1 Chronicles 25:8
1 Chronicles 25:8 in Multiple Translations
They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil.
¶ And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.
And they cast lots for their offices, all alike, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.
And selection was made of them for their special work, all having equal chances, small as well as great, the teacher as the learner.
They cast lots for whatever responsibility they had, the least important equal to the most important, the teacher to the student.
And they cast lottes, charge against charge, aswel small as great, the cunning man as the scholer.
And they cause to fall lots — charge over-against [charge], as well the small as the great, the intelligent with the learner.
They cast lots for their offices, all alike, the small as well as the great, the teacher as well as the student.
And they cast lots, ward against ward , as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.
And they cast lots by their courses, the elder equally with the younger, the learned and the unlearned together.
All of them, including ones who were young and those who were old, cast lots to determine what work they would do.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 25:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Chronicles 25:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּפִּ֜ילוּ
גּוֹרָל֣וֹת
מִשְׁמֶ֗רֶת
לְ/עֻמַּת֙
כַּ/קָּטֹ֣ן
כַּ/גָּד֔וֹל
מֵבִ֖ין
עִם
תַּלְמִֽיד
וַ/יַּפִּ֜ילוּ
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
גּוֹרָל֣וֹת
gôwrâl
H1486
allotted
N-mp
מִשְׁמֶ֗רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
charge
N-fs
לְ/עֻמַּת֙
ʻummâh
H5980
close
Prep | N-fs
כַּ/קָּטֹ֣ן
qâṭân
H6996
small
Prep | Adj
כַּ/גָּד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Prep | Adj
מֵבִ֖ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Hiphil
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
תַּלְמִֽיד
talmîyd
H8527
pupil
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 25:8
וַ/יַּפִּ֜ילוּ
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
גּוֹרָל֣וֹת
gôwrâl
H1486
"allotted"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a pebble or small stone used for making decisions by casting lots. It symbolizes a portion or destiny assigned by chance, like the drawing of lots to determine an outcome. This concept is central to ancient Israelite decision-making practices.
Definition: 1) lot 1a) lot-pebbles used for systematically making decisions 2) portion 2a) lot, portion (thing assigned by casting lots) 2b) recompense, retribution
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: lot. See also: Leviticus 16:8; Judges 1:3; Psalms 16:5.
מִשְׁמֶ֗רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
"charge"
N-fs
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
לְ/עֻמַּת֙
ʻummâh
H5980
"close"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means to be close to something or someone, often describing a sense of proximity or nearness. It can also imply agreement or correspondence, as in being in harmony with someone or something. The word is used in various biblical contexts to describe relationships.
Definition: 1) juxtaposition 1a) used only as a prep 1a1) close by, side by side with, alongside of, parallel with 1a2) agreeing with, corresponding to, exactly as, close beside 1a3) correspondingly to
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, at, beside, hard by, in points. See also: Exodus 25:27; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Ezekiel 48:21.
כַּ/קָּטֹ֣ן
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
כַּ/גָּד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
מֵבִ֖ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Hiphil
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
תַּלְמִֽיד
talmîyd
H8527
"pupil"
N-ms
This word refers to a pupil or scholar, someone who learns from a teacher. It describes a student or disciple.
Definition: scholar
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: scholar. See also: 1 Chronicles 25:8.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 25:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 25:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 25:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 25:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25:8
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25:8
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 25:8
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 25:8
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25:8
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 25:8
Context — Twenty-Four Divisions of Musicians
6All these were under the direction of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king.
7Together with their relatives, who were all trained and skillful in the songs of the LORD, they numbered 288.
8They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil.
9The first lot, which was for Asaph, fell to Joseph, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the second to Gedaliah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; 10the third to Zaccur, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 26:13 | They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. |
| 2 | Proverbs 16:33 | The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 26:16 | The lots for the West Gate and the Shallecheth Gate on the ascending highway fell to Shuppim and Hosah. There were guards stationed at every watch. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 23:13 | And she looked out and saw the king standing by his pillar at the entrance. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets, while the singers with musical instruments were leading the praises. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason, treason!” |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 15:22 | Chenaniah the head Levite was the director of the music because he was highly skilled. |
| 6 | Acts 1:26 | Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 14:41–42 | So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim; but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge. Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected. |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 24:5 | Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants. |
| 10 | Leviticus 16:8 | After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat, |
1 Chronicles 25:8 Summary
[This verse shows us that God values everyone's contributions, no matter how old or young they are, or how experienced they are. The Israelites trusted God to guide them as they made decisions by casting lots, and we can trust Him too, just like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can be humble and recognize that our roles and responsibilities are assigned by Him. This helps us to work together in harmony, using our different gifts and talents to serve Him and others.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'cast lots' in 1 Chronicles 25:8?
Casting lots was a way for the Israelites to make decisions by trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 16:33, which says that the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
Why did they include both young and old, as well as teachers and pupils, in the casting of lots?
This shows that God values the contributions of all people, regardless of age or experience, as stated in 1 Corinthians 12:22, which says that the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.
How does this verse relate to our modern-day church services?
This verse reminds us that every member of the body of Christ has a role to play in worship and service, just as 1 Peter 4:10-11 says that each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
What can we learn from the fact that they cast lots for their duties?
This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and to be humble, recognizing that our roles and responsibilities are assigned by Him, as stated in Romans 12:3, which says that by the grace given to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.
Reflection Questions
- How can I trust God's sovereignty in my own life, just like the Israelites did when they cast lots for their duties?
- What are some ways that I can use my gifts and talents to serve others in my church or community, just like the musicians in 1 Chronicles 25?
- How can I cultivate a sense of humility and recognition of God's assignment in my life, rather than trying to control or manipulate my circumstances?
- What does it mean for me to be a part of the body of Christ, and how can I contribute to the worship and service of God in my own unique way?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 25:8
And they cast lots, ward against ward,.... That is, which ward or course of the singers should answer to and attend on the first ward or course of the priests in their weekly service, and which the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 25:8
And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar. They cast lots, ward against ward. "Ward" is an old English word for division or company.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25:8
Ward against ward, i.e. a ward, or rank, or course of Levites answerable to one of the priests, upon whom the Levites were to wait in their holy ministrations, . As well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar, without any respect to their different ages or abilities.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25:8
1 Chronicles 25:8 And they cast lots, ward against [ward], as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.Ver. 8. As well the small as the great.] Heb., Sicut parvus sicut magnus; doctor cum discipulo: there was no privilege of precedency.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25:8
(8) And they cast lots, ward against ward.—Rather, And they cast lots of charge, that is, for determining the order in which each of the twenty-four guilds, or classes, should take charge of the services. (Comp, the LXX., κλήρουςἐφημερίων, “lots of courses;” and see Luke 1:6.) Some Hebrew MSS. and the Targum repeat the word “ward” (mishmθreth, “charge”), whence the reading of the Authorised Version. The ancient versions omit the word altogether. As well the small as the great.—Heb., exactly as the small (or, the younger), so the great (or, the elder). (Comp. the Vulg., “ex aequo tam major quam minor.”) But perhaps leummath is here used absolutely: “They cast lots in like manner” (1 Chronicles 24:31). The senior houses, or guilds, had no advantage over the juniors, the order of rotation being decided by lot. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 24:31.) The teacher as the scholar.—Literally, cunning (1 Chronicles 25:7) with learner. According to 1 Chronicles 23:5, the whole number of Levites appointed for the service of song was 4,000. These were all included in the twenty-four classes, 288 of them being “cunning” men, that is, masters in their art, and the remaining 3,712 forming the rank and file of the choirs under the training of the proficients. The Aramaic word talmid (scholar) occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament.
It is the term used of the disciples of the Rabbis in the Talmud, and is the exact equivalent of the New Testament word, μαθητής.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 25:8
8–31. The Allotment of the Courses 8. ward against ward] R.V. (guessing the sense rightly) for their charges (i.e. duties), all alike. The Hebrew text however is faulty. the teacher as the scholar] LXX. τελείωνκαὶμανθανόντων (i.e. the initiated and the learners). For “the teacher” we should perhaps render “the skilful” as in 1 Chronicles 25:7, R.V.; the Heb. word is the same. It is to be noted that we have here twenty-four courses of singers corresponding with the twenty-four courses of the priests.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 25:8
As well the small as the great - Compare 1 Chronicles 24:31. The lot was not applied indiscriminately to all the 24 courses, but was only used to settle which course of Asaph, which of Jeduthun, and
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25:8
8. They cast lots, ward against ward — The word rendered ward means a charge, a guardianship or superintendency.
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 25:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Supremacy of Christ in an Age of Terror by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the reason for the existence of a troubled and terrorized world is not because God is not in control. The Bible clearly states that God |
|
Of the Providence of God by Thomas Boston | Thomas Boston preaches on the providence of God, emphasizing how God's care extends even to the smallest details of creation, such as sparrows. He explains that providence involves |
|
Look Up by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of looking up to God during life's storms, using the story of a sailor who found stability by focusing on his captain's voice. He reminds us t |
|
And Chenaniah, Chief of the Levites, Was For by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the joy of worship and the importance of song in the life of believers, drawing parallels between the carrying of the Ark and the expression of joy in our hea |
|
The Apostles by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes that God is a God of works, who sends His servants, particularly the apostles, to fulfill His divine purpose. He explains that Jesus Christ is the first Apo |
|
Who Is Jesus? (Debate) by Michael L. Brown | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing a sense of dissatisfaction with life and a desire for something more. He confesses to making poor choices, including leaving his fa |