What number verse is 1 Chronicles 25:20 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 25:20 is the 11,067th 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 25:20 sits at position 11,067.

Translation

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

The thirteenth ^{H7969 H6240} to Shubael ^H7619, he, his sons ^H1121, and his brethren ^H251, were twelve ^{H8147 H6240}:

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Complete Jewish Bible

the thirteenth to Shuva'el, his sons and brothers, twelve;

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Berean Standard Bible

the thirteenth to Shubael, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all;

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American Standard Version

for the thirteenth, Shubael, his sons and his brethren, twelve:

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World English Bible Messianic

for the thirteenth, Shubael, his sons and his brothers, twelve:

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The thirteenth, to Shubael, he, his sonnes and his brethren twelue.

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Young's Literal Translation

at the thirteenth to Shubael, his sons and his brethren, twelve;

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In the KJVVerse 11,067 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 25:20 precisely details the composition of the thirteenth division of Levitical musicians, led by Shubael, for temple service. This verse, embedded within a comprehensive catalog of David's organizational efforts, underscores the divinely inspired foresight in establishing a meticulously structured and continuous system for worship. It highlights the profound importance of order, dedicated service, and the communal, familial participation essential for the sacred musical ministry within God's house, ensuring that each unit played a vital and harmonious role.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: 1 Chronicles 25 is situated within a significant block of text (1 Chronicles 23-26) that meticulously chronicles King David's extensive preparations for the future temple. Having gathered materials and established the priesthood, David now turns his attention to the Levites, organizing them for various duties including gatekeepers, treasurers, judges, and crucially, musicians. Chapter 25 specifically delineates the 24 divisions of temple musicians, drawn from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, as introduced in 1 Chronicles 25:1. The chapter establishes a rotational system, ensuring continuous musical worship. Each division, as detailed in verses 9-31, consistently comprised twelve members. Verse 20, therefore, is a specific, yet representative, entry within this exhaustive roster, detailing the precise makeup of the thirteenth division under Shubael, emphasizing the systematic and divinely ordered nature of David's blueprint for temple worship.
Historical & Cultural Context: Though King David was divinely prohibited from building the temple himself, his reign was marked by an extraordinary dedication to preparing for its construction and operation. This preparation included not only amassing vast quantities of materials but also, critically, establishing the personnel and their precise roles. The organization of the Levites into twenty-four courses was a sophisticated administrative practice common in ancient Israel, designed to ensure equity, efficiency, and uninterrupted service. This mirrored the priestly courses that David had previously established in 1 Chronicles 24. The selection of these divisions by lot, as explicitly stated in 1 Chronicles 25:8, was a widely accepted and revered method for discerning divine will and ensuring impartial appointment, a practice deeply embedded in Israelite culture (e.g., Joshua 18:6). Music itself held a profoundly central and sacred role in Israelite worship, transcending mere entertainment to become an integral component of prayer, praise, prophecy, and intercession, often accompanied by a rich array of instruments and fervent singing (e.g., Psalm 150).
Key Themes: This verse, as an integral part of 1 Chronicles 25, contributes significantly to several overarching themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Order and Preparation, showcasing David's unwavering commitment to establishing a structured and organized system for worship that profoundly reflected God's character of order, not chaos (1 Corinthians 14:33). Secondly, it underscores the theme of Dedicated and Continuous Service, as the establishment of 24 rotating divisions ensured that musical worship would be perpetual, day and night, embodying a profound commitment to unceasing praise and intercession before the Lord. Thirdly, and notably, it emphasizes Communal Participation and Family Legacy. The consistent description of each division comprising not just an individual leader but also "his sons, and his brethren" profoundly signifies that service to God was a holistic family affair, intended to be passed down through generations and involving the collective efforts of the entire community. This communal dimension is foundational for effective ministry, echoing the New Testament's profound emphasis on the church as the body of Christ, composed of many diverse members working in unity (e.g., Romans 12:4-5).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Shubael (Hebrew, Shᵉbûwʼêl', H7619): From the root meaning "returned" or "captive" and "God," this name translates to "captive of God" or "returned of God." While the text provides no specific narrative about Shubael's personal history, the name itself carries deep theological weight. In the context of temple service, it suggests an individual who is wholly dedicated, set apart, or even "captured" by God for His divine purposes. His role as a leader in the sacred musical ministry perfectly aligns with this meaning, implying a life entirely devoted to divine service and worship. The name subtly reinforces the profound truth that those who serve God are His, called and consecrated for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
sons (Hebrew, bên', H1121): Derived from a root meaning "to build," this term refers to a son, typically as a builder or perpetuator of the family name and lineage. In this context, "his sons" denotes the direct male descendants of Shubael who were part of his division. This highlights the generational aspect of Levitical service, where roles and responsibilities were often inherited and passed down. It underscores the importance of family continuity in the sacred duties of the temple, ensuring that the legacy of worship and service was maintained across generations.
brethren (Hebrew, ʼâch', H251): A primitive word meaning "brother," used in its widest sense to include not only literal siblings but also kinsmen, relatives, or even those bound by a common affinity. In this verse, "his brethren" expands the scope of the division beyond immediate sons to include a broader circle of Shubael's kinsmen. This emphasizes the communal and extended familial nature of the temple service. It signifies that the Levitical divisions were not merely individual assignments but involved collective family units, fostering a strong sense of shared purpose, identity, and responsibility in their sacred duties.

Verse Breakdown

"The thirteenth to Shubael": This phrase precisely identifies the outcome of the lot-drawing process, which was a divinely sanctioned method for assigning duties. It indicates that Shubael was appointed by divine providence to lead the thirteenth of the twenty-four musical divisions. This detail underscores the meticulous and orderly nature of King David's preparations for the temple, where every role, every turn of service, and every leader was carefully planned and assigned, ensuring fairness and divine sanction for each group's responsibilities within the comprehensive system of worship.
"[he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve": This clause provides the exact composition of Shubael's assigned division. It clarifies that the unit was a cohesive family group, comprising Shubael himself, his direct male descendants ("his sons"), and his wider kinsmen ("his brethren"). The total number of members in this fully constituted unit was twelve. This detail profoundly emphasizes the communal and familial nature of temple service, where entire households and extended families were integrally involved in the sacred duties. It also reinforces the standardized structure David implemented, as each of the 24 divisions consistently consisted of twelve individuals, ensuring a uniform and complete workforce for the continuous and harmonious musical worship.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 25, and particularly evident in verse 20, is Cataloging or Listing. The entire chapter functions as a meticulous roster of names, numbers, and specific assignments, systematically documenting the intricate organization of the temple musicians. This extensive cataloging serves to emphasize the thoroughness, precision, and divine order underpinning David's preparations for worship. It underscores the profound importance of every individual and every family unit within the larger, divinely ordained structure of worship. Furthermore, there is significant Repetition in the consistent structural pattern of each verse (e.g., "the [number] to [name], [he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve"). This repetitive framework powerfully reinforces the standardized nature of the divisions and the uniformity of their composition, creating a rhythmic, almost liturgical, cadence to the text that mirrors the ordered worship it describes. The consistent use of the number Twelve also carries profound numerical symbolism, representing completeness, governmental order, and divine election, subtly conveying the perfection and comprehensiveness of God's design for His sacred house.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

1 Chronicles 25:20, while appearing as a simple administrative record, powerfully conveys profound theological truths about God's character and the very nature of worship. It reveals a God who values order, precision, and dedicated service in His house. The meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians underscores that worship is not a chaotic or haphazard activity but a divinely ordained and structured endeavor requiring careful preparation, commitment, and intentionality. This commitment was not merely individual but profoundly communal, involving entire families and extended kin, signifying that worship is a corporate endeavor where every member, regardless of their perceived prominence, contributes to the beauty, effectiveness, and harmony of the whole. This Old Testament principle powerfully foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the church as the body of Christ, where diverse gifts and roles are harmoniously integrated for a unified purpose, all contributing to the glory of God.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The detailed account of Shubael's division in 1 Chronicles 25:20 offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God delights in order, intentionality, and excellence in our service and worship. Just as King David meticulously planned for the temple's operation, we are called to approach our ministries, our spiritual disciplines, and our corporate worship with thoughtful preparation, rather than haphazardness or indifference. This verse teaches us that every role within God's work, no matter how seemingly small, hidden, or behind the scenes, is profoundly significant in His eyes and absolutely crucial for the effective functioning of His kingdom. The inclusion of "his sons, and his brethren" profoundly emphasizes the vital importance of family and community in ministry; service to God is often a collective endeavor, passed down through generations, fostering deep unity, shared purpose, and a lasting legacy of faith. We are thus encouraged to wholeheartedly embrace our specific callings and unique gifts within the body of Christ, recognizing that our individual contributions, like diverse instruments and voices in a grand symphony, are essential for the overall harmony, beauty, and effectiveness of the church's mission in the world.

Questions for Reflection

How does the emphasis on divine order and meticulous preparation in 1 Chronicles 25 challenge my current approach to personal spiritual disciplines or corporate worship?
In what tangible ways can I, drawing inspiration from Shubael and his family, more intentionally dedicate my unique talents, resources, and time to God's service within my local community or church?
How does the concept of communal and familial service, as vividly portrayed in Shubael's division, encourage or challenge my current understanding of my interconnected role within the larger body of Christ?
Considering the value placed on every division, what "small" or "behind-the-scenes" roles in my church or community might be just as vital as the more visible ones, and how can I better honor and support those who faithfully serve in them?

FAQ

Why is such a seemingly minor verse about a list of names important for spiritual growth today?

Answer: While 1 Chronicles 25:20 might appear to be a simple administrative record, its spiritual significance for believers today is profound and multifaceted. Firstly, it powerfully highlights God's intrinsic value for order and intentionality in worship and service. King David's meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians, divinely inspired, teaches us that God is not a God of chaos but of peace, structure, and beauty (1 Corinthians 14:33). This principle encourages us to approach our own spiritual lives, ministries, and church involvement with thoughtfulness, preparation, and a commitment to excellence. Secondly, it underscores the inherent dignity and indispensability of every role. Even seemingly minor positions within a long list were absolutely vital for the continuous and harmonious worship in the temple. This principle directly applies to the church today, reminding us that every member of the body of Christ, with their diverse gifts and callings, is essential, valued, and contributes uniquely to the whole (1 Corinthians 12:22-24). Finally, the inclusion of "his sons, and his brethren" emphasizes the profound importance of communal and generational service. It teaches us that ministry is often a family and community affair, passed down, shared, and collectively pursued, fostering unity and collective dedication to God's glory. This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that faithful service, in any capacity, contributes significantly to the larger tapestry of God's redemptive work and is deeply valued by Him.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The meticulous organization of temple worship, so vividly exemplified by Shubael's division in 1 Chronicles 25:20, finds its ultimate fulfillment and radical transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament temple, with its highly structured priesthood, its elaborate rituals, and its continuous sacrifices, was fundamentally a shadow, a type pointing forward to the greater reality found in Christ (Hebrews 10:1). Jesus is the true and perfect Worshiper, who offered the ultimate, singular, and complete sacrifice for sin, thereby ending the need for continuous animal sacrifices and rendering the Levitical system obsolete (Hebrews 9:11-14). He is the great High Priest, who mediates our direct access to God's holy presence, not through a physical temple or a human priesthood, but through His own body, which was torn for us (Hebrews 4:14-16). Furthermore, the ordered and dedicated service of Shubael's division foreshadows the ordered and Spirit-gifted body of Christ, the Church. Just as the Levitical musicians were meticulously organized for continuous praise and service, believers in Christ are now collectively a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good works that are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:15-16). The Holy Spirit sovereignly empowers each member with diverse gifts, ensuring that the worship and ministry of the church are carried out in harmony, order, and effectiveness, reflecting the very character of God (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Thus, Shubael's faithful and dedicated service points beyond itself to the greater reality of Christ, who enables all believers, by His Spirit, to participate in a new, living, and eternal worship that transcends the limitations of the old covenant.

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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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