What number verse is 1 Chronicles 25:13 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 25:13 is the 11,060th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 1 Chronicles 25:13 sits at position 11,060.

Translation

King James Version

The sixth to Bukkiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

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KJV (with Strong's)

The sixth ^H8345 to Bukkiah ^H1232, he, his sons ^H1121, and his brethren ^H251, were twelve ^{H8147 H6240}:

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Complete Jewish Bible

the sixth to Bukiyahu, his sons and brothers, twelve;

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Berean Standard Bible

the sixth to Bukkiah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all;

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American Standard Version

the sixth to Bukkiah, his sons and his brethren, twelve:

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World English Bible Messianic

the sixth to Bukkiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve:

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The sixt, to Bukkiah, he, his sonnes and his brethren twelue.

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Young's Literal Translation

the sixth to Bukkiah, his sons and his brethren, twelve;

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In the KJVVerse 11,060 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 25:13 meticulously records the organization of the Levitical musicians for temple service, specifically highlighting Bukkiah as the leader of the sixth of twenty-four divisions. This verse details that Bukkiah's assigned group, comprising himself, his sons, and his brethren, totaled twelve individuals, all dedicated to the sacred task of perpetual worship and praise before the Lord in the tabernacle and later, the temple.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Chapter 25 of 1 Chronicles is an integral part of David's comprehensive preparations for the future temple, a project he initiated but would not live to complete. This chapter immediately follows the detailed organization of the priestly divisions in 1 Chronicles 24, demonstrating a systematic and holistic approach to temple service. The meticulous listing of names and divisions, including Bukkiah's, underscores David's commitment to establishing an orderly and continuous system of worship. The preceding verses in chapter 25, particularly 1 Chronicles 25:1-7, set the stage by introducing the purpose and method of this organization, emphasizing the role of prophecy and divine inspiration in their musical service. The selection by lot, as seen in 1 Chronicles 25:8, further reinforces the divine mandate behind this intricate arrangement, ensuring that every role, no matter how specific, was divinely appointed for the glory of God.
Historical & Cultural Context: During King David's reign, Jerusalem was being established as the spiritual and political capital of Israel. While the permanent temple had not yet been built, David initiated extensive preparations, including the detailed organization of the Levitical service. Music played a profoundly significant role in ancient Israelite worship, not merely as an accompaniment but as an act of worship in itself, often involving prophecy and spiritual expression (as indicated in 1 Chronicles 25:1). The Levites, traditionally responsible for temple duties, were here specifically organized into musical guilds, ensuring a continuous cycle of praise. The concept of "courses" or divisions was a practical administrative solution to manage a large body of personnel and ensure that sacred duties were performed around the clock, reflecting the importance of an uninterrupted offering of worship. This level of organization was unprecedented and speaks to David's foresight and dedication to establishing a lasting legacy of structured worship.
Key Themes: The meticulous organization detailed in 1 Chronicles 25, exemplified by Bukkiah's division, highlights several enduring themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Order and Organization in Worship, demonstrating that God desires reverence and structure in sacred service, not chaos. David's precise planning reflects a deep respect for the holiness of divine presence and the importance of intentionality in ministry, mirroring the detailed instructions for the tabernacle found in Exodus 25-31. Secondly, the selection by lot (as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 25:8) emphasizes Divine Appointment and Providence, showing that even specific roles within the community were seen as God-ordained, aligning with the principle that "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" (Proverbs 16:33). Thirdly, the inclusion of "his sons, and his brethren" points to Generational Dedication and Continuity of Service, highlighting the familial and enduring nature of the Levitical calling, ensuring that the legacy of worship would be passed down through families, a theme also seen in the covenant promises to Abraham's descendants in Genesis 17:7. Finally, the establishment of twenty-four divisions for continuous service reflects a profound Commitment to Unceasing Praise and Thanksgiving, symbolizing an unending devotion to glorifying God in His house, anticipating the eternal worship described in Revelation 4:8.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Bukkiah (Hebrew, Buqqîyâh', H1232): Meaning "wasting of Jah" or "proved by Yahweh." In the context of his appointment as a leader of a musical division, this name carries significant theological weight. It suggests that Bukkiah was either a testament to God's faithfulness or that his worthiness for such a sacred and prominent role was divinely attested. His very name could be seen as a declaration of God's active involvement in the selection and commissioning of His servants for the temple's sacred duties.
Sons (Hebrew, bên', H1121): Meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." The inclusion of "his sons" highlights the hereditary nature of the Levitical service, where roles and responsibilities within the temple were passed down through generations. This ensured continuity of knowledge, skill, and spiritual dedication within the musical guilds, reinforcing the idea of a family legacy in service to God. It also points to the importance of spiritual formation and training within the family unit.
Brethren (Hebrew, ʼâch', H251): A primitive word meaning "a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance)." The mention of "his brethren" alongside his sons indicates a broader kinship network, encompassing not just direct descendants but other close relatives within the Levitical lineage. This collective familial structure under Bukkiah's leadership ensured a cohesive and dedicated unit, emphasizing the communal aspect of worship and service within the Israelite tribal system.

Verse Breakdown

"The sixth to Bukkiah": This opening phrase immediately places Bukkiah within the highly structured system of twenty-four musical divisions established by David. Each division was assigned a specific order for service, ensuring continuous and rotating worship throughout the year. Bukkiah's designation as the leader of the "sixth" course signifies his specific position and responsibility within this divinely orchestrated framework, highlighting the precision and intentionality behind the temple's administration.
"[he], his sons, and his brethren": This clause highlights the familial composition of Bukkiah's division. The explicit mention of "he" (Bukkiah himself) underscores his personal leadership and active participation. The inclusion of "his sons" emphasizes the hereditary nature of Levitical service, where skills, spiritual dedication, and the sacred calling were passed down through generations. "His brethren" indicates a broader kinship network, possibly cousins or other close relatives within the Levitical lineage, all united under Bukkiah's leadership. This structure ensured not only continuity but also a cohesive, family-based unit dedicated to shared sacred duties, fostering unity and shared purpose in worship.
"[were] twelve": This final numerical detail specifies the total count of individuals within Bukkiah's division. The number twelve holds profound symbolic significance throughout biblical narrative, frequently representing completeness, governmental perfection, or a divinely appointed whole. In this context, the specification of "twelve" individuals for Bukkiah's division signifies a full, complete, and perfectly organized unit within the larger structure of temple ministry. It implies a functional integrity and sufficiency for the task assigned, reflecting the divine order and meticulous planning that permeated all aspects of temple service.

Literary Devices

The verse, as part of a larger catalog, primarily employs Enumeration and Cataloging. The systematic listing of each division by its leader, composition, and size (e.g., "The sixth to Bukkiah, [he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve") is a clear example of enumeration, serving to document and validate the comprehensive organization of the temple musicians. This detailed cataloging emphasizes the meticulousness of David's preparations and the divine order inherent in the structure of Israelite worship. Furthermore, there is an element of Symbolism present, particularly with the recurring number "twelve," which represents completeness, divine order, and a divinely appointed whole. The very act of organizing these divisions, and the precise numerical assignments, symbolize the divine wisdom and intentionality behind Israel's worship life, reflecting God's desire for order in His service.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians, as exemplified by Bukkiah's division, reveals profound theological truths about God's nature and His desire for worship. It underscores that God is a God of order, beauty, and intentionality, who delights in worship that is offered with reverence and structure. This ancient blueprint for sacred service foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the church as the body of Christ, where every member has a vital, divinely appointed role, contributing to the harmonious functioning of the whole for God's glory. The continuity of service across generations also speaks to the importance of spiritual legacy and discipleship within God's people, ensuring that the praise of God endures through time.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The detailed account of Bukkiah's division in 1 Chronicles 25:13, while seemingly a mere historical record, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God values every single role within His kingdom, no matter how specific or seemingly small. Just as Bukkiah's twelve-member division was essential to the continuous worship in the temple, so too is every member of the body of Christ vital for the church's health and mission. This passage encourages us to embrace our unique gifts and callings with diligence and dedication, understanding that our service contributes to a larger, divine symphony of praise. It also challenges us to consider the intentionality and order in our corporate worship and personal spiritual disciplines, recognizing that God delights in worship offered with both passion and precision. Furthermore, the emphasis on "sons and brethren" serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to nurture faith and a heart for service in the next generation, ensuring a continuous legacy of devotion to God. This verse calls us to consider how we are equipping and empowering those who will follow us in ministry and worship.

Questions for Reflection

How does the detailed organization of temple worship in 1 Chronicles 25 challenge or affirm your understanding of order and structure in contemporary Christian worship?
In what ways do you see your personal gifts and roles contributing to the larger "symphony" of God's work, much like Bukkiah's division contributed to temple worship?
What steps can you take to intentionally pass on a legacy of faith and service to the next generation, reflecting the "sons and brethren" aspect of Bukkiah's division?

FAQ

Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of names and numbers, like those in 1 Chronicles 25?

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists of names, genealogies, and numerical organizations in books like 1 Chronicles serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, they establish legitimacy and continuity, particularly for priestly and Levitical roles, ensuring that only those from the divinely appointed lineages served in the temple. Secondly, they highlight divine order and meticulousness. God is not a God of chaos, and these lists demonstrate His desire for precise, intentional, and well-ordered worship and service. Thirdly, they emphasize accountability and historical accuracy, providing a verifiable record for the community. Finally, for the Chronicler's original audience (post-exilic Israel), these lists offered a sense of identity and hope, reminding them of their heritage, God's faithfulness to His covenants, and the enduring structure of worship that could be re-established. Bukkiah's specific mention underscores that every individual and every unit was significant within God's grand design, contributing to the overall tapestry of His kingdom.

What was the significance of music in ancient Israelite worship, and how does it relate to Bukkiah's role?

Answer: Music was not merely an aesthetic addition to ancient Israelite worship but a profound and integral act of devotion, often imbued with prophetic and spiritual power. It was used to express praise, lament, thanksgiving, and to accompany sacrifices and offerings. The Levites, including Bukkiah's division, were specifically set apart for this sacred musical service, indicating its high importance. As described in 1 Chronicles 25:1, some musicians "prophesied with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals," suggesting a divinely inspired musical expression that transcended mere entertainment. Bukkiah's role as a leader of a twelve-member division meant he was responsible for orchestrating a specific segment of this continuous, divinely appointed musical worship. Their service ensured that the sounds of praise and adoration perpetually ascended to God from His temple, reflecting the belief that music could facilitate communion with the divine and express the deepest spiritual realities. This continuous musical offering was a vital component of Israel's covenant relationship with God.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians under leaders like Bukkiah, dedicated to continuous worship in the earthly temple, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect worship inaugurated by Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant system, with its priests, sacrifices, and structured praise, was a shadow of the reality found in Christ (as articulated in Hebrews 10:1). Jesus, as our great High Priest, has entered the true, heavenly tabernacle, offering Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, thereby making continuous intercession for us (as seen in Hebrews 7:25). The earthly temple's organized praise points to the eternal worship that surrounds the throne of God in heaven, where Christ Himself is the center of adoration (as depicted in Revelation 5:9-14). Through Christ, believers are now part of a "royal priesthood" (as stated in 1 Peter 2:9), empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, not confined to a physical temple or a specific Levitical lineage, but in every place and every moment (as taught in John 4:23-24). Bukkiah's dedication to ordered worship finds its ultimate fulfillment in the perfect, eternal, and all-encompassing worship that flows from Christ and through His redeemed people, who are now themselves living temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25 verses 8–31

8 ¶ And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.

9 Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph: the second to Gedaliah, who with his brethren and sons were twelve:

10 The third to Zaccur, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

11 The fourth to Izri, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

12 The fifth to Nethaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

13 The sixth to Bukkiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

14 The seventh to Jesharelah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

15 The eighth to Jeshaiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

16 The ninth to Mattaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

17 The tenth to Shimei, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

18 The eleventh to Azareel, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

19 The twelfth to Hashabiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

20 The thirteenth to Shubael, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

21 The fourteenth to Mattithiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

22 The fifteenth to Jeremoth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

23 The sixteenth to Hananiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

24 The seventeenth to Joshbekashah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

25 The eighteenth to Hanani, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

26 The nineteenth to Mallothi, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

27 The twentieth to Eliathah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

28 The one and twentieth to Hothir, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

29 The two and twentieth to Giddalti, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

30 The three and twentieth to Mahazioth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

31 The four and twentieth to Romamtiezer, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve.

Twenty-four persons are named in the beginning of this chapter as sons of those three great men, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun. Ethan was the third (Ch1 6:44), but probably he was dead before the establishment was perfected and Jeduthun came in his room. [Or perhaps Ethan and Jeduthun were two names for the same person.] Of these three Providence so ordered it that Asaph had four sons, Jeduthun six [only five are mentioned Ch1 25:3; Shimei, mentioned Ch1 25:17, is supposed to have been the sixth], and Heman fourteen, in all twenty-four (who were named, Ch1 25:2-4), who were all qualified for the service and called to it. But the question was, In what order must they serve? This was determined by lot, to prevent strife for precedency, a sin which most easily besets many that otherwise are good people.

I. The lot was thrown impartially. They were placed in twenty-four companies, twelve in a company, in two rows, twelve companies in a row, and so they cast lots, ward against ward, putting them all upon a level, small and great, teacher and scholar. They did not go according to their age, or according to their standing, or the degrees they had taken in the music-schools; but it was referred to God, Ch1 25:8. Small and great, teachers and scholars, stand alike before God, who goes not according to our rules of distinction and precedency. See Mat 20:23.

II. God determined it as he pleased, taking account, it is probable, of the respective merits of the persons, which are of much more importance than seniority of age or priority of birth. Let us compare them with the preceding catalogue and we shall find that, 1. Josephus was the second son of Asaph. 2. Gedaliah the eldest son of Jeduthun. 3. Zaccur the eldest of Asaph. 4. Izri the second of Jeduthun. 5. Nethaniah the third of Asaph. 6. Bukkiah the eldest of Heman. 7. Jesharelah the youngest of Asaph. 8. Jeshaiah the third of Jeduthun. 9. Mattaniah the second of Heman. 10. Shimei the youngest of Jeduthun. 11. Azareel the third of Heman. 12. Hashabiah the fourth of Jeduthun. 13. Shubael the fourth of Heman. 14. Mattithiah the fifth of Jeduthun. 15. Jeremoth the fifth of Heman. 16. Hananiah the sixth of Heman. 17. Joshbekashah the eleventh of Heman. 18. Hanani the seventh of Heman. 19. Mallothi the twelfth of Heman. 20. Eliathah the eighth of Heman. 21. Hothir the thirteenth of Heman. 22. Giddalti the ninth of Heman. 23. Mehazioth the fourteenth of Heman. And, lastly, Romamti-ezer, the tenth of Heman. See how God increased some and preferred the younger before the elder.

III. Each of these had in his chorus the number of twelve, called their sons and their brethren, because they observed them as sons, and concurred with them as brethren. Probably twelve, some for the voice and others for the instrument, made up the concert. Let us learn with one mind and one mouth to glorify God, and that will be the best concert.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–31. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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