1 Chronicles 15:21
New International Version
and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel and Azaziah were to play the harps, directing according to sheminith.

New Living Translation
Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were chosen to play the lyres.

English Standard Version
but Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead with lyres according to the Sheminith.

Berean Standard Bible
And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to Sheminith.

King James Bible
And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.

New King James Version
Mattithiah, Elipheleh, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, to direct with harps on the Sheminith;

New American Standard Bible
and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, to lead with lyres tuned to the sheminith.

NASB 1995
and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel and Azaziah, to lead with lyres tuned to the sheminith.

NASB 1977
and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, to lead with lyres tuned to the sheminith.

Legacy Standard Bible
and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, to lead with lyres set according to the sheminith.

Amplified Bible
and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead with lyres set to Sheminith [that is, the eighth string, a low pitch].

Christian Standard Bible
and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to the Sheminith.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to the Sheminith.

American Standard Version
and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps set to the Sheminith, to lead.

English Revised Version
and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps set to the Sheminith, to lead.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were appointed to play lyres and to conduct the [sheminith].

International Standard Version
and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah led on lyres, sounding the octaves.

Majority Standard Bible
And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to Sheminith.

NET Bible
Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to play the lyres according to the sheminith style, as led by the director;

New Heart English Bible
and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps tuned to the eight-stringed lyre, to lead.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.

World English Bible
and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps tuned to the eight-stringed lyre, to lead.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, to oversee with harps on the eighth.

Young's Literal Translation
and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps, on the octave, to oversee.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Mattithiah and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps upon the Sheminith to shine.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Mathathias, and Eliphalu, and Macenias and Obededom, and Jehiel and Ozaziu, sung a song of victory for the octave upon harps.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah and Obededom, and Jeiel and Azaziah were singing a song of victory with the harps, for the octave.

New American Bible
But Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel led the song on lyres set to “sheminith.”

New Revised Standard Version
but Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead with lyres according to the Sheminith.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And those who sang songs: Mattitha, Mikiaho, Ober-edom, Uzzael, and Uzzanaiah; these played with harps every day at three o'clock and at nine o'clock.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And those who sang with hymns of praise: Matitha, and Meqyahu, and, UbarAdom, and Uziel, and Uzyayel; these were ministering on the harp every day in the daytime at the third hour, and at the sixth and at the ninth.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and Mattithiah, and Eliphalehu, and Mikneiahu, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith, to lead.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Mattathias, and Eliphalu, and Makenia, and Abdedom, and Jeiel, and Ozias, with harps of Amasenith, to make a loud noise.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Priests and Levites Carry the Ark
20Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to Alamoth. 21And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to Sheminith. 22Chenaniah the head Levite was the director of the music because he was highly skilled.…

Cross References
Psalm 150:3-5
Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. / Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. / Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals.

2 Samuel 6:5
David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.

1 Chronicles 13:8
David and all the Israelites were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs and on harps and lyres, with tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.

Psalm 33:2
Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings.

Psalm 81:2
Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre.

Psalm 92:3
with the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre.

Psalm 98:5-6
Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, in melodious song with the harp. / With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

Psalm 144:9
I will sing to You a new song, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will make music to You—

Psalm 149:3
Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.

2 Chronicles 5:12-13
all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. / The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud

2 Chronicles 29:25-26
Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. / The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets.

Nehemiah 12:27
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from all their homes and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.

Exodus 15:20-21
Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. / And Miriam sang back to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.”

1 Samuel 10:5
After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying.

2 Kings 3:15
But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha


Treasury of Scripture

And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.

Mattithiah

1 Chronicles 15:18
And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.

1 Chronicles 16:5
Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;

harps

1 Chronicles 25:6,7
All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman…

1 Samuel 10:5
After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:

Psalm 33:2
Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.

Sheminith to excel.

Psalm 6:1
To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

Psalm 12:1
To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

Jump to Previous
Azaziah Azazi'ah Corded Directing Eight-Stringed Eliphalehu Elipheleh Eliphelehu Eliph'elehu Excel First Harps Instruments Jeiel Je-I'el Lyres Mattithiah Mattithi'ah Mikneiah Miknei'ah Note Obededom Obed-Edom O'bed-E'dom Octave Oversee Sheminith Singing Song Tuned
Jump to Next
Azaziah Azazi'ah Corded Directing Eight-Stringed Eliphalehu Elipheleh Eliphelehu Eliph'elehu Excel First Harps Instruments Jeiel Je-I'el Lyres Mattithiah Mattithi'ah Mikneiah Miknei'ah Note Obededom Obed-Edom O'bed-E'dom Octave Oversee Sheminith Singing Song Tuned
1 Chronicles 15
1. David having prepared a place for the ark,
15. the priests and Levites bring it from Obed-Edom
25. He performs the solemnity thereof with great joy
29. Michal despises him














Mattithiah
The name Mattithiah means "gift of Yahweh" in Hebrew. This name reflects the belief that individuals are divinely appointed and gifted for specific roles within the community of faith. Mattithiah's role in the musical ensemble underscores the importance of recognizing and utilizing God-given talents for worship and service.

Eliphelehu
Eliphelehu, meaning "God is distinguished," highlights the distinctiveness and holiness of God. This name serves as a reminder that those who serve in worship are called to reflect God's character and to lead others in recognizing His unique and exalted nature.

Mikneiah
The name Mikneiah can be translated as "possession of Yahweh." This suggests a sense of belonging and dedication to God. Those who serve in worship, like Mikneiah, are seen as belonging to God, set apart for His purposes, and entrusted with the responsibility of leading others in praise.

Obed-edom
Obed-edom, meaning "servant of Edom," is a significant figure in the biblical narrative. Historically, Obed-edom is known for housing the Ark of the Covenant, which brought blessings to his household. His inclusion in this list emphasizes the blessings and responsibilities that come with serving in God's presence and the honor of being part of the worship community.

Jeiel
Jeiel, meaning "God sweeps away," can be interpreted as a reference to God's power to remove obstacles and purify His people. In the context of worship, Jeiel's role signifies the cleansing and transformative power of worship, which sweeps away sin and draws believers closer to God.

Azaziah
Azaziah means "Yahweh is strong." This name reflects the strength and might of God, which is a central theme in worship. Those who lead in worship, like Azaziah, are called to rely on God's strength and to lead others in acknowledging His power and sovereignty.

were to lead with lyres
The lyre, a stringed instrument, was commonly used in ancient Israelite worship. Leading with lyres indicates the use of music as a powerful tool for worship and spiritual expression. Music in worship serves to elevate the soul, unify the congregation, and create an atmosphere conducive to encountering God.

according to Sheminith
Sheminith refers to a musical term, possibly indicating an eight-stringed instrument or a specific musical style or tuning. The use of Sheminith suggests a level of musical sophistication and intentionality in worship. It highlights the importance of skill and preparation in leading worship, ensuring that it is both beautiful and honoring to God.

(21) The six lute-players.

With harps on the Sheminith.--"With lutes (or lyres) in the bass." Literally, after the mode of the eighth--i.e., an octave below the tenor--al ottava bassa.

To excel.--To lead the orchestra, to precent. (Comp. Psalms 6, heading.)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and Mattithiah,
וּמַתִּתְיָ֣הוּ (ū·mat·tiṯ·yā·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4993: Mattithiah -- 'gift of Yah', the name of several Israelites

Eliphelehu,
וֶאֱלִֽיפְלֵ֗הוּ (we·’ĕ·lî·p̄ə·lê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 466: Eliphelehu -- 'may God distinguish him', a doorkeeper

Mikneiah,
וּמִקְנֵיָ֙הוּ֙ (ū·miq·nê·yā·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4737: Mikneiah -- 'possession of Yah', a Levitical musician

Obed-edom,
אֱדֹ֔ם (’ĕ·ḏōm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5654: Obed-edom -- 'servant of Edom', an Israelite name

Jeiel,
וִֽיעִיאֵ֖ל (wî·‘î·’êl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3273: Jeiel

and Azaziah
וַעֲזַזְיָ֑הוּ (wa·‘ă·zaz·yā·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5812: Azaziah -- 'Yah is mighty', three Israelites

were to lead the music
לְנַצֵּֽחַ׃ (lə·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5329: To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent

with lyres
בְּכִנֹּר֥וֹת (bə·ḵin·nō·rō·wṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3658: A harp

according to
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Sheminith.
הַשְּׁמִינִ֖ית (haš·šə·mî·nîṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8067: An eight-stringed lyre


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah and Eliphelehu and Mikneiah (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 15:20
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