And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever;

1 CHRONICLES 16:41KJV
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1 Chronicles 16:41 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 16:41 mean?

1 Chronicles 16:41 describes how Heman, Jeduthun, and others who were specifically chosen and named were assigned to give thanks to the LORD because his mercy lasts forever. The verse highlights a group of people set apart for the important task of expressing gratitude to God for his enduring kindness.

This verse is part of a passage where King David organizes the worship in Jerusalem after bringing the Ark of the Covenant to the city. David appoints certain Levites, including Heman and Jeduthun, to lead the people in songs of thanksgiving. The focus on giving thanks "because his mercy endureth for ever" shows that ongoing praise for God’s steadfast love was central to Israel’s worship at this moment.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 16:41

  • חֶסֶד (chesed, H2617): This word is translated as "mercy" and often means steadfast love, kindness, or loyal love. In this verse, it emphasizes the enduring, covenantal love that God shows to his people.
  • עוֹלָם (olam, H5769): Translated here as "ever," this word means a long duration, often understood as "forever" or "eternally." It highlights that God’s mercy is not temporary but lasts without end.
  • בָּחוּר (bachur, H1305): This word means "chosen." It points out that these individuals were not serving by accident; they were specifically selected for this role.
  • הוֹדוּ (yadah, H3034): Translated as "to give thanks," this word carries the idea of acknowledging or confessing, especially in praise to God. Their main task was to publicly recognize God’s goodness.

Why 1 Chronicles 16:41 matters

  • This verse clarifies that worship in ancient Israel was organized and intentional, with specific people chosen by name for the role of giving thanks, not just anyone at random.
  • The repeated phrase "his mercy endureth for ever" is a key theme in Israel’s worship, showing that God’s loyal love was a central reason for praise and thanksgiving.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing how David established regular, ongoing worship practices centered on gratitude, setting a pattern for future generations.

Where else these words appear

“Jeduthun” Hebrew H3038 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 9:16 And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:3 Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:15 And the singers the sons of Asaph were in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer; and the porters waited at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them.

“Heman” Hebrew H1968 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Kings 4:31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.
  • 1 Chronicles 15:19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;
  • 1 Chronicles 25:6 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.

“chosen” Hebrew H1305 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:27 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury.
  • Psalms 18:26 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.
  • Jeremiah 51:11 Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple.

“expressed” Hebrew H5344 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 30:28 And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it.
  • 2 Kings 18:21 Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him.
  • Job 41:2 Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?