
International Standard VersionThey and their relatives who had been skillfully trained in singing to the LORD, numbered 288.
NET BibleThey and their relatives, all of them skilled and trained to make music to the LORD, numbered two hundred eighty-eight.
New Heart English BibleThe number of them, with their brothers who were instructed in singing to the LORD, even all who were skillful, was two hundred eighty-eight.
Webster's Bible TranslationSo the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were skillful, was two hundred and eighty eight. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTogether with their relatives, who were all trained and skillful in the songs of the LORD, they numbered 288.
World English BibleThe number of them, with their brothers who were instructed in singing to Yahweh, even all who were skillful, was two hundred eighty-eight. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd their number, with their brothers taught in the song of YHWH—all who are intelligent—[is] two hundred and eighty-eight.
Young's Literal Translation And their number, with their brethren -- taught in the song of Jehovah, all who are intelligent -- is two hundred, eighty and eight.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd their number will be with their brethren teaching the song to Jehovah, all having understanding, two hundred eighty and eight. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the number of them with their brethren, that taught the song of the Lord, all the teachers, were two hundred and eighty-eight,
Catholic Public Domain VersionNow the number of these, with their brothers, who were instructing in the song of the Lord, all the teachers, were two hundred eighty-eight.
New American BibleTheir number, together with that of their kinsmen who were trained in singing to the LORD, all of them skilled men, was two hundred and eighty-eight.
New Revised Standard VersionThey and their kindred, who were trained in singing to the LORD, all of whom were skillful, numbered two hundred eighty-eight. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo the number of them, with their brethren who were instructed in the songs of the LORD, was two hundred and eighty-eight.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd their number with their brethren and singers of songs to LORD JEHOVAH, and the number of these singers was two hundred and eighty and eight. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in singing unto the LORD, even all that were skilful, was two hundred fourscore and eight.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the number of them after their brethren, those instructed to sing to God, every one that understood singing was two hundred and eighty-eight.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Twenty-Four Divisions of Musicians… 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 withtheir relatives,who were alltrainedand skillfulin the songsof the LORD,they numbered2888They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil.…
Cross References 1 Chronicles 23:54,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.”
2 Chronicles 5:12-13all 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 29:25-30Hezekiah 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 35:15The 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 12:27-29At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from all their homes and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres. / The singers were also assembled from the region around Jerusalem, from the villages of the Netophathites, / from Beth-gilgal, and from the fields of Geba and Azmaveth, for they had built villages for themselves around Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 12:45-46They 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 68:25The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines.
Psalm 150:3-5Praise 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.
1 Samuel 10:5After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying.
2 Samuel 6:5David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.
2 Kings 3:15But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha
Ezra 3:10-11When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as David king of Israel had prescribed. / And they sang responsively with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid.
Exodus 15:20-21Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. / And Miriam sang back to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.”
Revelation 14:2-3And 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 15:2-3And 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 So the number of them, with their brothers that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight. under the hands 1 Chronicles 25:2,3 Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king… for song 1 Chronicles 25:1-3 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: … 1 Chronicles 15:22 And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites,was for song: he instructed about the song, because hewas skilful. 1 Chronicles 23:5 Moreover four thousandwere porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made,said David, to praisetherewith. 1 Chronicles 25:2 Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king. Asaph 1 Chronicles 25:1-4 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: … Jump to Previous CunningEightEightyEighty-EightExpertFourscoreHundredInstructedIntelligentMakingMelodyMusicRelativesSingingSkilfulSkilledSkillfulSongSongsTaughtTrainedJump to Next CunningEightEightyEighty-EightExpertFourscoreHundredInstructedIntelligentMakingMelodyMusicRelativesSingingSkilfulSkilledSkillfulSongSongsTaughtTrained1 Chronicles 25 1.The number and offices of the singers8.Their division by lot into twenty-four ordersTogether with their relativesThis phrase highlights the communal and familial aspect of worship in ancient Israel. The involvement of relatives suggests a tradition of passing down musical skills and responsibilities within families. This reflects the broader biblical theme of generational faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, where parents are instructed to teach God's commandments to their children. The inclusion of relatives also emphasizes the importance of community in worship, a principle that is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in the early church's communal life ( Acts 2:42-47). who were all trained and skillful
The emphasis on being "trained and skillful" indicates a high standard for those involved in temple worship. This training likely involved both musical ability and spiritual preparation, underscoring the importance of excellence in worship. The Levites, who were responsible for temple music, were set apart for this purpose, as seen in1 Chronicles 15:16-22. This dedication to skill and training can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament call for believers to use their gifts for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). in the songs of the LORD
The "songs of the LORD" refer to the sacred music used in temple worship, which was an integral part of Israel's religious life. These songs were likely psalms and hymns that praised God and recounted His mighty deeds. The Psalms, many of which are attributed to David, were central to worship and are still used in Jewish and Christian liturgies today. This phrase underscores the role of music in expressing devotion and theology, a tradition that continues in Christian worship through hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). they numbered 288
The specific number, 288, indicates an organized and structured approach to temple worship. This number could represent 24 groups of 12 musicians, aligning with the 24 divisions of priests and Levites mentioned in1 Chronicles 24. This organization reflects the orderliness of worship in the temple, which was designed to reflect the holiness and majesty of God. The precision in numbers also points to the importance of each individual's contribution to the collective worship experience, a principle that is mirrored in the New Testament's teaching on the body of Christ, where each member has a unique and vital role (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Persons / Places / Events 1. Singers and MusiciansThis verse refers to the group of Levites who were specifically set apart for the ministry of music in the temple. They were skilled and trained in singing to the LORD. 2. The TempleThe central place of worship for the Israelites, where these musicians performed their duties. It was a place of sacrifice, prayer, and praise. 3. David's OrganizationKing David organized the temple musicians into divisions, ensuring that worship was conducted in an orderly and continuous manner. Teaching Points The Importance of Skill in WorshipThe musicians were not only chosen but also trained and skilled. This highlights the importance of developing our talents for God's glory. Worship as a Family AffairThe inclusion of relatives suggests that worship was a communal and family-centered activity. Families today can also engage in worship together. Order and Structure in WorshipDavid's organization of the musicians shows that worship should be conducted with order and purpose, reflecting God's nature. Continuous PraiseThe large number of musicians indicates that praise was a continuous activity in the temple. Believers are encouraged to maintain a lifestyle of continuous worship. Diversity in WorshipThe variety of roles and instruments used by the Levites suggests that worship can be expressed in diverse ways, each contributing to the glorification of God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 25:7?
2.How does 1 Chronicles 25:7 emphasize the importance of skilled musicians in worship?
3.What can we learn from the "trained and skilled" musicians about serving God?
4.How does this verse connect with Psalm 33:3 about playing skillfully for the Lord?
5.How can we apply the dedication of these musicians to our own talents?
6.What role does preparation play in effectively using our gifts for God's glory?
7.How does 1 Chronicles 25:7 reflect the importance of music in worship?
8.Why were 288 skilled musicians significant in 1 Chronicles 25:7?
9.What does 1 Chronicles 25:7 reveal about the organization of temple worship?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 25?
11.2 Chronicles 5:12–13 – Can the enormous Levitical choir and musical ensemble be supported by any historical or logistical data, given ancient population and resource limits?
12.In 1 Chronicles 25:6–7, does any historical record confirm 288 skilled singers and musicians existed under David?
13.1 Chronicles 7:20-29 - Are there historical or archaeological records supporting Ephraim's vast numbers and territorial claims listed here?
14.Why do the numbers listed in 2 Chronicles 9:25 about Solomon's horses and chariots differ from related passages like 1 Kings 4:26?What Does 1 Chronicles 25:7 Mean Together with their relativesThe verse opens by highlighting that the musicians served as families. Worship in Israel was never a solo endeavor; it was rooted in covenant community. David deliberately organized “the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun” along with their kin (1 Chronicles 25:1). • Family participation guarded purity of doctrine and practice (De 6:6-7;Psalm 78:4-7). • Unity among relatives modeled the very praise they were leading—“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” (Psalm 133:1). • The New Testament echoes this corporate pattern: households such as Cornelius’s and Lydia’s rejoiced together in the Lord (Acts 10:24; 16:15, 34). Because Scripture is accurate and literal, we may trust that these relatives truly stood side-by-side in the sanctuary, strengthening one another and setting an example for every generation that follows.
who were all trainedTraining was not optional; it was expected. These Levites had been prepared for their calling, just as Chenaniah earlier “instructed about the songs, because he was skillful” (1 Chronicles 15:22). • Thorough instruction protected worship from careless improvisation (2 Chronicles 29:25-27). • Training involved mind and heart: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God” (2Titus 2:15). • The church today still equips servants “for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). God values deliberate preparation. Talent alone is never enough; disciplined learning turns giftedness into holy service.
and skillful in the songs of the LORDSkillfulness matters because God is worthy of our best. “Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy” (Psalm 33:3). • Musical excellence lifted Israel’s eyes from performers to the LORD Himself (Psalm 96:1-2). • These songs were Scripture-saturated prophecy (1 Chronicles 25:3), reinforcing truth while stirring affection. • Skill is commended, never worshiped. The focus remains “the songs of the LORD,” not the virtuosity of the Levites (Colossians 3:16). By recording this detail, the chronicler affirms that artistry and orthodoxy can—and must—walk together in the worship of the living God.
they numbered 288The final clause underscores order. Two hundred eighty-eight equals twenty-four courses of twelve each (1 Chronicles 25:8-31). • Twenty-four divisions parallel the priestly courses in the prior chapter (1 Chronicles 24:4), showing symmetry in Israel’s worship structure. • Twelve signifies completeness within each group, mirroring the twelve tribes (Exodus 28:21;Luke 22:30). • Precise numbers testify to the historical reliability of the account; they are not symbolic legends but factual records. God delights in orderly service: “Let everything be done decently and in order” (1Colossians 14:40). Organization safeguards continuity so that praise never ceases before His throne.
summary1 Chronicles 25:7 presents a snapshot of divinely ordered worship: families united, thoroughly trained, artistically skillful, and numerically organized. The verse calls believers today to serve together, prepare diligently, offer excellence, and embrace godly structure—because the Lord who inspired these words is worthy of nothing less. (7) So the number of them, with their brethren . . . was two hundred fourscore and eight.--This total of two hundred and eighty-eight skilled musicians (24 ? 12) shows that each of the twenty-four leading minstrels, called in 1Chronicles 25:2-4 the "sons" of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman, was associated with a company of eleven "brethren," who were experts in the chanting of the sanctuary. The twenty-four leaders accompanied the singing of their choirs with instrumental music. Verse 7. - This verse introduces a large additional number of those called for the present brethren of the foregoing twenty-four. These brethren (partly composed of their sons, as appears from vers. 9-31) were to aid in the songs of the Lord, and were apparently under instruction for that purpose. Each one of the twenty-four had eleven associated subordinates with him, and for whose instruction and service he was probably answerable. These would, of course, multiply up to the two hundred four score and eight mentioned in the verse. This verse appears (contrary to the interpretation of Keil, Bertheau, and others) with sufficient precision to mark two classes מְלֻמְּדֵי־שִׁיר, and הַמֵּבִּין, the latter not embracing the former, but the two together making up the two hundred and eighty-eight spoken cf. These two classes will surely satisfy the "teacher and the scholar" classification of the following verse; the classes are denoted by the same Hebrew roots. In ver. 7 the passive Pual participle of the instructed and the Hiphil participle of the cunning, or skilled, correspond exactly with the "scholar" ( תַלְמִיד) and the "teacher" ( מֵּבִין) of ver. 8. The contents of vers. 9-31 point to the same, being as they are without an allusion to any other outsiders - to any but the already introduced names of "sons" and "brethren." The supposing, therefore, of any allusion here to the "four thousand" of 1 Chronicles 23:5 seems unnecessary and unnatural in whatever way they were distributed - and probably enough it was in an analogous manner - no distinct reference is made to them here.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Together withעִם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withtheir relatives,אֲחֵיהֶ֔ם(’ă·ḥê·hem)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 251:A brother, )who were allכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everytrainedמְלֻמְּדֵי־(mə·lum·mə·ḏê-)Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3925:To exercise in, learnand skillfulהַ֨מֵּבִ֔ין(ham·mê·ḇîn)Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 995:To separate mentally, understandin the songsשִׁ֖יר(šîr)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7892:A song, singingof the LORD,לַיהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelthey numberedמִסְפָּרָם֙(mis·pā·rām)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4557:A number, definite, indefinite, narration288מָאתַ֖יִם(mā·ṯa·yim)Number - fd
Strong's 3967:A hundred
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OT History: 1 Chronicles 25:7 The number of them with their brothers (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) |
