And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,

1 CHRONICLES 6:39KJV
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1 Chronicles 6:39 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:39 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:39 names Asaph, the brother of the previous person mentioned, as someone who stood at the right hand during temple service. The verse identifies Asaph as the son of Berachiah and the grandson of Shimea, placing him in a specific family line of Levites.

This verse is part of a larger list describing the organization of the Levites, who were responsible for music and worship in the temple. By naming Asaph and his family, the writer is showing the careful arrangement and heritage of those who led worship, highlighting their roles and lineage within Israel’s religious life.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:39

  • אָח (’ach; H251) — "brother": This word shows the close relationship between Asaph and the other Levite leaders, emphasizing the teamwork among those serving in the temple.
  • יָמִין (yamin; H3225) — "right hand": Standing at the right hand was a position of honor or importance, indicating Asaph’s significant role in the musical leadership.
  • אָסָף (Asaph; H623): Asaph is a well-known figure in the Bible, credited with several Psalms. Mentioning his name here connects the temple’s musical tradition to the Psalms and worship practices of Israel.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:39 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Asaph, a key figure in biblical worship, came from a specific Levitical family, grounding his authority and role in his lineage.
  • By mentioning Asaph’s position at the right hand, the verse shows the structured and honored nature of temple service, not just a casual gathering.
  • The verse connects the genealogies of the Levites to the practical leadership of worship, helping readers see how family lines influenced the roles people held in Israel’s religious life.

Where else these words appear

“Shimea” Hebrew H8092 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Samuel 21:21 And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:13 And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third,
  • 1 Chronicles 6:30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.

“Berachiah” Hebrew H1296 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:20 And Hashubah, and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushabhesed, five.
  • 1 Chronicles 15:23 And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.
  • Nehemiah 3:30 After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.

“Asaph” Hebrew H623 · used in 41 verses

  • 2 Kings 18:18 And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
  • 2 Chronicles 5:12 Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:)
  • Psalms 50:1 A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.

“hand” Hebrew H3225 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • 1 Kings 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.
  • Psalms 109:6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.