1 Chronicles 15:20 — Word Study
WLCוּזְכַרְיָ֨ה וַעֲזִיאֵ֜ל וּשְׁמִֽירָמ֤וֹת וִֽיחִיאֵל֙ וְעֻנִּ֣י וֶֽאֱלִיאָ֔ב וּמַעֲשֵׂיָ֖הוּ וּבְנָיָ֑הוּ בִּנְבָלִ֖ים עַל־ עֲלָמֽוֹת׃
BSAZechariahZᵉkaryâh AzielʻĂzîyʼêl△ [a Levite musician] ShemiramothShᵉmîyrâmôwth JehielYᵉchîyʼêl UnniʻUnnîy EliabʼĔlîyʼâb MaaseiahMaʻăsêyâh and BenaiahBᵉnâyâh were to play the harpsnebel [with psalteries, stringed instruments] according toʻal AlamothʻĂlâmôwth [girls, young women, soprano voice]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וּזְכַרְיָ֨ה | and Zechariah | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| וַעֲזִיאֵ֜ל | and Aziel | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| וּשְׁמִֽירָמ֤וֹת | and Shemiramoth | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| וִֽיחִיאֵל֙ | and Jehiel | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| וְעֻנִּ֣י | and Unni | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| וֶֽאֱלִיאָ֔ב | and Eliab | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| וּמַעֲשֵׂיָ֖הוּ | and Maaseiah | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| וּבְנָיָ֑הוּ | and Benaiah | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| בִּנְבָלִ֖ים | with lyres | Preposition, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| עַל־ | on | Preposition |
| עֲלָמֽוֹת׃ | alamoth | Noun |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to Alamoth. |
| KJV | And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth; |
| ASV | and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries set to Alamoth; |
| YLT | and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jeheil, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries besides virgins, |
| WEB | and Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with stringed instruments set to Alamoth; |
| BBE | And Zechariah and Aziel and Shemiramoth and Jehiel, Unni and Eliab and Maaseiah and Benaiah, with corded instruments put to Alamoth. |
All translations agree on the meaning of עַלְמָה in this context.
The sentence has one main clause followed by a prepositional phrase that describes the manner of playing.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
1 of 11 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — 1 Chronicles 15:20
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Organization of Worshipgenerated
1 Chronicles 15:20 describes the Levite musicians appointed to lead worship through music. This verse emphasizes the importance of musical roles in the temple service, particularly highlighting the harp players and their specific style, which is aligned with the term עַלְמָה (alamoth). The organization of worship is a recurring theme in Chronicles, reflecting the significance of proper order in approaching God.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 46:1 | God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 1 reference, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — עַלְמָה, a.la.Motgenerated
The term עַלְמָה (*alamoth*) refers to young women or girls, often denoting a high-pitched voice suitable for musical contexts. It is a plural noun that suggests a specific style of singing, particularly soprano, which aligns with the instructions given to the musicians in this verse.
This word is used in the headings of certain psalms, indicating the type of voice to be used in worship. The parsing as a noun shows its role in specifying the characteristics of the music being played, thus connecting the musicians to the intended style of worship.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
Translations generally agree on the meaning of עַלְמָה, with all versions recognizing it as related to young women or a specific vocal style.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause is led by the subject, which is a noun phrase listing the musicians: וּזְכַרְיָ֨ה, וַעֲזִיאֵ֜ל, וּשְׁמִֽירָמ֤וֹת, etc. The structure is straightforward, with a prepositional phrase indicating the manner of playing.
The prepositional phrase עַל־ introduces the specific style of music, עַלְמָה, which is crucial for understanding the intended performance.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates עַלְמָה as αλαιμωθ, maintaining the connection to the concept of young women or soprano voices. This choice reflects a consistent understanding of the term in both Hebrew and Greek contexts.
The translation shows a direct correspondence between the Hebrew and Greek terms, emphasizing the musical aspect of worship.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
1 Chronicles 15:20 lists the Levite musicians who were assigned to play the harps during worship, specifically mentioning that they were to play according to the style known as עַלְמָה. This indicates a particular way of singing, likely suited for young women or soprano voices.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
In this context, עַלְמָה refers to young women or girls, indicating a specific vocal style for the music played.
The musicians included Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, all designated to play the harps.
The musical style is important as it reflects the intended worship atmosphere and the specific roles assigned to the musicians in the temple service.
This verse connects to broader themes in Chronicles by emphasizing the organization and order of worship in the temple, highlighting the roles of musicians as essential to the worship experience.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What role do you think music plays in your own worship experience?
- How can understanding the specific roles of musicians in the temple enhance your appreciation for worship?
- In what ways can you incorporate musical elements into your personal worship?
- How does the concept of עַלְמָה inspire you to think about the voices involved in worship today?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 1 Chronicles 15:20 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah,.... Who were eight of the second degree; Aziel is the same with Jaaziel, 1 Chronicles 15:18 and
Read John Gill on 1 Chronicles 15 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth; On Alamoth , [ `al (H5921) `ªlaamowt (H5961] - after the manner of
Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Chronicles 15 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleIn this catalogue Ben is omitted, who was mentioned . Yet others think him to be the same who is called Azaziah, . But Ben might be some other person, who was indeed appointed for this work, as is related, ,18; and yet he might be taken off by death or sickness, or some sudden and extraordinary accident which hindered his execution of the place and work allotted for him, which might force the chief of the Levites to appoint some other in his stead, when they came to put their institution in practice, as here they did. On Alamoth, or, with (as that particle is elsewhere used) Alamoth, which is thought to be the name of an instrument of music; or of a certain tune, or note, or part in music.…
Read Matthew Poole on 1 Chronicles 15 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments1 Chronicles 15:20 And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;Ver. 20. On Alamoth.]
Read John Trapp on 1 Chronicles 15 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English ReadersTHE ARK. V. Two warders of the Ark. VI. The king, with the heads of the nation.(20) The eight harpers. Perhaps Maaseiah or Benaiah belongs to the next verse. This would give seven (comp. 1 Chronicles 15:24) in each band. Aziel should be Jaaziel, as in 1 Chronicles 15:18. Jehiel.—God liveth. Jeiel=Jeuel (1 Chronicles 9:6; 1 Chronicles 9:35), Remembered of God.With psalteries on Alamoth.—“With harps after the mode of maidens:” that is, probably, of soprano compass or pitch. The same expression occurs in the heading of Psalms 46
Read Charles John Ellicott on 1 Chronicles 15 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 20. With psalteries on Alamoth] Some suppose that the word signifies virgins, or women singers, the persons mentioned here being appointed to accompany them with psalteries, and preside over them. The Vulgate says arcana cantabant, they sang secret things or mysteries; probably prophetic hymns.
Read AdamClarke on 1 Chronicles 15 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges20. on Alamoth] R.V. set to Alamoth; cp. Psalms 46 (title) R.V.
Read Cambridge on 1 Chronicles 15 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BiblePsalteries on Alamoth - Probably, psalteries whose tone resembled the voices of girls (עלמות ‛ălâmôth). Compare the “female flutes” of the Lydians.
Read Albert Barnes on 1 Chronicles 15 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to Alamoth.
and Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with stringed instruments set to Alamoth;
Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to Alamoth.
Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to the alamoth style;
Tyndale line
And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;
and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries set to Alamoth;
and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries set to Alamoth;
And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;
And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Iehiel, and Vnni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah with violes on Alamoth,
Strictly literal
and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with lutes on Alamoth;
and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jeheil, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries besides virgins,
and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jeheil, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries over the girls’ [voices],
And Zechariah, and 'Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jechiel, and 'Unni, and Eliab, and Ma'asseyahu, and Benayahu, with psalteries on 'Alamoth;
Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah played the stringed instruments, set to Alamoth.
From the Latin
And Zacharias, and Oziel, and Semiramoth, and Jehiel, and Ani, and Eliab, and Maasias, and Banaias, sung mysteries upon psalteries.
Simplified
Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play harps “according to alamoth,”
And Zechariah and Aziel and Shemiramoth and Jehiel, Unni and Eliab and Maaseiah and Benaiah, with corded instruments put to Alamoth.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
Both the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint align closely in their wording, with the Septuagint providing a direct translation without significant variation. This agreement highlights the consistency in the transmission of this verse across different textual traditions.
וּזְכַרְיָ֨ה וַעֲזִיאֵ֜ל וּשְׁמִֽירָמ֤וֹת וִֽיחִיאֵל֙ וְעֻנִּ֣י וֶֽאֱלִיאָ֔ב וּמַעֲשֵׂיָ֖הוּ וּבְנָיָ֑הוּ בִּנְבָלִ֖ים עַל־ עֲלָמֽוֹת׃
11 of the 11 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in 1 Chronicles 15:20
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
זְכַרְיָהוּ (Zkaryah) means 'Jehovah remembers' and refers to various figures in the Old Testament, including a prophet and several individuals from the tribe of Levi. The entries highlight a range of roles, from kings and priests to Levites and returned exiles, with notable mentions of a prophet contemporary with Isaiah. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
זְכַרְיָהוּ, oftener זְכַרְיָה n.pr.m.
king of Isr., son of Jerob. II
father of Hezekiah’s mother
contemporary of Isaiah
a Reubenite
a Benjamite
a Manassite
a son of Jehoshaphat
a captain of Jehosh.
teacher of Uzziah
Levites
priests
returned exiles
base
זְכַרְיָה n.pr.m. prophet
base
H2148a זְכַרְיָהוּ, oftener זְכַרְיָה H2148b זְכַרְיָה prophet
2148 Zkaryah zek-ar-yaw'
or Zkaryahuw {zek-ar-yaw'-hoo}; from 2142 and 3050; Jah has
remembered; Zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine
Israelites:--Zachariah, Zechariah.
see HEBREW for 02142
see HEBREW for 03050
זְכַרְיָהוּ (ze.khar.yah) — Zechariah.
A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.9.21;
son of: Meshelemiah (H4920);
brother of: Jediael (H3043J), Zebadiah (H2069J), Jathniel (H3496), Elam (H5867H), Jehohanan (H3076I) and Eliehoenai (H0454A)
§ Zechariah = "Jehovah remembers"
1) king of Israel, son of Jeroboam II
2) son of Meshelemiah of Shelemiah, a Korhite, and keeper of the north gate of the tabernacle of the congregation
3) one of the sons of Jehiel
4) a Levite of the second order in the temple band in the time of David
5) one of the princes of Judah in the reign of Jehoshaphat
6) son of the high priest Jehoiada, in the reign of Joash king of Judah, who was stoned in the court of the temple
7) a Kohathite Levite in the reign of Josiah
8) the leader of the sons of Pharosh who returned with Ezra
9) son of Bebai
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
Zechariah
Jehovah is renowned or remembered. (1.) A prophet of Judah, the eleventh of the twelve minor prophets. Like Ezekiel, he was of priestly extraction. He describes himself (1:1) as “the son of Berechiah.” In Ezra 5:1 and 6:14 he is called “the son of Iddo,” who was properly his grandfather. His prophetical career began in the second year of Darius (B.C. 520), about sixteen years after the return of the first company from exile. He was contemporary with Haggai (Ezra 5:1).
His book consists of two distinct parts, (1) chapters 1 to 8, inclusive, and (2) 9 to the end. It begins with a preface (1:1-6), which recalls the nation’s past history, for the purpose of presenting a solemn warning to the present generation. Then follows a series of eight visions (1:7-6:8), succeeding…
The eleventh in order of the twelve minor prophets. He is called in his prophecy the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo, whereas in the book of Ezra, (Ezra 5:1; 6:14) he is said to have been the son of Iddo. It is natural to suppose as the prophet himself mentions his father’s name, whereas the book of Ezra mentions only Iddo, that Berechiah had died early, and that there was now no intervening link between the grandfather and the grandson. Zechariah, like Jeremiah and Ezekiel before him, was priest as well as prophet. He seems to have entered upon his office while yet young, (Zechariah 2:4) and must have been born in Babylon whence he returned with the first caravan of exiles under Zerubbabel and Jeshua. It was in the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, that he first…
1. Son of Berechiah, and grandson of Iddo the priest; called the son of Iddo in Ezr 5:1 6:14, and his successor in the priesthood, Ne 12:4,16, perhaps because Berechiah was then dead. Zechariah is the eleventh of the minor prophets. He returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel, and began to prophesy while yet young, Zec 2:4, in the second year of Darius son of Hystaspes, B. C. 520, in the eighth month of the holy year, and two months after Haggai. These two prophets, with united zeal, encouraged the people to resume the work of the temple, which had been discontinued for some years, Ezr 5:1.
same as Zachariah
עֲזִיאֵל (Aziy'el) is a Hebrew name meaning 'strengthened of God.' It refers to a Levite mentioned in 1 Chronicles 15:18 and is associated with another name, יַעֲזִיאֵל (Jaaziel). Some entries suggest that the name may be a variant or error for עֻזִּיאֵל.
(וְ)יַעֲזִיאֵל n.pr.m. Levite name 1 Ch 15:18 = (וַ)עֲזִיאֵל v 20, both prob. err. for עֻזִּיאֵל
ref
H5815 (וְ)יַעֲזִיאֵל, יַעֲזִיאֵל, עֲזִיאֵל
5815 `Aziy'el az-ee-ale'
from 5756 and 410; strengthened of God; Aziel, an
Israelite:--Aziel. Compare 3268.
see HEBREW for 05756
see HEBREW for 0410
see HEBREW for 03268
עֲזִיאֵל (a.zi.el) — Aziel.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.15.18; also called Aziel at 1Ch.15.20;
Another name of ya.a.zi.el (יַעֲזִיאֵל "Jaaziel" H3268)
§ Aziel = "whom God comforts"
a Levite; also 'Jaaziel'
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
(whom God comforts), a Levite. (1 Chronicles 15:20) The name is a shortened form of Jaaziel in ver. 18.
→ A temple musician 1Ch 15:20
שְׁמִירָמוֹת (Shmiyramowth) likely means "name of heights" and refers to two Levites mentioned during the Divided Monarchy. The word is derived from roots meaning 'name' and 'heights.' It appears in contexts related to the choir of David and the reign of King Jehoshaphat.
שְׁמִירָמוֹת n.pr.m. Levites
base
H8070 שְׁמִירָמוֹת, שְׁמָרִימוֹת
8070 Shmiyramowth shem-ee-raw-moth'
or Shmariymowth {shem-aw-ree- moth'}; probably from 8034 and
plural of 7413; name of heights; Shemiramoth, the name of two
Israelites:--Shemiramoth.
see HEBREW for 08034
see HEBREW for 07413
שְׁמִירָמוֹת (she.mi.ra.mot) — Shemiramoth.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.15.18
§ Shemiramoth = "name of heights"
1) a Merarite Levite in the second rank in the choir of David
2) a Levite in the time of king Jehoshaphat of Judah
שְׁמִירָמוֹת (she.mi.ra.mot) — Shemiramoth.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Ch.17.8
§ Shemiramoth = "name of heights"
1) a Merarite Levite in the second rank in the choir of David
2) a Levite in the time of king Jehoshaphat of Judah
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
she-mir'-a-moth, she-mi'-ra-moth, shem-i-ra'-moth (shemiramoth; in 2Ch 17:8, Kethibh shemiramoth; Semeiramoth): The name of a Levitical family. In 1Ch 15:18,20; 16:5 Shemiramoth is listed among the names of David's choirs; in 2Ch 17:8 the same name is given among the Levites delegated by Jehoshaphat to teach the Law in the cities of Judah. According to Schrader (KAT (2), 366) the name is to be identified with the Assyrian Sammuramat; the latter occurs as a woman's name on the monuments, more especially on the statues of Nebo from Nimrod. Another suggestion is that Shemiramoth was originally a place-name meaning "image of Shemiram" (= name of Ram or "the Exalted One").
Horace J. Wolf
Shemiramoth
Most high name. (1.) A Levite in the reign of Jehoshaphat (2 Chr. 17:8).
(2.) A Levite in David’s time (1 Chr. 15:18, 20).
the height of the heavens
The Hebrew word יְחִיאֵל (*Ychiy'el*) means 'God will live' and is associated with several individuals in the Old Testament, particularly during the Divided Monarchy. It refers to a Levite musician under David, a ruler in the temple during Josiah's reforms, and various figures connected to Ezra. The name appears in multiple contexts, highlighting its significance among the Israelites.
יְחִיאֵל n.pr.m. (may Ēl live)
one of David’s chief musicians
one of David’s chiefs of the Levites
tutor of David’s sons
son of Jehoshaphat
Hemanite of Hezekiah’s reign
overseer in Hezekiah’s reign
ruler over the temple in Josiah’s reign
contemporaries of Ezra
base
H3171 יְחִיאֵל
3171 Ychiy'el yekh-ee-ale'
or (2 Chron. 29:14) Ychavrel {yekh-av-ale'}; from 2421 and
410; God will live; Jechiel (or Jechavel), the name of eight
Israelites:--Jehiel.
see HEBREW for 02421
see HEBREW for 0410
יְחִיאֵל (ye.chi.el) — Jehiel.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.15.18
§ Jehiel = "God lives"
1) a Levite and one of the chief musicians in the time of David
2) a Gershonite Levite who had charge of the treasures in the time of David
3) son of Hachmoni and an officer of David and tutor of David's sons
4) a son of king Jehoshaphat of Judah put to death by his brother Jehoram
5) Hemanite who took part in the restoration of king Hezekiah
6) a Levite and overseer in the time of Hezekiah
7) a ruler of the temple during the reforms of Josiah
8) father of Obadiah of the sons of Joab in the time of Ezra
9) father of Shechaniah of the sons of Elam in the time of Ezra
10) a son of Elam who put away his foreign wife in the time of Ezra
11) a priest of the sons of Harim who also had to put away his foreign wife in the time of Ezra
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
Jehiel
God’s living one. (1.) The father of Gibeon (1 Chr. 9:35).
(2.) One of David’s guard (1 Chr. 11:44).
(3.) One of the Levites “of the second degree,” appointed to conduct the music on the occasion of the ark’s being removed to Jerusalem (1 Chr. 15:18, 20).
(4.) A Hachmonite, a tutor in the family of David toward the close of his reign (1 Chr. 27:32).
(5.) The second of Jehoshaphat’s six sons (2 Chr. 21:2).
(6.) One of the Levites of the family of Heman who assisted Hezekiah in his work of reformation (2 Chr. 29:14).
(treasured of God), a perfectly distinct name from the last. A man described as father of Gibeon; a fore-father of King Saul. (1 Chronicles 9:35) One of the sons of Hotham the Aroerite; a member of David’s guard. (1 Chronicles 11:44) (B.C. 1046.)
עֻנִּי (Unniy) means 'afflicted' and refers to two Levite doorkeepers mentioned in the Old Testament. One lived during the time of King David (1 Chronicles 15:18), while the other is noted after the Babylonian exile (Nehemiah 12:9). The name is derived from the root word for 'afflicted' (H6031).
עֻנִּי n.pr.m. Levites
base
H6042 עֻנִּי
6042 `Unniy oon-nee'
from 6031; afflicted; Unni, the name of two
Israelites:--Unni.
see HEBREW for 06031
עֻנִּי (un.ni) — Unni.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.15.18
§ Unni = "afflicted"
1) a Levite doorkeeper in the time of David
2) a Levite concerned in the sacred office after the return from exile in Babylon
עֻנִּי (un.ni) — Unni.
A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.9
§ Unni = "afflicted"
1) a Levite doorkeeper in the time of David
2) a Levite concerned in the sacred office after the return from exile in Babylon
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
Unni
Afficted. (1.) A Levite whom David appointed to take part in bringing the ark up to Jerusalem from the house of Obed-edom by playing the psaltery on that occasion (1 Chr. 15:18, 20).
(2.) A Levite who returned with Zerubbabel from the Captivity (Neh. 12:9).
(depressed). One of the Levite doorkeepers in the time of David. (1 Chronicles 15:18,20) (B.C. 1043.) A second Levite (unless the family of the foregoing be intended) concerned in the sacred office after the return from Babylon. (Nehemiah 12:9) (B.C. 535.)
poor; afflicted; that answers
אֱלִיאָב (Eliy'ab) means 'God is father' and refers to several individuals in the Old Testament, including a prince of Zebulun, a prince of Reuben, and David's oldest brother. The name is derived from the Hebrew words for 'God' and 'father.' The entries collectively highlight Eliab's roles, such as a Levite musician and a Gadite warrior, but do not present any significant disagreement among the lexicons.
אֱלִיאָב n.pr.m. (God is father)
prince of Zebulon
prince of Reuben
brother of David
a Kohathite
a Gadite
Levite singer
base
H446 אֱלִיאָב (God is father) . prince of Zebulon
. prince of Reuben
. brother of David
. a Kohathite
. a Gadite
. Levite singer
446 'Eliy'ab el-ee-awb'
from 410 and 1; God of (his) father; Eliab, the name of six
Israelites:--Eliab.
see HEBREW for 0410
see HEBREW for 01
אֱלִיאָב (e.li.av) — Eliab.
A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.1.9;
son of: Helon (H2497)
§ Eliab = "my God is father" or "God is father"
1) son of Helon, leader of Zebulun in the wilderness
2) a Reubenite chief, father of Dathan and Abiram
3) David's oldest brother
4) a Levite musician
5) a Gadite warrior for David
6) a Kohathite
אֱלִיאָב (e.li.av) — Eliab.
A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.16.1;
son of: Pallu (H6396);
father of: Dathan (H1885), Abiram (H0048) and Nemuel (H5241)
§ Eliab = "my God is father" or "God is father"
1) son of Helon, leader of Zebulun in the wilderness
2) a Reubenite chief, father of Dathan and Abiram
3) David's oldest brother
4) a Levite musician
5) a Gadite warrior for David
6) a Kohathite
אֱלִיאָב (e.li.av) — Eliab.
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
e-li'-ab ('eli'abh, "God is father"):
(1) Prince of the tribe of Zebulun in the Exodus (Nu 1:9; 2:7; 7:24,29; 10:16).
(2) A Reubenite, father of Dathan and Abiram (Nu 16:11,12; 26:8 f; De 11:6).
(3) Eldest son of Jesse and brother of David (1Sa 16:6), once called Elihu (1Ch 27:18). He was of commanding appearance (1Sa 16:6) and when serving with Saul's army at the time when it was confronting the Philistines and Goliath, was inclined to lord it over his brother David (1Sa 17:28 f). His daughter Abihail became a Wife…
Eliab
To whom God is father. (1.) A Reubenite, son of Pallu (Num. 16:1, 12; 26:8, 9; Deut. 11:6).
(2.) A son of Helon, and chief of the tribe of Zebulun at the time of the census in the wilderness (Num. 1:9; 2:7).
(3.) The son of Jesse, and brother of David (1 Sam. 16:6). It was he who spoke contemptuously to David when he proposed to fight Goliath (1 Sam. 17:28).
(4.) One of the Gadite heroes who joined David in his stronghold in the wilderness (1 Chr. 12:9).
(God is my father). Son of Helon and leader of the tribe of Zebulun at the time of the census in the wilderness of Sinai. (Numbers 1:9; 2:7; 7:24,29; 10:16) (B.C. 1490.) A Reubenite, father of Dathan and Abiram. (Numbers 16:1,12; 26:8,9; 11:6) One of David’s brothers, the eldest of the family. (1 Samuel 16:6; 17:13,28; 1 Chronicles 2:13) (B.C. 1063.) A Levite in the time of David, who was both a "porter" and a musician on the "psaltery." (1 Chronicles 15:18,20; 16:5) One of the warlike Gadite leaders who came over to David when he was in the wilderness taking refuge from Saul. (
The oldest brother of David, towards whom his conduct was passionate and jealous, thus confirming the judgment of Him who looks not on the appearance, but the heart, 1Sa 16:6,7; 17:28.
מַעֲשֵׂיָהוּ (Ma`aseyah) means 'work of Jah' and refers to several individuals in the Old Testament, particularly during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. This name is associated with priests and Levites, including a son of Ahaz and others involved in significant events like the reading of the law. The entries indicate a range of roles and familial connections, highlighting the name's prominence among the Israelites.
מַעֲשֵׂיָהוּ, מַעֲשֵׂיָה, מַעֲשַׂי n.pr.m. (work of י׳)
priest, Je.’s time
29:21.
H4641 מַעֲשֵׂיָהוּ, מַעֲשֵׂיָה, מַעֲשַׂי (work of י׳) . priest, Je.’s time
. 29
. Levites
. officials
. son of Ahaz
. Levite
. Ne
. a
. Ezr
. a priest
4641 Ma`aseyah mah-as-ay-yaw'
or Maaseyahuw {mah-as-ay-yaw'-hoo}; from 4639 and 3050; work
of Jah; Maasejah, the name of sixteen Israelites:--Maaseiah.
see HEBREW for 04639
see HEBREW for 03050
מַעֲשֵׂיָהוּ (ma.a.se.yah) — Maaseiah.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.15.18
§ Maaseiah = "work of Jehovah"
1) a descendant of Jeshua who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
2) a priest of the sons of Harim who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
3) a priest of the sons of Pashur who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
4) a descendant of Pahath-moab who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
5) father of Azariah
6) one who stood on the right hand of Ezra when he read the law to the people
7) a Levite who assisted when Ezra read the law to the people
8) one of the heads of the people whose descendants signed the covenant with Nehemiah
9) a Benjamite ancestor of Sallu
10) a priest who took part in the musical service at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem under Ezra
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
ma-a-se'-ya, ma-a-si'a (ma`aseyahu, "Yahweh's work"; Maassaia, and Massaias in the Septuagint): A name common in exilic and late monarchic times (Gray, H P N).
(1) A Levite musician named in connection with David's bringing up of the ark from the house of Obed-edom (1Ch 15:18,20).
(2) A Levite captain who aided Jehoiada at the coronation of Joash (2Ch 23:1).
Maaseiah
The work of Jehovah. (1.) One of the Levites whom David appointed as porter for the ark (1 Chr. 15:18, 20).
(2.) One of the “captains of hundreds” associated with Jehoiada in restoring king Jehoash to the throne (2 Chr. 23:1).
(3.) The “king’s son,” probably one of the sons of king Ahaz, killed by Zichri in the invasion of Judah by Pekah, king of Israel (2 Chr. 28:7).
(4.) One who was sent by king Josiah to repair the temple (2 Chr. 34:8). He was governor (Heb. sar, rendered elsewhere in the Authorized Version “prince,” “chief captain,” chief ruler”) of Jerusalem.
(work of the Lord), the name of four persons who had married foreign wives. In the time of Ezra, A descendant of Jeshua the priest. (Ezra 10:18) A priest, of the sons of Harim. (Ezra 10:21) A priest, of the sons of Pashur. (Ezra 10:22) One of the laymen, a descendant of Pahath-moab. (Ezra 10:30) The father of Azariah. (Nehemiah 3:23) One of those who stood on the right hand of Ezra when he read the law to the people. (Nehemiah 8:4) A Levite who assisted on the same occasion. (Nehemiah 8:7) One of the heads of the…
the work of the Lord
בְּנָיָ֫הוּ (Benaiah) means "Jehovah has built" and refers to several individuals in the Old Testament, most notably a chief warrior under King David, son of Jehoiada. He is recognized for his loyalty to Solomon and his military leadership. The entries note various Benaiahs, including Levites and others from different tribes, but they all share the same name and meaning.
בְּנָיָ֫הוּ, בְּנָיָה n.pr.m. (Yah hath built up)—
one of David’s captains and heroes, son of Jehoiada
one of David’s thirty
a Simeonite
Levites
Israelites
base
H1141 בְּנָיָ֫הוּ, בְּנָיָה
1141 Bnayah ben-aw-yaw'
or (prolonged) Bnayahuw {ben-aw-yaw'-hoo}; from 1129 and
3050; Jah has built; Benajah, the name of twelve Israelites:--
Benaiah.
see HEBREW for 01129
see HEBREW for 03050
בְּנָיָ֫הוּ (be.na.yah) — Benaiah.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.18;
son of: Jehoiada (H3077);
father of: Ammizabad (H5990)
§ Benaiah = "Jehovah has built" or "Yahweh has built up"
1) one of David's mighty warriors, son of Jehoiada the chief priest, a Levite, set by David over his bodyguard, later having remained faithful to Solomon during Adonijah's attempt on the crown, was raised into the place of Joab as commander-in-chief of the army
2) the Pirathonite, an Ephraimite, one of David's thirty mighty warriors, and the captain of the eleventh monthly course
3) a Simeonite, a prince of the families of Simeon
4) a Levite in the time of David who played with a psaltery on Alamoth
5) a priest in the time of David, appointed to blow the trumpet before the ark
6) a Levite of the sons of Asaph
7) a Levite in the time of Hezekiah
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
be-na'-ya, be-ni'-a (benayah, benayahu, "Yahweh has built." Compare HPN, 182, 265, 268):
(1) Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada of Kabzeel (compare Jos 15:21), was a man of "mighty deeds" and was more honorable than any of the mighty men of David except the three chiefs. Therefore David made him his chief counselor (2Sa 23:23 m; month compare 1Ch 27:34 where the order of names seems to be reversed) and set him over the Cherethites (compare Carites, 2Ki 11:4 ff and margin) and Pelethites and he was made the 3rd captain of the host and chief over the course of the 3rd (1Ch 27:5 f;
Benaiah
Built up by Jehovah. (1.) The son of Jehoiada, chief priest (1 Chr. 27:5). He was set by David over his body-guard of Cherethites and Pelethites (2 Sam. 8:18; 1 Kings 1:32; 1 Chr. 18:17). His exploits are enumerated in 2 Sam. 23:20, 21, 22; 1 Chr. 11:22. He remained faithful to Solomon (1 Kings 1:8, 10, 26), by whom he was raised to the rank of commander-in-chief (1 Kings 2:25, 29, 30, 34, 35; 4:4).
(made by the Lord). The son of Jehoiada the chief priest, (1 Chronicles 27:5) of the tribe of Levi, though a native of Kabzeel, (2 Samuel 23:20) set by David, (1 Chronicles 11:25) over his body-guard. (2 Samuel 8:18; 20:23; 1 Kings 1:38; 1 Chronicles 18:17) One of the mighty men. (2 Samuel 23:22,23; 1 Chronicles 11:25; 27:6) The exploits which gave him this rank are narrated in (2 Samuel 23:20,21;
Son of Jehoiada, and commander of David’s bodyguards. Several instances of his rare bravery are recorded, 2Sa 8:18 2Sa 23:20-23. He adhered to Solomon when some favored the pretensions of Adonijah, slew Joab at the command of Solomon, and was made general of the army in his stead, 1Ki 1:36 2:29-35.
נֵ֫בֶל (nevel) refers to both a container and a musical instrument. It can denote a skin-bottle or jar used for liquids, as well as a harp or lute. The word is derived from a root meaning to collapse, reflecting its use for a flexible container. The entries consistently highlight these two main meanings without significant disagreement.
נֵ֫בֶל n.m.
skin-bottle, skin
jar, pitcher
base
נֵ֫בֶל, נֶ֫בֶל n.m. a musical instrument, either a portable harp, or a lute, guitar
base
H5035a נֵ֫בֶל . skin-bottle, skin
. jar, pitcher
H5035b נֵ֫בֶל, נֶ֫בֶל a musical instrument, either a portable harp, or a lute, guitar
5035 nebel neh'-bel
or nebel {nay'-bel}; from 5034; a skin-bag for liquids (from
collapsing when empty); hence, a vase (as similar in shape
when full); also a lyre (as having a body of like
form):--bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, viol.
see HEBREW for 05034
נֵ֫בֶל (ne.vel) — bag.
1) a skin-bag, jar, pitcher
1a) skin-bottle, skin
1b) jar, pitcher (earthen)
נֵ֫בֶל (ne.vel) — harp.
harp, lute, guitar, musical instrument
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural absoluteHR/Ncmpa
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
Prep — PrepositionHR
On
Light; the sun, (Gen. 41:45, 50), the great seat of sun-worship, called also Bethshemesh (Jer. 43:13) and Aven (Ezek. 30:17), stood on the east bank of the Nile, a few miles north of Memphis, and near Cairo, in the north-east. The Vulgate and the LXX. Versions have “Heliopolis” (“city of the sun”) instead of On in Genesis and of Aven in Ezekiel. The “city of destruction” Isaiah speaks of (19:18, marg. “of Heres;” Heb. ‘Ir-ha-heres, which some MSS. read Ir-ha-heres, i.e., “city of the sun”) may be the name given to On, the prophecy being that the time will come when that city which was known as the “city of the sun-god” shall become the “city of destruction” of the sun-god, i.e., when idolatry shall cease, and the worship…
(abode or city of the sun), a town of lower Egypt, called BETH-SHEMESH in (Jeremiah 43:13) On is better known under its Greek name Heliopolis. It was situated on the east side of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, just below the point of the Delta, and about twenty miles northeast of Memphis. The chief object of worship at Heliopolis was the sun, whose temple, described by Strabo, is now only represented by the single beautiful obelisk, of red granite so feet 2 inches high above the pedestal which has stood for more than 4000 years, having been erected by Usirtesen, the second king of the twelfth dynasty. Heliopolis was anciently famous for its learning, and Eudoxus and Plato studied under its priests. The first mention of this place in the Bible is in the history of Joseph, to whom we read Pharaoh gave "to wife Asenath the daughter…
See HELIOPOLIS.
pain; force; iniquity
עַלְמָה (Alamoth) refers to young women, specifically those who are sexually mature or newly married. It is a plural form derived from another Hebrew word and is associated with the soprano voice, possibly indicating a musical context, as seen in a psalm heading. The entries do not present significant disagreement.
עַלְמָה n.f. young woman (ripe sexually; maid or newly married)
base
H5961 עַלְמָה
5961 `Alamowth al-aw-moth'
plural of 5959; properly, girls, i.e. the soprano or female
voice, perhaps falsetto:--Alamoth.
see HEBREW for 05959
עֲלָמוֹת (a.la.mot) — Alamoth.
young women, soprano?
a term in psalm heading-Alamoth
N-fp — NounHNtfpa
al'-a-moth. See MUSIC.
Alamoth
Virgins, a musical term (1 Chr. 15:20), denoting that the psalm which bears this inscription (Ps. 46) was to be sung by soprano or female voices.
(virgins), (Psalms 46:1) title; (1 Chronicles 15:20) Some interpret it to mean a musical instrument, and others a melody.