1 Chronicles 15:22
1 Chronicles 15:22 in Multiple Translations
Chenaniah the head Levite was the director of the music because he was highly skilled.
And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful.
And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was over the song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful.
And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was master of the music: he gave directions about the song, because he was expert.
Kenaniah, the leader of the Levites in singing, was chosen to lead the music because of his ability.
But Chenaniah the chiefe of the Leuites had the charge, bearing ye burden in the charge, for he was able to instruct.
And Chenaniah, head of the Levites, [is] over the burden; he instructeth about the burden, for he [is] intelligent.
Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was over the singing. He taught the singers, because he was skillful.
And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skillful.
And Chonenias chief of the Levites, presided over the prophecy, to give out the tunes: for he was very skillful.
Kenaniah, the leader of the descendants of Levi, directed the singing because he was very skilled at doing that.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 15:22
BAB
Word Study
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1 Chronicles 15:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/כְנַנְיָ֥הוּ
שַֽׂר
הַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם
בְּ/מַשָּׂ֑א
יָסֹר֙
בַּ/מַּשָּׂ֔א
כִּ֥י
מֵבִ֖ין
הֽוּא
וּ/כְנַנְיָ֥הוּ
Kᵉnanyâh
H3663
Chenaniah
Conj | N-proper
שַֽׂר
sar
H8269
ruler
N-ms
הַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmpa
בְּ/מַשָּׂ֑א
massâʼ
H4853
burden
Prep | N-ms
יָסֹר֙
yâçar
H3256
to discipline
V-Qal-Ptc
בַּ/מַּשָּׂ֔א
massâʼ
H4853
burden
Prep | N-ms
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מֵבִ֖ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Hiphil
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 15:22
וּ/כְנַנְיָ֥הוּ
Kᵉnanyâh
H3663
"Chenaniah"
Conj | N-proper
Chenaniah was a Levite who led music in the procession of the ark. His name means 'Jehovah establishes', showing God's power and strength. He's mentioned in 1 Chronicles 15:22.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.15.22 § Chenaniah = "Jehovah establishes" 1) a Levite song leader who assisted in the procession of transporting the ark 2) an Izharites officer of David
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Chenaniah. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:22; 1 Chronicles 15:27; 1 Chronicles 26:29.
שַֽׂר
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-ms
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
הַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
בְּ/מַשָּׂ֑א
massâʼ
H4853
"burden"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a message from God, like a prophecy or oracle, often given through a prophet. It can also mean a burden or a song. It appears in books like Isaiah and Ezekiel, where God speaks through prophets to His people.
Definition: 1) load, bearing, tribute, burden, lifting 1a) load, burden 1b) lifting, uplifting, that to which the soul lifts itself up 1c) bearing, carrying 1d) tribute, that which is carried or brought or borne
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: burden, carry away, prophecy, [idiom] they set, song, tribute. See also: Exodus 23:5; Isaiah 13:1; Psalms 38:5.
יָסֹר֙
yâçar
H3256
"to discipline"
V-Qal-Ptc
To discipline or correct someone, often by teaching or punishing them, as seen in Proverbs where parents are told to instruct their children. This word is used to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to chasten, admonish 1a2) to instruct 1a3) to discipline 1b) (Niphal) to let oneself be chastened or corrected or admonished 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to discipline, correct 1c2) to chasten, chastise 1d) (Hiphil) to chasten 1e) (Nithpael) to teach
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. See also: Leviticus 26:18; Psalms 94:12; Psalms 2:10.
בַּ/מַּשָּׂ֔א
massâʼ
H4853
"burden"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a message from God, like a prophecy or oracle, often given through a prophet. It can also mean a burden or a song. It appears in books like Isaiah and Ezekiel, where God speaks through prophets to His people.
Definition: 1) load, bearing, tribute, burden, lifting 1a) load, burden 1b) lifting, uplifting, that to which the soul lifts itself up 1c) bearing, carrying 1d) tribute, that which is carried or brought or borne
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: burden, carry away, prophecy, [idiom] they set, song, tribute. See also: Exodus 23:5; Isaiah 13:1; Psalms 38:5.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
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.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 15:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 15:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 15:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 15:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:22
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:22
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 15:22
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 15:22
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:22
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 15:22
Context — The Priests and Levites Carry the Ark
20Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to Alamoth.
21And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to Sheminith.
22Chenaniah the head Levite was the director of the music because he was highly skilled.
23Berechiah and Elkanah were to be guardians of the ark. 24Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer—the priests—were to blow the trumpets before the ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah were also to be guardians of the ark.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 15:27 | Now David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, as well as the singers and Chenaniah, the director of music for the singers. David also wore a linen ephod. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 15:16 | David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 25:7–8 | Together with their relatives, who were all trained and skillful in the songs of the LORD, they numbered 288. They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil. |
1 Chronicles 15:22 Summary
This verse tells us that Chenaniah was a very skilled musician and leader, which made him the perfect person to direct the music in the procession of the ark of God. Just like Chenaniah, we all have gifts and skills that we can use to serve God and His people, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7. By using our gifts and skills to serve God, we can bring joy and worship to Him, just like the Israelites did in this passage. As we read in Psalms 100:1-5, we can use our voices and instruments to praise God and bring Him glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What made Chenaniah qualified to be the director of the music?
Chenaniah was highly skilled, which made him the ideal candidate to lead the music in the procession of the ark of God, as seen in 1 Chronicles 15:22. This highlights the importance of gifting and skill in serving God, as noted in Exodus 31:3 and Exodus 35:31.
What role did the Levites play in the music and worship of the Israelites?
The Levites, including Chenaniah, played a significant role in the music and worship of the Israelites, as they were responsible for leading the singing and playing of instruments in worship, as seen in 1 Chronicles 6:31-32 and 2 Chronicles 5:12.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of worship in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of skilled leadership and intentional worship, which is a theme seen throughout the Bible, including in Psalms 100:1-5 and Ephesians 5:19-20.
What can we learn from Chenaniah's example about using our gifts to serve God?
Chenaniah's example teaches us that we should use our gifts and skills to serve God and His people, just as he did, and that our skills and abilities can be a powerful tool for worship and ministry, as seen in 1 Peter 4:10-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are my gifts and skills, and how can I use them to serve God and His people?
- How can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for the role of music and worship in my relationship with God?
- What does it mean to be 'highly skilled' in my service to God, and how can I strive for excellence in my own areas of gifting?
- How can I balance the importance of skill and gifting with the need for humility and dependence on God in my worship and service?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 15:22
And Chenaniah chief of the Levites was for song,.... But the chief for the song were Heman, Asaph, and Ethan; rather for the burden, as the Targum; for the lifting up and bearing the ark: he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 15:22
And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful. Chenaniah, chief of the Levites.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:22
Was for song, Heb. was for lifting up; either, 1. Of the ark; he was for carriage of the ark, being appointed to instruct or direct the time and manner of carrying the ark, and when they should make a stand or a change in the bearers. Or rather, 2. Of the voice; he was the moderator of the music, instructing them when and how to lift up their voices, or change their notes, or make their stops, which best agrees with the following reason, because he was skillful; for this required far more skill than the carriage of the ark, which any man of common discretion could easily govern; and with , where this same Chenaniah is joined with the singers.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:22
1 Chronicles 15:22 And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, [was] for song: he instructed about the song, because he [was] skilful.Ver. 22. Because he was skilful.] In music: and haply in other arts also.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:22
(22) Rather, And Chenaniah, captain (i.e., conductor) of the Levites in bearing (that is, the sacred vessels), was conducting the bearing, because he was skilled—scil., in the traditional regulations connected with bearing the Ark duly and rightly. Chenaniah.—1 Chronicles 15:27, and 1 Chronicles 26:29. Chief of the Levites.—Not one of the six princes (1 Chronicles 15:5-10), or heads of houses, but president of the carriage of the Ark.Was for song.—So the LXX., which reads “leader of the songs;” but the Syriac has “bore the burden daily” and although the word massâ—i.e., “lifting up,” or “bearing”—might mean “lifting up the voice,” (1) the context is against that meaning here, for Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were conductors of the singing and music; (2) Chenaniah is nowhere else associated with music (see Note on 1 Chronicles 26:29); (3) the word massâ, “bearing,” has the sense we have given it when used in relation to Levites (Numbers 4:19; 2 Chronicles 35:3). He instructed.—The Hebrew has an ambiguous form, which may be an infinitive—instructing, correcting (yâsar); or an imperfect of a different verb—was prince over, superintendent of (sârar).He was skilful.—Comp. 1 Chronicles 25:7; 2 Chronicles 34:12.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:22
Verse 22. Chenaniah - he instructed about the song] This appears to have been the master singer; he gave the key and the time, for he presided במשא bemassa, in the elevation, probably meaning what is called pitching the tune, for he was skilful in music, and powerful in his voice, and well qualified to lead the band: be might have been precentor,
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 15:22
22. was for song] The Heb. word (massa) used here twice for “song” (lit. “burden”) means sometimes “burden” in a physical sense; hence R.V. mg. was over the carrying of the ark.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 15:22
For song - See the margin. Hebraists are still at variance as to the meaning of this passage, some supposing elevation or, delivery of the voice, others elevation of the ark, to be intended.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:22
22. Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song — Chenaniah was not chief of the Levitical singers, for we have just been told that Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were the leaders in that department.
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 15:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |