New International VersionThose who were musicians, heads of Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night.
New Living TranslationThe musicians, all prominent Levites, lived at the Temple. They were exempt from other responsibilities since they were on duty at all hours.
English Standard VersionNow these, the singers, the heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites, were in the chambers of the temple free from other service, for they were on duty day and night.
Berean Standard BibleThose 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.
King James BibleAnd these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night.
New King James VersionThese are the singers, heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites, who lodged in the chambers, and were free from other duties; for they were employed in that work day and night.
New American Standard BibleNow these are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the chambers of the temple free of other duties; for they were engaged in their work day and night.
NASB 1995Now these are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the chambers of the temple free from other service; for they were engaged in their work day and night.
NASB 1977Now these are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the chambers of the temple free from other service; for they were engaged in their work day and night.
Legacy Standard BibleNow these are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the chambers of the temple free from other service; for they were over them in their work day and night.
Amplified BibleNow these are the singers, heads of the fathers’ households of the Levites, living in the temple chambers, free from other service because they were on duty day and night.
Christian Standard BibleThe singers, the heads of the Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other tasks because they were on duty day and night.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe singers, the heads of the Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other tasks because they were on duty day and night.
American Standard VersionAnd these are the singers, heads of fathers' houses of the Levites, who dwelt in the chambers and were free from other service; for they were employed in their work day and night.
Contemporary English VersionThe Levite family leaders who were the musicians also lived at the temple. They had no other responsibilities, because they were on duty day and night.
English Revised VersionAnd these are the singers, heads of fathers' houses of the Levites, who dwelt in the chambers and were free from other service: for they were employed in their work day and night.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThese were the musicians who were the heads of the Levite families. They lived in rooms in the temple and were free from other duties because they were on duty day and night.
Good News TranslationSome Levite families were responsible for the Temple music. The heads of these families lived in some of the Temple buildings and were free from other duties, because they were on call day and night.
International Standard VersionThese singers, leaders of ancestral households of the descendants of Levi, were living in the chambers of the Temple. Freed from other service responsibilities, they were on duty day and night.
NET BibleThe musicians and Levite family leaders stayed in rooms at the sanctuary and were exempt from other duties, for day and night they had to carry out their assigned tasks.
New Heart English BibleThese are the singers, heads of ancestral houses of the Levites, who lived in the chambers and were free from other service; for they were employed in their work day and night.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThose 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.
World English BibleThese are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the rooms and were free from other service, for they were employed in their work day and night. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd these who sing, heads of fathers of the Levites, in the chambers, [are] free, for [they are] over them in the work by day and by night.
Young's Literal Translation And these who sing, heads of fathers of the Levites, in the chambers, are free, for by day and by night they are over them in the work.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd these singing, heads of the fathers to the Levites in the cells being free: for their day and night upon them in work. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThese are the chief of the singing men of the families of the Levites, who dwelt in the chambers, by the temple, that they might serve continually day and night in their ministry.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThese are the leaders of the singing men, according to the families of the Levites, who were dwelling in the chambers, so that they might carry out their ministry continually, day and night.
New American BibleThese were the singers and the gatekeepers, family heads over the Levites. They stayed in the chambers when free of duty, for day and night they had to be ready for service.
New Revised Standard VersionNow these are the singers, the heads of ancestral houses of the Levites, living in the chambers of the temple free from other service, for they were on duty day and night. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd these are the ministers, chiefs of the fathers of the Levites, who kept the watch in the chambers round about the temple, because they were over the work day and night.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd these Ministers, Chiefs of the fathers of Levi, were guarding in the arched chambers that are around the house, because they were authorized over the work by day and by night. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And these are the singers, heads of fathers' houses of the Levites, who dwelt in the chambers and were free from other service; for they were employed in their work day and night.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd these were the singers, heads of families of the Levites, to whom were established daily courses, for they were employed in the services day and night.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The People of Jerusalem… 32Some of their Kohathite brothers were responsible for preparing the rows of the showbread every Sabbath. 33Those who weremusicians,the headsof Levitefamilies,stayed in the temple chambersand were exemptfrom other dutiesbecause they wereon dutydayand night.34All these were heads of Levite families, chiefs according to their genealogies, and they lived in Jerusalem.…
Cross References Nehemiah 12:46-47For 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. / So 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.
1 Chronicles 6:31-32These 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 25:1-7Additionally, 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 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.
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.
Psalm 134:1-2A song of ascents. Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who serve by night in the house of the LORD! / Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the LORD!
Psalm 135:1-3Hallelujah! Praise the name of the LORD. Give praise, O servants of the LORD, / who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God. / Hallelujah, for the LORD is good; sing praises to His name, for it is lovely.
Psalm 92:1-3A 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.
Psalm 33:1-3Rejoice in the LORD, O righteous ones; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. / 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 68:24-25They have seen Your procession, O God—the march of my God and King into the sanctuary. / The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines.
Psalm 81:1-2For 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 149:1-3Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song—His praise in the assembly of the godly. / Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. / Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.
Luke 2:37and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
Treasury of Scripture And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night. the singers 1 Chronicles 6:31-33 And theseare they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest… 1 Chronicles 15:16-22 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethrento be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy… 1 Chronicles 16:4-6 And he appointedcertain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel: … were free Nehemiah 11:17,22,23 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph,was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun… they, etc. Psalm 134:1,2 A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye the LORD, allye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD… Psalm 135:1-3 Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praisehim, O ye servants of the LORD… Jump to Previous ChambersChiefDutiesDutyDwellingDweltEmployedEngagedExemptFamiliesFathersFreeHeadsHouseholdsHousesLevitesMusicMusiciansNightOrderingRemainingRoomsServiceSingSingersSongsTempleWorkJump to Next ChambersChiefDutiesDutyDwellingDweltEmployedEngagedExemptFamiliesFathersFreeHeadsHouseholdsHousesLevitesMusicMusiciansNightOrderingRemainingRoomsServiceSingSingersSongsTempleWork1 Chronicles 9 1.The original of Israel and Judah's genealogies2.The Israelites10.The priests14.and the Levites, with Nethinims, who dwelt in Jerusalem27.The charge of certain Levites35.The stock of Saul and JonathanThose who were musiciansThe musicians in the temple were Levites, a tribe set apart for religious duties. Music played a crucial role in worship, as seen in various Psalms attributed to David, who organized temple music. The Levites' musical service was integral to temple rituals, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere and aiding in worship. the heads of Levite families
The heads of Levite families were responsible for overseeing the musical and other temple duties. This leadership role ensured that worship was conducted in an orderly and reverent manner. The Levites were divided into different families, each with specific roles, as outlined in1 Chronicles 6. stayed in the temple chambers
The temple chambers were rooms within the temple complex used for various purposes, including storage and living quarters for those serving in the temple. The musicians' residence in these chambers highlights their dedication and the importance of their role in maintaining continuous worship. and were exempt from other duties
Being exempt from other duties allowed the musicians to focus solely on their worship responsibilities. This exemption underscores the significance of their role in temple service, as their continuous presence was necessary for the daily worship and sacrifices. because they were on duty day and night
The phrase "day and night" indicates the perpetual nature of their service, reflecting the idea of continuous worship before God. This concept is echoed inRevelation 4:8, where heavenly beings worship God without ceasing. The musicians' constant service symbolizes the eternal praise offered to God, a type of the heavenly worship to come. Persons / Places / Events 1. MusiciansThese were Levites specifically appointed to lead worship through music in the temple. Their role was crucial in maintaining the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. 2. Levite FamiliesThe Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, set apart for religious duties. The musicians came from these families, emphasizing the hereditary nature of their service. 3. Temple ChambersThese were rooms within the temple complex where the musicians resided. This highlights the centrality of worship in the life of the temple. 4. Day and Night ServiceThe musicians' commitment to their duties was continuous, symbolizing the perpetual worship and praise due to God. 5. Exemption from Other DutiesThis indicates the importance of their role, as they were freed from other responsibilities to focus solely on worship. Teaching Points The Importance of WorshipWorship is central to our relationship with God. Just as the Levite musicians were dedicated to worship, we too should prioritize worship in our lives. Dedication to God's WorkThe musicians' exemption from other duties shows the importance of dedicating ourselves fully to the tasks God has given us. Continuous PraiseThe day and night service of the musicians reminds us of the call to live lives of continuous praise and gratitude to God. Community and HeritageThe role of the Levite families in temple worship underscores the importance of community and passing down faith traditions. Spiritual FocusJust as the musicians were set apart for a specific purpose, we should seek to understand and fulfill our unique roles in God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 9:33?
2.How does 1 Chronicles 9:33 emphasize the importance of continual worship in life?
3.What role did the musicians play in temple worship according to 1 Chronicles 9:33?
4.How can we incorporate "day and night" worship into our daily routines?
5.What other scriptures highlight the significance of music in worship?
6.How does the dedication of temple musicians inspire our commitment to church service?
7.What role did the musicians play in 1 Chronicles 9:33 within the temple service?
8.How does 1 Chronicles 9:33 reflect the importance of worship in ancient Israel?
9.Why were the musicians exempt from other duties according to 1 Chronicles 9:33?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 9?
11.What is the International House of Prayer?
12.Is there sufficient historical proof that Psalm 134 reflects actual temple practices, or could it be a later liturgical addition?
13.Is one day with You better than a thousand elsewhere?
14.Who is Asaph in the Bible?What Does 1 Chronicles 9:33 Mean Those who were musiciansThe verse opens by spotlighting a distinct group—Levites set apart for music ministry. Their calling was not a hobby; it was a divinely assigned vocation. • David had already organized this corps of singers and instrumentalists “to lift up their voices with joy” (1 Chron 15:16; cf. 1 Chron 25:1-7). • Music in worship was viewed as service every bit as sacred as sacrifice (2 Chron 5:12-14). •Psalm 150 celebrates this same calling, urging every instrument and every breath to praise the LORD. Taken at face value, the text affirms that God Himself values skillful, continual musical praise within His house.
the heads of Levite familiesLeadership mattered. These were not novices but patriarchs who carried both spiritual authority and family responsibility. •Numbers 3:5-10 sets the precedent: entire clans were commissioned to aid the priesthood. • By David’s day, “twenty-four thousand” Levites supervised temple work, with specified leaders over each section (1 Chron 23:4-5). • Their example underscores that worship leadership flows from godly lineage and tested character, not merely talent.
stayed in the temple chambersThe Lord provided literal living quarters in His house for those who served Him. • Gatekeepers and treasurers also lodged “around the house of God, because the charge was on them” (1 Chron 9:27-29). • Nehemiah later restored these chambers after exile (Nehemiah 13:5). • By residing on-site, the musicians could respond instantly to any call to worship, illustrating wholehearted dedication.
were exempt from other dutiesFreeing them from ancillary tasks protected their primary mission. •Numbers 8:24-26 shows age-based limits on Levite labor so their strength focused on worship. • Hezekiah reinforced this principle, commanding the people to supply the Levites’ needs “so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD” (2 Chron 31:4). • God’s design made room for undistracted ministry, modeling how the body of believers supports those called to full-time service.
because they were on duty day and nightContinuous praise was not symbolic—it happened in real time, every hour. •Psalm 134:1 salutes “all you servants of the LORD who serve by night in the house of the LORD!” • David mandated morning-and-evening thanksgiving (1 Chron 23:30), a rhythm later echoed inRevelation 4:8 where heavenly worship never ceases. • The round-the-clock assignment points to God’s worthiness of unending honor and foreshadows eternal worship in His presence.
summary1 Chronicles 9:33 teaches that God ordained a dedicated, well-led, fully supported team of Levite musicians who lived in the temple and offered uninterrupted praise. Their 24/7 service underscores the priority of worship, the legitimacy of full-time ministry, and the reality that our holy God deserves continual, wholehearted adoration. (33, 34) A general subscription, or concluding statement, with reference to the preceding account of the Levites ( 1Chronicles 9:14-32). (33) Refers to the singers treated of in1Chronicles 9:14-16 :And these(above mentioned) are the minstrels, heads of Levitical families; in the Temple cells(they lived), exempt from all other charge; for day and night they were over them in the work. The Hebrew is, harsh, and perhaps corrupt, but the meaning seems to be clear. It is hardly meant that the service of song in the Temple was uninterrupted (comp.Revelation 4:8), but only that the choristers were under obligation to perpetually recurring service. They were employed in that work.--Rather,They were over them in the work. They--that is, the leaders for the time being--lived, like the chief warders, in the Temple cells, presiding continually over the guilds of singers. Verse 33. - Translate, And these singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, in the chambers were free. The word "free" is surely sufficiently explained by the following sentence, in connection with Ezra 7:24; Nehemiah 11:23. It is more doubtful whether the expression, "these singers," refers to names, which now should have been inserted but are lost, or possibly to ver. 16, ante; the idiom would prefer the former. They were employed in that work day and night; literally, for by day and by night on them, in the work. If we were to suppose the cheth before the "work" an error for he, the translation would be easy and free from all doubt, for by day and by night, the work devolved upon them. Anyway, the substance of the sense is obvious.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Those who wereוְאֵ֣לֶּה(wə·’êl·leh)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428:These, thosemusicians,הַ֠מְשֹׁרְרִים(ham·šō·rə·rîm)Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7891:To singthe headsרָאשֵׁ֨י(rā·šê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7218:The headof Leviteלַלְוִיִּ֛ם(lal·wî·yim)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881:Levites -- descendant of Levifamilies,אָב֧וֹת(’ā·ḇō·wṯ)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1:Fatherstayed in the temple chambersבַּלְּשָׁכֹ֖ת(bal·lə·šā·ḵōṯ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 3957:Room, chamber, hall, celland were exemptפְּטוּרִ֑ים(pə·ṭū·rîm)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 6358:Opened, a bud[from other duties]כִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionbecause they wereעֲלֵיהֶ֖ם(‘ă·lê·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againston dutyבַּמְּלָאכָֽה׃(bam·mə·lā·ḵāh)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4399:Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, propertydayיוֹמָ֥ם(yō·w·mām)Adverb
Strong's 3119:Daytime, by dayand night.וָלַ֛יְלָה(wā·lay·lāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915:A twist, night, adversity
Links 1 Chronicles 9:33 NIV1 Chronicles 9:33 NLT1 Chronicles 9:33 ESV1 Chronicles 9:33 NASB1 Chronicles 9:33 KJV
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OT History: 1 Chronicles 9:33 These are the singers heads of fathers' (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) |
