Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Those who were musicians, heads of Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night. New Living Translation The musicians, all prominent Levites, lived at the Temple. They were exempt from other responsibilities since they were on duty at all hours. English Standard Version Now these, the singers, the heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites, were in the chambers of the temple free from other service, for they were on duty day and night. Berean Standard Bible Those who were musicians, the heads of Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night. Berean Literal Bible And these singers, the heads of fathers of the Levites in the chambers, were free, for by day and by night they were over them in the work. King James Bible And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night. New King James Version These are the singers, heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites, who lodged in the chambers, and were free from other duties; for they were employed in that work day and night. New American Standard Bible Now these are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the chambers of the temple free of other duties; for they were engaged in their work day and night. NASB 1995 Now these are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the chambers of the temple free from other service; for they were engaged in their work day and night. NASB 1977 Now these are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the chambers of the temple free from other service; for they were engaged in their work day and night. Legacy Standard Bible Now these are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the chambers of the temple free from other service; for they were over them in their work day and night. Amplified Bible Now these are the singers, heads of the fathers’ households of the Levites, living in the temple chambers, free from other service because they were on duty day and night. Berean Annotated Bible Those who were musicians, the heads of Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night. Christian Standard Bible The singers, the heads of the Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other tasks because they were on duty day and night. Holman Christian Standard Bible The singers, the heads of the Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other tasks because they were on duty day and night. American Standard Version And these are the singers, heads of fathers' houses of the Levites, who dwelt in the chambers and were free from other service; for they were employed in their work day and night. Contemporary English Version The Levite family leaders who were the musicians also lived at the temple. They had no other responsibilities, because they were on duty day and night. English Revised Version And these are the singers, heads of fathers' houses of the Levites, who dwelt in the chambers and were free from other service: for they were employed in their work day and night. GOD'S WORD® Translation These were the musicians who were the heads of the Levite families. They lived in rooms in the temple and were free from other duties because they were on duty day and night. Good News Translation Some Levite families were responsible for the Temple music. The heads of these families lived in some of the Temple buildings and were free from other duties, because they were on call day and night. International Standard Version These singers, leaders of ancestral households of the descendants of Levi, were living in the chambers of the Temple. Freed from other service responsibilities, they were on duty day and night. NET Bible The musicians and Levite family leaders stayed in rooms at the sanctuary and were exempt from other duties, for day and night they had to carry out their assigned tasks. New Heart English Bible These are the singers, heads of ancestral houses of the Levites, who lived in the chambers and were free from other service; for they were employed in their work day and night. Webster's Bible Translation And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThose who were musicians, the heads of Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night. World English Bible These are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the rooms and were free from other service, for they were employed in their work day and night. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd these who sing, heads of fathers of the Levites, in the chambers, [are] free, for [they are] over them in the work by day and by night. Berean Literal Bible And these singers, the heads of fathers of the Levites in the chambers, were free, for by day and by night they were over them in the work. Young's Literal Translation And these who sing, heads of fathers of the Levites, in the chambers, are free, for by day and by night they are over them in the work. Smith's Literal Translation And these singing, heads of the fathers to the Levites in the cells being free: for their day and night upon them in work. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThese are the chief of the singing men of the families of the Levites, who dwelt in the chambers, by the temple, that they might serve continually day and night in their ministry. Catholic Public Domain Version These are the leaders of the singing men, according to the families of the Levites, who were dwelling in the chambers, so that they might carry out their ministry continually, day and night. New American Bible These were the singers and the gatekeepers, family heads over the Levites. They stayed in the chambers when free of duty, for day and night they had to be ready for service. New Revised Standard Version Now these are the singers, the heads of ancestral houses of the Levites, living in the chambers of the temple free from other service, for they were on duty day and night. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd these are the ministers, chiefs of the fathers of the Levites, who kept the watch in the chambers round about the temple, because they were over the work day and night. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And these Ministers, Chiefs of the fathers of Levi, were guarding in the arched chambers that are around the house, because they were authorized over the work by day and by night. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And these are the singers, heads of fathers' houses of the Levites, who dwelt in the chambers and were free from other service; for they were employed in their work day and night. Brenton Septuagint Translation And these were the singers, heads of families of the Levites, to whom were established daily courses, for they were employed in the services day and night. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The People of Jerusalem…32Some of their Kohathite brothers were responsible for preparing the rows of the showbread every Sabbath. 33Those who were musicians, the heads of Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night. 34All these were heads of Levite families, chiefs according to their genealogies, and they lived in Jerusalem.… Cross References Those who were musicians, 1 Chronicles 25:1 Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: 1 Chronicles 15:16 David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals. 2 Chronicles 29:25-28 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. / And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. … the heads of Levite families, 1 Chronicles 24:31 As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike. 1 Chronicles 15:12 And he said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. stayed in the temple chambers 2 Chronicles 31:11-12 Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare storerooms in the house of the LORD, and they did so. / And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts. Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge of them, and his brother Shimei was second. Nehemiah 13:4-5 Now before this, Eliashib the priest, a relative of Tobiah, had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God / and had prepared for Tobiah a large room where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the temple articles, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests. and were exempt from other duties 1 Chronicles 23:26-28 So now the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for its service.” / For according to the final instructions of David, the Levites twenty years of age or older were counted, / but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, Numbers 8:24-26 “This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years of age or older shall enter to perform the service in the work at the Tent of Meeting. / But at the age of fifty, they must retire from performing the work and no longer serve. / After that, they may assist their brothers in fulfilling their duties at the Tent of Meeting, but they themselves are not to do the work. This is how you are to assign responsibilities to the Levites.” because they were on duty day and night. Psalm 92:1-2 A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath day. It is good to praise the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High, / to proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning and Your faithfulness at night Psalm 134:1-2 A song of ascents. Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who serve by night in the house of the LORD! / Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the LORD! Nehemiah 12:46-47 For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. / So in the days of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portions for the singers and gatekeepers. They also set aside daily portions for the Levites, and the Levites set aside daily portions for the descendants of Aaron. 1 Chronicles 6:31-32 These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. / They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them. 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 35:15 The singers, the descendants of Asaph, were at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their posts, because their fellow Levites made preparations for them. Ezra 3:10-11 When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as David king of Israel had prescribed. / And they sang responsively with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid. Treasury of Scripture And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night. the singers 1 Chronicles 6:31-33 And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest… 1 Chronicles 15:16-22 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy… 1 Chronicles 16:4-6 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel: … were free Nehemiah 11:17,22,23 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun… they, etc. Psalm 134:1,2 A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD… Psalm 135:1-3 Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD… Jump to Previous Chambers Chief Duties Duty Dwelling Dwelt Employed Engaged Exempt Families Fathers Free Heads Households Houses Levites Music Musicians Night Ordering Remaining Rooms Service Sing Singers Songs Temple WorkJump to Next Chambers Chief Duties Duty Dwelling Dwelt Employed Engaged Exempt Families Fathers Free Heads Households Houses Levites Music Musicians Night Ordering Remaining Rooms Service Sing Singers Songs Temple Work1 Chronicles 9 1. The original of Israel and Judah's genealogies2. The Israelites 10. The priests 14. and the Levites, with Nethinims, who dwelt in Jerusalem 27. The charge of certain Levites 35. The stock of Saul and Jonathan Those who were musicians The musicians in the temple were Levites, a tribe set apart for religious duties. Music played a crucial role in worship, as seen in various Psalms attributed to David, who organized temple music. The Levites' musical service was integral to temple rituals, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere and aiding in worship. the heads of Levite families stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night Persons / Places / Events 1. MusiciansThese were Levites specifically appointed to lead worship through music in the temple. Their role was crucial in maintaining the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. 2. Levite Families The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, set apart for religious duties. The musicians came from these families, emphasizing the hereditary nature of their service. 3. Temple Chambers These were rooms within the temple complex where the musicians resided. This highlights the centrality of worship in the life of the temple. 4. Day and Night Service The musicians' commitment to their duties was continuous, symbolizing the perpetual worship and praise due to God. 5. Exemption from Other Duties This indicates the importance of their role, as they were freed from other responsibilities to focus solely on worship. Teaching Points The Importance of WorshipWorship is central to our relationship with God. Just as the Levite musicians were dedicated to worship, we too should prioritize worship in our lives. Dedication to God's Work The musicians' exemption from other duties shows the importance of dedicating ourselves fully to the tasks God has given us. Continuous Praise The day and night service of the musicians reminds us of the call to live lives of continuous praise and gratitude to God. Community and Heritage The role of the Levite families in temple worship underscores the importance of community and passing down faith traditions. Spiritual Focus Just as the musicians were set apart for a specific purpose, we should seek to understand and fulfill our unique roles in God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 9:33?2. How does 1 Chronicles 9:33 emphasize the importance of continual worship in life? 3. What role did the musicians play in temple worship according to 1 Chronicles 9:33? 4. How can we incorporate "day and night" worship into our daily routines? 5. What other scriptures highlight the significance of music in worship? 6. How does the dedication of temple musicians inspire our commitment to church service? 7. What role did the musicians play in 1 Chronicles 9:33 within the temple service? 8. How does 1 Chronicles 9:33 reflect the importance of worship in ancient Israel? 9. Why were the musicians exempt from other duties according to 1 Chronicles 9:33? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 9? 11. What is the International House of Prayer? 12. Is there sufficient historical proof that Psalm 134 reflects actual temple practices, or could it be a later liturgical addition? 13. Is one day with You better than a thousand elsewhere? 14. Who is Asaph in the Bible? What Does 1 Chronicles 9:33 Mean Those who were musiciansThe verse opens by spotlighting a distinct group—Levites set apart for music ministry. Their calling was not a hobby; it was a divinely assigned vocation. • David had already organized this corps of singers and instrumentalists “to lift up their voices with joy” (1 Chron 15:16; cf. 1 Chron 25:1-7). • Music in worship was viewed as service every bit as sacred as sacrifice (2 Chron 5:12-14). • Psalm 150 celebrates this same calling, urging every instrument and every breath to praise the LORD. Taken at face value, the text affirms that God Himself values skillful, continual musical praise within His house. the heads of Levite families Leadership mattered. These were not novices but patriarchs who carried both spiritual authority and family responsibility. • Numbers 3:5-10 sets the precedent: entire clans were commissioned to aid the priesthood. • By David’s day, “twenty-four thousand” Levites supervised temple work, with specified leaders over each section (1 Chron 23:4-5). • Their example underscores that worship leadership flows from godly lineage and tested character, not merely talent. stayed in the temple chambers The Lord provided literal living quarters in His house for those who served Him. • Gatekeepers and treasurers also lodged “around the house of God, because the charge was on them” (1 Chron 9:27-29). • Nehemiah later restored these chambers after exile (Nehemiah 13:5). • By residing on-site, the musicians could respond instantly to any call to worship, illustrating wholehearted dedication. were exempt from other duties Freeing them from ancillary tasks protected their primary mission. • Numbers 8:24-26 shows age-based limits on Levite labor so their strength focused on worship. • Hezekiah reinforced this principle, commanding the people to supply the Levites’ needs “so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD” (2 Chron 31:4). • God’s design made room for undistracted ministry, modeling how the body of believers supports those called to full-time service. because they were on duty day and night Continuous praise was not symbolic—it happened in real time, every hour. • Psalm 134:1 salutes “all you servants of the LORD who serve by night in the house of the LORD!” • David mandated morning-and-evening thanksgiving (1 Chron 23:30), a rhythm later echoed in Revelation 4:8 where heavenly worship never ceases. • The round-the-clock assignment points to God’s worthiness of unending honor and foreshadows eternal worship in His presence. summary 1 Chronicles 9:33 teaches that God ordained a dedicated, well-led, fully supported team of Levite musicians who lived in the temple and offered uninterrupted praise. Their 24/7 service underscores the priority of worship, the legitimacy of full-time ministry, and the reality that our holy God deserves continual, wholehearted adoration. (33, 34) A general subscription, or concluding statement, with reference to the preceding account of the Levites (1Chronicles 9:14-32).(33) Refers to the singers treated of in 1Chronicles 9:14-16 : And these (above mentioned) are the minstrels, heads of Levitical families; in the Temple cells (they lived), exempt from all other charge; for day and night they were over them in the work. The Hebrew is, harsh, and perhaps corrupt, but the meaning seems to be clear. It is hardly meant that the service of song in the Temple was uninterrupted (comp. Revelation 4:8), but only that the choristers were under obligation to perpetually recurring service. They were employed in that work.--Rather, They were over them in the work. They--that is, the leaders for the time being--lived, like the chief warders, in the Temple cells, presiding continually over the guilds of singers. Verse 33. - Translate, And these singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, in the chambers were free. The word "free" is surely sufficiently explained by the following sentence, in connection with Ezra 7:24; Nehemiah 11:23. It is more doubtful whether the expression, "these singers," refers to names, which now should have been inserted but are lost, or possibly to ver. 16, ante; the idiom would prefer the former. They were employed in that work day and night; literally, for by day and by night on them, in the work. If we were to suppose the cheth before the "work" an error for he, the translation would be easy and free from all doubt, for by day and by night, the work devolved upon them. Anyway, the substance of the sense is obvious.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Those who wereוְאֵ֣לֶּה (wə·’êl·leh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those musicians, הַ֠מְשֹׁרְרִים (ham·šō·rə·rîm) Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7891: To sing the heads רָאשֵׁ֨י (rā·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 7218: The head of Levite לַלְוִיִּ֛ם (lal·wî·yim) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi families, אָב֧וֹת (’ā·ḇō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1: Father stayed in the temple chambers בַּלְּשָׁכֹ֖ת (bal·lə·šā·ḵōṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 3957: Room, chamber, hall, cell and were exempt פְּטוּרִ֑ים (pə·ṭū·rîm) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural Strong's 6358: Opened, a bud [from other duties] כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction because they were עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against on duty בַּמְּלָאכָֽה׃ (bam·mə·lā·ḵāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4399: Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property day יוֹמָ֥ם (yō·w·mām) Adverb Strong's 3119: Daytime, by day and night. וָלַ֛יְלָה (wā·lay·lāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity Links 1 Chronicles 9:33 NIV1 Chronicles 9:33 NLT 1 Chronicles 9:33 ESV 1 Chronicles 9:33 NASB 1 Chronicles 9:33 KJV 1 Chronicles 9:33 BibleApps.com 1 Chronicles 9:33 Biblia Paralela 1 Chronicles 9:33 Chinese Bible 1 Chronicles 9:33 French Bible 1 Chronicles 9:33 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Chronicles 9:33 These are the singers heads of fathers' (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) |
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