What number verse is 1 Chronicles 25:22 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 25:22 is the 11,069th 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 25:22 sits at position 11,069.

Translation

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

The fifteenth ^{H2568 H6240} to Jeremoth ^H3406, he, his sons ^H1121, and his brethren ^H251, were twelve ^{H8147 H6240}:

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Complete Jewish Bible

the fifteenth to Yeremot, his sons and brothers, twelve;

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Berean Standard Bible

the fifteenth to Jeremoth, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all;

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American Standard Version

for the fifteenth to Jeremoth, his sons and his brethren, twelve:

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World English Bible Messianic

for the fifteenth to Jeremoth, his sons and his brothers, twelve:

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The fifteenth, to Ierimoth, he, his sonnes and his brethren twelue.

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Young's Literal Translation

at the fifteenth to Jeremoth, his sons and his brethren, twelve;

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In the KJVVerse 11,069 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 25:22 precisely details the fifteenth of twenty-four divisions of Levitical musicians meticulously organized by King David for continuous service in the future Temple. This verse specifically identifies Jeremoth as the head of this particular course, indicating that he, along with his sons and other close male relatives, collectively formed a unit of twelve individuals. This intricate and familial organization underscores David's visionary leadership and profound dedication to establishing a structured, orderly, and continuous system of sacred musical ministry within the house of God, ensuring perpetual worship and prophetic praise.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 25, a chapter that meticulously details King David's organization of the Levitical musicians into 24 distinct courses for service in the future Temple. This organizational effort parallels the earlier division of priests in 1 Chronicles 24, establishing a comprehensive structure for all Temple personnel. Each of these musical courses, including the one led by Jeremoth in verse 22, was designed to comprise twelve members, ensuring a consistent and sufficient complement of musicians for continuous worship. The preceding verses, particularly 1 Chronicles 25:1, set the overarching purpose of this musical ministry—to "prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals"—and describe the method of their selection by lot, signifying divine appointment and impartiality in their assignments.
Historical & Cultural Context: King David, though divinely prohibited from building the Temple himself, devoted immense effort to preparing for its construction and operation. This preparation extended beyond gathering materials to establishing the administrative and liturgical frameworks for its ongoing service. In ancient Israel, music was an integral and highly valued component of worship, accompanying sacrifices, festivals, and prophetic utterances. The organization into structured courses, evident here and in the priestly divisions, was a standard administrative practice designed to ensure continuous service throughout the year, with each group serving for a designated period. The emphasis on "sons and brethren" in the composition of these courses reflects the deeply familial and tribal nature of Israelite society, where sacred roles and responsibilities were frequently passed down through generations within specific lineages, particularly the Levites, who were uniquely set apart for Temple service, as outlined in Numbers 3:6-9.
Key Themes: The meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 25:22, like the entire chapter, underscores several significant theological and narrative themes. First, it highlights Order and Organization in Worship, emphasizing David's commitment to establishing a highly structured and efficient system for Temple worship, ensuring that every aspect of the sanctuary service was well-managed and continuous. Second, the explicit listing of Jeremoth, "his sons, and his brethren," exemplifies Dedicated and Familial Service, underscoring the profound commitment of entire families to the sacred task of musical ministry. Their role was not merely performance but a form of spiritual service and "prophesying" (as noted in 1 Chronicles 25:1), reflecting a deep devotion to God. Third, the division of these courses by lot, as described in 1 Chronicles 25:8, suggests Divine Appointment and Guidance, indicating a belief that God guided the assignments and affirmed divine approval for the roles given to individuals and families. Finally, the phrase "his sons, and his brethren" signifies Generational Continuity, illustrating that this was not just an individual's calling but a legacy passed down, ensuring the perpetuation of sacred music and worship for future generations.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Jeremoth (Hebrew, Yᵉrîymôwth', H3406): This name, meaning "elevations" or "heights," identifies the head of the fifteenth course of Levitical musicians. Jeremoth's inclusion here is not primarily about his personal fame, but rather his designated and crucial role within David's meticulously organized system for Temple worship. The specific naming of each family head underscores the personal and familial nature of the service, where each unit had a distinct and divinely appointed responsibility within the larger structure of Temple liturgy.
sons (Hebrew, bên', H1121): Derived from a root meaning "to build," this word signifies a son as a "builder of the family name." In this context, "sons" refers to Jeremoth's direct male descendants who were part of his musical course. This highlights the generational aspect of the Levitical service, where roles and responsibilities were often inherited and passed down, ensuring the continuity of the sacred ministry and the preservation of the family's legacy in service to God.
brethren (Hebrew, ʼâch', H251): This term, a primitive word, denotes a brother but is used in a wider sense to include kindred or close male relatives. In the context of Jeremoth's course, "brethren" would encompass other male family members beyond his direct sons who were part of this twelve-member unit. This emphasizes the communal and extended familial nature of the Levitical service, where a broader network of relatives shared in the sacred duties and responsibilities, fostering unity and shared purpose in their worship.

Verse Breakdown

"The fifteenth to Jeremoth,": This clause precisely identifies the specific numerical order of the course and its designated leader. The preposition "to" (לְ, lĕ) indicates assignment or designation, meaning this course was allotted to Jeremoth, signifying his leadership and oversight responsibility over this particular division of musicians. It highlights the systematic allocation of duties by lot, as described earlier in the chapter, ensuring an impartial and divinely sanctioned appointment.
"[he], his sons, and his brethren,": This phrase meticulously describes the familial composition of Jeremoth's course. It indicates that the group was a cohesive family unit, comprising Jeremoth himself, his direct male descendants ("sons"), and other close male relatives ("brethren"). This underscores the corporate, family-based nature of the Levitical service, where entire households were dedicated to the ministry, ensuring continuity, shared responsibility, and the preservation of musical traditions.
"[were] twelve:": This final clause specifies the total number of individuals in Jeremoth's course. The consistent number of twelve for each division (as observed throughout 1 Chronicles 25) underscores the meticulous planning and standardization employed by David. It ensured that each course was a complete, self-sufficient, and fully equipped unit, capable of fulfilling its rotational duties in the Temple's elaborate musical worship.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 25:22, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is Enumeration. The text systematically lists each of the 24 courses, their leaders, and their familial composition, culminating in the standardized number of twelve members per course. This detailed listing serves to demonstrate the thoroughness, precision, and divine order established by King David for the Temple's musical ministry. Furthermore, there is a strong element of Repetition in the consistent phrase "he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve," which reinforces the uniform structure and deeply familial nature of each division. This repetition creates a rhythmic cadence, underscoring the organized and predictable rotation of duties. The overall effect of these devices is to convey a profound sense of Completeness and Order, emphasizing that every aspect of the Temple's musical worship was meticulously planned, divinely sanctioned, and designed for perpetual, harmonious service.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

1 Chronicles 25:22, though seemingly a mere administrative detail, profoundly illustrates God's nature as a God of order and His desire for worship that is both passionate and structured. David's meticulous organization of the musicians reflects a deep understanding that sacred service, while Spirit-inspired, also benefits immensely from careful planning, dedication, and excellence. This passage reminds us that God values not only the heart of worship but also the intentionality and excellence with which it is offered. The familial involvement underscores the biblical principle of corporate responsibility and the passing of spiritual legacy through generations, where entire households are called to participate in God's work. It also highlights the diverse gifts within the body of believers, with each "course" or family unit contributing uniquely to the overall symphony of praise.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The detailed account of Jeremoth's course in 1 Chronicles 25:22 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the intentionality and excellence with which we approach our service to God, whether individually or corporately. Just as David meticulously organized the Temple musicians, we are called to bring our best, our order, and our dedication to every area of our lives, especially in worship and ministry. This verse reminds us that every gift, no matter how seemingly small or administrative, plays a vital and indispensable role in the larger body of Christ. It encourages us to embrace our unique contributions and to work together in harmony, fostering a profound sense of unity and shared purpose within our spiritual communities. Furthermore, the emphasis on "sons and brethren" prompts us to consider how faith and service can be cultivated and passed down within families, creating a lasting legacy of devotion to God for future generations.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous organization of the Temple musicians challenge my own approach to order and excellence in my service to God and in my daily life?
In what specific ways can I, or my family, more intentionally dedicate our unique gifts and talents to God's glory, echoing the familial service of Jeremoth's course?
How can my church community better foster a sense of unity and shared purpose in worship and ministry, recognizing and valuing the diverse "courses" or spiritual gifts within its members?

FAQ

Why was such a detailed organization of musicians necessary for the Temple?

Answer: The detailed organization, exemplified by Jeremoth's course, was crucial for several reasons. First, it ensured continuous and orderly worship. With 24 courses, each serving in rotation, there would always be a dedicated group of musicians available to lead praise and prophecy in the Temple throughout the year, preventing any disruption in the sacred liturgy. Second, it demonstrated David's profound commitment to excellence and thorough preparation for the future Temple. He understood that worship was not to be haphazard or spontaneous but a well-planned, highly skilled, and reverent endeavor. Third, it allowed for the efficient stewardship of gifts and personnel, ensuring that all Levites trained in music had a designated role and that their talents were utilized systematically and optimally for God's glory, as highlighted in 1 Chronicles 23:5.

What does the phrase "his sons, and his brethren" signify about the nature of this service?

Answer: This phrase profoundly highlights the familial and generational nature of the Levitical ministry. It means that the musical courses were not merely individual appointments but involved entire family units. This structure ensured the continuity of service, as musical skills, traditions, and sacred knowledge could be faithfully passed down from father to son and among close relatives. It also emphasized the corporate responsibility of the Levites, where the entire lineage was dedicated to the service of the Lord. This familial framework reinforced the idea that serving God was a deeply embedded aspect of their identity and heritage, a concept seen throughout the Old Testament concerning the Levites' unique and consecrated role in the Tabernacle and Temple, as detailed in Numbers 8:24-26.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 1 Chronicles 25:22 describes the meticulous organization of Old Testament worship, its underlying principles find profound fulfillment in Christ. The Old Covenant system, with its physical Temple, specific lineages, and prescribed rituals, served as a shadow pointing to the ultimate reality found in Jesus. Christ is the perfect worshipper, who perfectly glorified the Father in His life, death, and resurrection, and He is also the ultimate object of our worship. Through His atoning sacrifice, He has inaugurated a new covenant where worship is no longer confined to a physical temple or a specific tribe, but is offered "in spirit and truth" by all believers, as Jesus Himself declared in John 4:23-24. Just as Jeremoth's course contributed to the continuous praise in the earthly Temple, so too are all believers, through Christ, now part of a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" called to "proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). The order, dedication, and familial commitment seen in David's preparations prefigure the divine order established by Christ, who perfectly orchestrates His church, empowering every member with spiritual gifts to build up the body and offer a "sacrifice of praise" that is eternally pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:15). Thus, the meticulous planning for earthly worship finds its ultimate meaning and eternal purpose in the perfect and unceasing worship made possible by our Lord Jesus Christ.

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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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