1 Chronicles 25:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 25:13 mean?

1 Chronicles 25:13 records that the sixth group of musicians chosen for temple service was led by Bukkiah, and that he, his sons, and his brothers together made up twelve members. This verse is part of a list assigning specific families to serve in the musical ministry of the temple.

This verse comes from a section where King David, along with other leaders, is organizing the Levites for worship duties in the temple. Each group, led by a named head like Bukkiah, included family members and was assigned by lot to ensure fairness. The number twelve for each group reflects an organized and balanced structure for temple music.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 25:13

• "sixth" (שִׁשִּׁי, shishshi): This word means "sixth" and marks Bukkiah's group as the sixth in the order of service. The ordering shows careful organization and equal opportunity among the families.
• "Bukkiah" (בֻּקִיָּה, Buqqiyah): This is the personal name of the group leader. Naming each leader highlights the importance of individual families in temple service.
• "sons" (בֵּן, ben): Refers to Bukkiah's male descendants included in the group. This word shows that temple service was often a family responsibility.
• "brethren" (אָח, ach): This term means "brothers" or close relatives, showing that the group was made up of extended family, not just immediate sons.
• "twelve" (שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר, shenayim asar): The number twelve was assigned to each group, suggesting a symbolic or practical significance, possibly reflecting completeness or the twelve tribes of Israel.

Why 1 Chronicles 25:13 matters

• This verse shows the careful planning and fairness in how temple duties were assigned, with each family group given equal representation.
• The mention of "twelve" in each group connects the organization of temple worship to the broader themes of order and completeness found throughout Israel's history.
• Understanding the structure of these assignments helps clarify how worship in the temple was a shared, communal responsibility, involving entire families and not just individuals.