What number verse is 1 Chronicles 25:17 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 25:17 is the 11,064th 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 25:17 sits at position 11,064.

Translation

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

The tenth ^H6224 to Shimei ^H8096, he, his sons ^H1121, and his brethren ^H251, were twelve ^{H8147 H6240}:

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Complete Jewish Bible

the tenth to Shim'i, his sons and brothers, twelve;

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Berean Standard Bible

the tenth to Shimei, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all;

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American Standard Version

the tenth to Shimei, his sons and his brethren, twelve:

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World English Bible Messianic

the tenth to Shimei, his sons and his brothers, twelve:

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The tenth, to Shimei, he, his sonnes and his brethren twelue.

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Young's Literal Translation

the tenth to Shimei, his sons and his brethren, twelve:

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In the KJVVerse 11,064 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 25:17 meticulously details the tenth division of Levitical musicians appointed for continuous service in the tabernacle and future Temple during King David's reign. This verse specifically assigns this division to Shimei, noting that it comprised him, his sons, and his brethren, totaling twelve individuals. It underscores the profound commitment to worship through music, highlighting the structured, hereditary, and divinely sanctioned nature of their sacred duties within Israel's organized spiritual life.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: 1 Chronicles 25:17 is embedded within a significant section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) that meticulously outlines King David's comprehensive organization of the Levites for their diverse roles in temple service. Chapter 23 provides a general overview of Levitical duties, while chapter 24 focuses on the priestly divisions descended from Aaron. Chapter 25, where our verse is found, specifically details the organization of the Levitical musicians into 24 divisions, each consisting of twelve members, totaling 288 highly skilled individuals. This chapter emphasizes the prophetic and inspired nature of their musical ministry, as indicated in passages like 1 Chronicles 25:1 and 1 Chronicles 25:5. The verses immediately preceding verse 17 list the heads of the divisions determined by lot, and verse 17 simply continues this precise enumeration, specifying the tenth such division.
Historical & Cultural Context: This passage is set during the pivotal reign of King David, a period marked by significant consolidation of the Israelite kingdom and extensive preparations for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. David, renowned as a man after God's own heart, was not only a formidable military and political leader but also deeply devoted to establishing proper and elaborate worship for the Lord. The Levites, traditionally responsible for the functions of the tabernacle, were now being meticulously organized for a more permanent and grander structure. The practice of using "lots" (as explicitly mentioned in 1 Chronicles 25:8) was a common method of decision-making in the ancient Near East, but in Israel, it was understood as a divinely guided process for revealing God's will, thereby ensuring divine sanction for these critical appointments. The hereditary nature of the Levitical priesthood and service was a foundational element of Israelite society, ensuring the continuity of sacred knowledge, skills, and tradition across generations.
Key Themes: The meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians in 1 Chronicles 25 contributes to several foundational theological themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of order and structure in worship. David's detailed arrangements demonstrate a profound commitment to serving God with intentionality, excellence, and a high degree of organization, reflecting the character of a God who is not chaotic but orderly, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 14:33. Secondly, it highlights the importance of dedicated, specialized service. These musicians were not merely performers but integral to the spiritual atmosphere and efficacy of worship, set apart for a vital and sacred role. Thirdly, the inclusion of "his sons, and his brethren" underscores the theme of generational calling and stewardship, signifying the crucial importance of passing down spiritual responsibilities, gifts, and skills through families, thereby ensuring the continuity of sacred service. Finally, the casting of lots points to divine appointment and sovereignty, reinforcing that these roles were not arbitrary human assignments but divinely sanctioned, reflecting God's guiding hand in the intricate details of His people's service, a principle also articulated in Proverbs 16:33.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Shimei (Hebrew, Shimʻîy, H8096): This proper noun identifies the specific individual chosen by lot to head the tenth division of Levitical musicians. Derived from a root meaning "to hear" or "to obey," the name itself can imply "famous" or "renowned." In this context, while the text does not elaborate on this particular Shimei's personal fame, his inclusion here signifies his divinely sanctioned leadership position within David's meticulously organized system of worship. His appointment underscores the importance of specific individuals being called and equipped for particular roles in God's service.
sons (Hebrew, bên, H1121): This term, meaning "a son" or "a builder of the family name," is crucial for understanding the hereditary and familial nature of the Levitical service. The inclusion of "sons" alongside Shimei and his brethren emphasizes that the musical ministry was not merely an individual calling but a generational stewardship, passed down through families. This ensured continuity of knowledge, skill, and dedication to sacred duties, reinforcing the idea that the family unit played a foundational role in maintaining Israel's spiritual heritage and worship practices.
twelve (Hebrew, shᵉnayim ʻâsâr, H8147): This number is pivotal for grasping the precise organizational structure of the Levitical musicians. Each of the 24 divisions, including Shimei's, was consistently composed of exactly twelve individuals (the leader, his sons, and brethren). This uniform number facilitated a rotating schedule of service throughout the year, ensuring continuous and comprehensive worship in the tabernacle and future Temple. The number twelve often carries symbolic weight in biblical contexts, representing completeness, governmental order, or divine appointment (e.g., the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve apostles), and here it underscores the comprehensive and orderly nature of David's divinely inspired arrangements for sacred service.

Verse Breakdown

"The tenth to Shimei": This clause specifies the particular order of the divisions, which was determined by lot. The "tenth" refers to the chronological sequence in which this division would serve or was listed, highlighting the systematic and equitable distribution of duties among the Levitical families. Shimei is identified as the divinely appointed head or leader of this specific division, chosen through a process understood to reveal God's will.
"[he], his sons, and his brethren": This phrase precisely delineates the composition of Shimei's division. It underscores the deeply familial and hereditary nature of the Levitical service. The leader, Shimei, was joined by his direct male descendants ("sons") and other close male relatives ("brethren"). This structure ensured that musical expertise, knowledge of sacred duties, and a commitment to worship were preserved and passed down through generations, maintaining continuity and proficiency in the temple worship. It also emphasizes the communal aspect of their service, as families served together in unity.
"[were] twelve": This final clause provides the total count of individuals within Shimei's division. The consistent number of twelve members per division across all 24 groups (totaling 288 musicians, as explicitly stated in 1 Chronicles 25:7) speaks volumes about the extraordinary level of organization, foresight, and planning involved in David's preparations for temple worship. This uniformity ensured that each division could effectively fulfill its rotational duties, providing continuous, well-resourced, and harmonious musical accompaniment for the sacrificial system and the praise of God.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 25:17, and indeed throughout 1 Chronicles 25, is Enumeration or Register. The text systematically lists the heads of the divisions and the precise composition of their groups, providing a detailed administrative and historical record. This meticulous listing emphasizes the comprehensive nature of David's organization and the importance of each individual and family in the grand scheme of temple service. Closely related is Repetition, specifically of the structural pattern "the [number] to [name], [he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve." This consistent repetition across verses 9-31 reinforces the uniformity, orderliness, and divine intentionality behind the divisions, highlighting the methodical and divinely sanctioned approach taken in preparing for the worship of God. The precision of the numbers and names further underscores the historical reliability and the divine attention to detail in the establishment of sacred worship.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

1 Chronicles 25:17, though seemingly a mere administrative detail, profoundly illustrates the biblical principles of order, divine appointment, and dedicated service within the community of faith. It reveals that God cares deeply about the meticulous organization of His worship and the specific roles of His people. The casting of lots for assignments, including Shimei's, underscores the belief that God's sovereignty extends to even the seemingly random details of life and service, ensuring that each person is placed where they are most needed and effective for His purposes. This commitment to structure and excellence in worship reflects the very character of God Himself, who is a God of peace and order, not confusion. It also highlights the intrinsic value of every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly small, when it is part of a divinely orchestrated whole, contributing to the harmonious praise of His name.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

This verse, a small piece of an ancient administrative record, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God values order, excellence, and intentionality in our service to Him. Just as Shimei and his family were divinely appointed to a specific, crucial role in worship, every believer today is gifted by the Holy Spirit and called to contribute uniquely to the body of Christ. There is no insignificant role in God's kingdom; whether our service is public or behind the scenes, musical or administrative, it is vital when offered for His glory and aligned with His divine order. The emphasis on "sons and brethren" also challenges us to consider our profound role in discipling the next generation, intentionally passing on not just theological knowledge, but a vibrant passion for worship and dedicated service. We are called to steward our gifts and callings with diligence and faithfulness, trusting that God has sovereignly placed us where we are for a divine purpose, and that our collective efforts, though diverse, contribute to a beautiful, harmonious expression of His praise to the world.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians challenge my own approach to serving God, both individually and corporately?
In what ways do I recognize and embrace God's sovereign hand in my own calling and placement within the body of Christ?
How can I, like the Levitical families, intentionally pass on a legacy of faith and dedicated service to the next generation in my sphere of influence?
What does this passage teach me about the enduring importance of order, excellence, and intentionality in corporate worship today?

FAQ

Why is such a detailed list of musicians included in the Bible?

Answer: The detailed list in 1 Chronicles 25, including 1 Chronicles 25:17, serves several important purposes that extend beyond mere administrative record-keeping. Firstly, it underscores the immense significance of worship in ancient Israel, particularly music, which was considered an integral and highly valued part of their spiritual life and sacrificial system. King David's meticulous organization demonstrates his profound commitment to establishing proper, continuous, and excellent worship for the Lord, anticipating the future Temple. Secondly, it highlights the divine order and intentionality behind God's plan for His people's service. The use of lots, as seen in 1 Chronicles 25:8, emphasizes that these appointments were not arbitrary human decisions but divinely sanctioned and guided. Thirdly, it serves as a crucial historical record, authenticating the lineage and specific roles of those who served in the Temple, which was vital for maintaining the integrity and continuity of the Levitical and priestly functions across generations. Finally, it provides a timeless model of dedication, excellence, and structured service for future generations of God's people.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 1 Chronicles 25:17 details a specific aspect of the Old Covenant system of organized worship, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in Christ. The meticulous order, divine appointment, and dedicated service of the Levitical musicians foreshadow the perfect order and divine design found in the New Covenant Church, of which Christ is the supreme head. Just as Shimei and his division were set apart for specific service in the earthly temple, Christ, as our great High Priest, has perfectly fulfilled all priestly and sacrificial duties, making way for all believers to become a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). The earthly temple worship, with its appointed musicians, pointed to the heavenly reality where Christ Himself leads the praise of God, declaring His name to His brethren (Hebrews 2:12). Moreover, the principle of diverse gifts and ordered service, so clearly seen in the twelve-member divisions, finds its ultimate expression in the body of Christ, where the Holy Spirit sovereignly distributes various gifts for the edification of the whole and the effective functioning of the church (Ephesians 4:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Through Christ, the need for hereditary temple service is superseded by a universal calling to worship God "in spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24), with every believer being divinely appointed and empowered by the Holy Spirit to contribute to the harmonious praise and service of God's new temple, the Church.

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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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