What number verse is 1 Chronicles 25:28 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 25:28 is the 11,075th 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 25:28 sits at position 11,075.

Translation

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

The one ^H259 and twentieth ^H6242 to Hothir ^H1956, he, his sons ^H1121, and his brethren ^H251, were twelve ^{H8147 H6240}:

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Complete Jewish Bible

the twenty-first to Hotir, his sons and brothers, twelve;

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Berean Standard Bible

the twenty-first to Hothir, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all;

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American Standard Version

for the one and twentieth to Hothir, his sons and his brethren, twelve:

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World English Bible Messianic

for the one and twentieth to Hothir, his sons and his brothers, twelve:

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The one and twentieth, to Hothir, he, his sonnes and his brethren twelue.

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Young's Literal Translation

at the one and twentieth to Hothir, his sons and his brethren, twelve;

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In the KJVVerse 11,075 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 25:28 meticulously records the twenty-first division of temple musicians and singers, led by Hothir, comprising twelve individuals from his family line. This verse is part of a larger administrative section detailing King David's divinely inspired organization of the Levites into twenty-four courses for continuous worship and service in the tabernacle, anticipating the future temple. It underscores the profound importance of order, dedication, and generational faithfulness in the sacred task of ministering to God through music, reflecting a divine blueprint for worship.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 25, a chapter dedicated to King David's meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians and singers for service in the tabernacle, and later, the temple. The chapter begins by establishing the purpose of these divisions: to "prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals" as set apart by David and the commanders of the army for sacred musical service, as detailed in 1 Chronicles 25:1. The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 25:9-27) systematically list the first twenty divisions, each led by a designated individual and consistently comprising twelve members. Verse 28 continues this precise enumeration, identifying the twenty-first division, maintaining the consistent pattern of leadership and numerical strength, thereby emphasizing the comprehensive and orderly nature of David's reforms for temple worship. The subsequent verses (1 Chronicles 25:29-31) complete the listing of all twenty-four divisions.
Historical & Cultural Context: King David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) marked a significant period of consolidation and organization for the Israelite kingdom. Beyond military and political achievements, David demonstrated a profound commitment to establishing proper worship. The Levites, traditionally responsible for tabernacle service, were now being organized for a more permanent and elaborate structure—the future temple that Solomon would build. This organization reflects a cultural emphasis on communal worship and the integral role of music within it. Unlike many ancient Near Eastern cultures where music often accompanied pagan rituals, in Israel, it was a central component of Yahweh worship, used for praise, lament, and even prophecy. The division into "courses" (mishmarot) ensured that temple service, including musical ministry, could operate continuously and efficiently throughout the year, a practice that continued through the Second Temple period, highlighting the enduring nature of David's liturgical reforms.
Key Themes: 1 Chronicles 25:28, as part of this detailed record, contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Order and Structure in Worship. David's meticulous planning, down to the specific number of individuals in each division, reflects a divine appreciation for intentionality and organization in serving God. This is not arbitrary but divinely inspired, as stated in 1 Chronicles 28:12-13. Secondly, the verse underscores Generational Service and Legacy. The mention of "Hothir, his sons, and his brethren" emphasizes that temple service was often a family affair, passed down through generations, ensuring continuity and a deep-rooted commitment to sacred duties. This resonates with the broader theme of covenant faithfulness across generations, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 6:6-7. Lastly, the entire chapter, including this verse, powerfully affirms The Value of Music in Worship. These divisions were not merely functional but were set apart to "prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals" (1 Chronicles 25:1), indicating a spiritual and prophetic dimension to their musical service, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms, such as Psalm 150:3-5.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Hothir (Hebrew, Hôwthîyr', H1956): This is a proper name, derived from the root meaning "he has caused to remain" or "he has left over." In the context of a leader of a division within the Levitical courses, the name might subtly reflect God's providence in preserving or setting apart this specific family line for sacred service. While its primary function here is identification, the etymology of biblical names often carries a deeper, albeit sometimes subtle, layer of meaning, hinting at divine purpose or character, suggesting Hothir's family was divinely appointed to "remain" in service.
sons (Hebrew, bên', H1121): Derived from a root meaning "to build," this term refers to a son as a builder of the family name, encompassing literal and figurative relationships, including descendants. In this context, it emphasizes the hereditary nature of the Levitical service, where the sacred duties were passed down through the male lineage. This highlights the continuity and generational commitment to temple ministry, ensuring that the specialized skills and knowledge required for musical worship were preserved and transmitted.
brethren (Hebrew, ʼâch', H251): A primitive word meaning "a brother," used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity. Here, it refers to other close male relatives within Hothir's extended family, such as cousins or uncles, who were also part of this specific division. This inclusion underscores the familial solidarity and collective responsibility in the performance of sacred duties, reinforcing the idea that the entire family unit was dedicated to the service of God in the temple.
twelve (Hebrew, shᵉnayim_ _ʻâsâr', H8147): This numerical designation, formed from "two" (shᵉnayim) and "ten" (ʻâsâr), consistently denotes the number "twelve" for each division. In biblical numerology, twelve frequently symbolizes completeness, governmental perfection, or divine order. It is the number of the tribes of Israel, the apostles of Christ, and the gates of the New Jerusalem. Here, it signifies a full, complete, and divinely appointed complement for each course of service, emphasizing the thoroughness and divine design behind David's organization of the temple musicians.

Verse Breakdown

"The one and twentieth to Hothir,": This initial phrase precisely identifies the specific division being listed within the larger administrative record. "The one and twentieth" (or "the twenty-first") indicates its sequential place within the twenty-four courses established by David for continuous temple service. "To Hothir" designates the head or leader of this particular division, indicating his prominent role in overseeing the musical ministry for his assigned period. This highlights the structured leadership and meticulous organization within the Levitical system, ensuring accountability and order.
"[he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve:": This clause specifies the composition and total number of individuals within Hothir's division. The bracketed "he" and "were" in the King James Version indicate words supplied by the translators for clarity, as is common in Hebrew sentence structure where the verb "to be" is often implied. The phrase "his sons, and his brethren" underscores the familial nature of these divisions. Service was often a hereditary privilege and duty, passed down through the family line, encompassing direct descendants and other close male relatives. The number "twelve" confirms that Hothir, along with his direct descendants and other close relatives, formed a complete unit of twelve individuals dedicated to temple ministry, maintaining the consistent organizational pattern established for all the courses.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 25, and specifically in verse 28, is Enumeration and Systematic Listing. The chapter meticulously lists each of the twenty-four divisions, their leaders, and their numerical strength (always twelve). This repetitive, structured presentation emphasizes the comprehensive and orderly nature of David's reforms for temple worship. It conveys a sense of divine precision and thoroughness in the organization of sacred service. Additionally, there is an element of Genealogy implied through the consistent mention of "his sons, and his brethren," highlighting the hereditary nature of the Levitical service and the importance of family lines in maintaining sacred duties. The consistent number "twelve" across all divisions also functions as a form of Symbolism, representing completeness, divine order, and the totality of Israel's worship.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

1 Chronicles 25:28, though a seemingly simple administrative detail, offers profound theological insights. It reveals God's character as a God of order, who delights in structured and intentional worship. The meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians underscores that worship is not chaotic but a sacred, well-planned endeavor, reflecting a divine preference for excellence and intentionality in service. This divine preference for order extends beyond the temple, influencing how believers are called to live and serve today. Furthermore, the dedication of specific families to this task speaks to the principle of consecrated service and the passing of faith through generations. The very act of "prophesying with harps" elevates music beyond mere entertainment to a spiritual conduit for divine communication and praise, demonstrating the profound value God places on heartfelt, skilled worship.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While the specific Levitical system of temple worship is no longer in place, 1 Chronicles 25:28 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. The emphasis on order and intentionality in worship challenges us to consider how we approach our own spiritual disciplines and corporate gatherings. Are we thoughtful and purposeful in our service to God, or do we approach it haphazardly? Just as Hothir's family was set apart for a specific musical ministry, every believer is gifted by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the body of Christ. This verse encourages us to identify our unique gifts and dedicate them wholeheartedly to God's glory, recognizing that even seemingly small or administrative roles contribute to the larger tapestry of God's work. Moreover, the generational aspect reminds us of our responsibility to cultivate faith and service within our families, passing on a legacy of devotion to the next generation, ensuring that the song of praise continues through the ages. Our worship, whether individual or corporate, should be marked by intentionality, excellence, and a deep-seated desire to honor God with all that we are and have.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians challenge my own approach to worship and service, both personally and corporately?
What specific gifts or talents has God given me, and how can I more intentionally dedicate them to His service in an ordered and purposeful way?
In what ways can I contribute to fostering a legacy of faith and devotion within my family or spiritual community for future generations?

FAQ

Why was it so important for David to organize the musicians into such specific divisions?

Answer: David's meticulous organization of the musicians, as seen in 1 Chronicles 25, was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensured continuous and orderly worship in the tabernacle, and later the temple. By dividing the musicians into twenty-four courses, each serving for a specific period, worship could be maintained year-round without interruption, reflecting God's character as a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33). Secondly, it reflected God's character as a God of excellence and intentionality. David understood that sacred service should be performed with precision and dedication, not haphazardly. This organization elevated the role of music from mere entertainment to a highly respected and integral part of spiritual ministry, often associated with prophecy (1 Chronicles 25:1). Finally, it established a sustainable and hereditary system for temple service, ensuring that skilled musicians would always be available, passing their knowledge and dedication down through generations, as highlighted by the mention of "his sons, and his brethren" in verses like 1 Chronicles 25:28).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 1 Chronicles 25:28 details the specific organization of Old Testament temple worship, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. The meticulous order and dedicated service of the Levitical musicians foreshadow the perfect and complete worship offered by Jesus, the true High Priest, who established a new and living way to God through His own sacrifice (Hebrews 10:19-20). The "twelve" in each division, symbolizing completeness and divine order, subtly points to the new spiritual Israel, the church, founded upon the twelve apostles, where all believers are now a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). No longer are specific families or divisions set apart for temple service; instead, every believer is called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and worship, making their lives a continual offering (Romans 12:1). Christ Himself is the ultimate song of redemption, the very embodiment of perfect worship, and through Him, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to worship God "in spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24), fulfilling the heart of the Levitical dedication to God's glory. The order and beauty of Old Testament worship find their consummation in the person and work of Jesus, who makes true, unhindered access to God possible for all who believe.

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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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