1 Chronicles 6:44
New International Version
and from their associates, the Merarites, at his left hand: Ethan son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluk,

New Living Translation
Heman’s second assistant was Ethan from the clan of Merari. Ethan’s genealogy was traced back through Kishi, Abdi, Malluch,

English Standard Version
On the left hand were their brothers, the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch,

Berean Standard Bible
On the left were their kinsmen, the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

King James Bible
And their brethren the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

New King James Version
Their brethren, the sons of Merari, on the left hand, were Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

New American Standard Bible
On the left hand were their kinsmen the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

NASB 1995
On the left hand were their kinsmen the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

NASB 1977
And on the left hand were their kinsmen the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

Legacy Standard Bible
On the left hand were their relatives the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

Amplified Bible
Their relatives the sons of Merari stood at the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

Christian Standard Bible
On the left, their relatives were Merari’s sons: Ethan son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
On the left, their relatives were Merari’s sons: Ethan son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch,

American Standard Version
And on the left hand their brethren the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

English Revised Version
And on the left hand their brethren the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
On the left was Ethan, one of Heman's relatives descended from Merari. Ethan was the son of Kishi, who was the son of Abdi, who was the son of Malluch,

Good News Translation
Ethan of the clan of Merari was the leader of the third choir. His family line went back to Levi as follows: Ethan, Kishi, Abdi, Malluch,

International Standard Version
To Heman's left were their relatives who were Merari's sons: Ethan, who had been fathered by Kishi, who had been fathered by Abdi, who had been fathered by Malluch,

Majority Standard Bible
On the left were their kinsmen, the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

NET Bible
Serving beside them were their fellow Levites, the descendants of Merari, led by Ethan, son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch,

New Heart English Bible
On the left hand their brothers the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

Webster's Bible Translation
And their brethren the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

World English Bible
On the left hand their brothers the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And sons of Merari, their brothers, on the left: Ethan son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch,

Young's Literal Translation
And sons of Merari, their brethren, are on the left. Ethan son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of Merari their brethren at the left: Ethan son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the sons of Merari their brethren, on the left hand, Ethan the son of Cusi, the son of Abdi, the son of Meloch,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now the sons of Merari, their brothers, were on the left: Ethan, the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

New American Bible
Their brothers, the Merarites, stood at the left: Ethan, son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch,

New Revised Standard Version
On the left were their kindred the sons of Merari: Ethan son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And their brethren the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Ethan, the son of Kishi, the son of Amar, the son of Malluch,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The sons of Merari their brother who stood at the left side: Athan, son of Qishi, son of Amar, son of Maluk
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And on the left hand their brethren the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the sons of Merari their brethren on the left hand: Aetham the son of Kisa, the son of Abai, the son of Maloch,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Temple Musicians
43the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi. 44On the left were their kinsmen, the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch, 45the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah,…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 15:17-19
So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah; / and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel. / The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals.

2 Chronicles 5:12-13
all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. / The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud

1 Chronicles 25:1-7
Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: / From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. / From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. ...

2 Chronicles 29:25-30
Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. / The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. / And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. ...

Nehemiah 12:24
The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.

Nehemiah 12:45-46
They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed. / For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

1 Chronicles 16:4-6
David appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to celebrate, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel. / Asaph was the chief, Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph sounded the cymbals / and the priests Benaiah and Jahaziel blew the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God.

1 Chronicles 23:5
4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.”

1 Chronicles 9:33
Those who were musicians, the heads of Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night.

2 Chronicles 8:14
In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.

Ezra 3:10-11
When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as David king of Israel had prescribed. / And they sang responsively with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid.

Psalm 150:3-5
Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. / Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. / Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals.

Psalm 81:1-2
For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. Of Asaph. Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob. / Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre.

Psalm 92:1-3
A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath day. It is good to praise the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High, / to proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning and Your faithfulness at night / with the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre.

Ephesians 5:19
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,


Treasury of Scripture

And their brothers the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

stood.

1 Chronicles 6:32,39
And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order…

on the left hand.

Genesis 48:13
And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near unto him.

Judges 20:16
Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.

Ethan.

1 Chronicles 2:6
And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all.

1 Chronicles 25:1,3,6
Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was: …

Jeduthun.

Psalm 89:1
Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

Kishi.

1 Chronicles 15:17
So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;

Kushaiah.

2 Chronicles 29:12
Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites: and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehalelel: and of the Gershonites; Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah:

Abdi.

2 Chronicles 29:12
Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites: and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehalelel: and of the Gershonites; Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah:

Ezra 10:26
And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah.

1 Chronicles 6:44
And their brethren the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

(2) Son of Merari,

2 Chronicles 29:12
Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites: and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehalelel: and of the Gershonites; Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah:

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1 Chronicles 6
1. The sons of Levi.
4. The line of Eleazar unto the captivity.
16. The families of Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.
49. The office of Aaron, and his line unto Ahimaaz.
54. The cities of the priests and Levites.














On the left were their kinsmen
This phrase indicates the organizational structure of the Levitical musicians during temple worship. The Levites were divided into groups, each with specific roles. The "left" side may refer to a specific position in the temple, possibly indicating a secondary or supportive role compared to those on the right. This structure highlights the order and precision in worship, reflecting God's nature of order (1 Corinthians 14:33).

the sons of Merari
Merari was one of the three sons of Levi, the patriarch of the Levites (Genesis 46:11). The Merarites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle's frames, bars, pillars, and bases (Numbers 3:36-37). This lineage emphasizes the hereditary nature of Levitical duties, underscoring the importance of family and tradition in maintaining worship practices.

Ethan the son of Kishi
Ethan is identified as a leader among the Merarites. The name Ethan means "enduring" or "strong," which may symbolize the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel. Kishi, also known as Kushaiah in some translations, is a less prominent figure, but his mention signifies the importance of each individual's role in the larger community of faith.

the son of Abdi
Abdi is a name that appears several times in the Old Testament, meaning "my servant." This name reflects the servant nature of the Levites, who were set apart to serve God and the community. The lineage here emphasizes the continuity of service and dedication across generations.

the son of Malluch
Malluch is another Levitical name, meaning "counselor" or "king." This name may suggest wisdom or leadership qualities, which are essential for those leading worship. The mention of Malluch ties this genealogy to the broader narrative of Israel's history, where leadership and guidance were crucial for maintaining faithfulness to God's covenant.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ethan
A descendant of Merari, one of the sons of Levi. Ethan is noted for his role in the musical worship of the temple, highlighting the importance of the Levites in the spiritual life of Israel.

2. Asaph
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Asaph is a significant figure in the Chronicles, known for his role as a chief musician and psalmist. He is often associated with the worship and musical traditions of Israel.

3. Merari
One of the three sons of Levi, whose descendants were responsible for specific duties related to the tabernacle and later the temple. The Merarites had roles in the physical aspects of worship, such as the care of the temple structure.

4. Berechiah
The father of Asaph, indicating the lineage and heritage of those involved in temple worship.

5. Shimea
An ancestor in the lineage of Asaph, showing the generational continuity of service in the temple.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage in Worship
The lineage of Ethan and Asaph underscores the value of spiritual heritage and the passing down of faith and service through generations. This encourages believers to honor and continue the spiritual legacies of their families.

The Role of Music in Worship
The mention of Ethan and Asaph highlights the significant role of music in worship. Music is a powerful tool for expressing faith and leading others in worship, reminding us to incorporate it meaningfully in our spiritual practices.

Faithfulness in Assigned Roles
The Levites, including the descendants of Merari, were faithful in their specific roles. This teaches us the importance of being diligent and faithful in whatever role God assigns us, whether seen or unseen.

Generational Continuity in Ministry
The passage illustrates the continuity of ministry across generations. It challenges us to mentor and prepare the next generation for service in God's kingdom.(44-47) The pedigree of Ethan the Merarite, traced back through twelve names to Levi. Ethan is no doubt the same as Jeduthun, 1Chronicles 25:1; 2Chronicles 35:15.

(44) And their brethren the sons of Merari.--We should say their comrades or kinsmen (see Note on 1Chronicles 6:39). "Brethren," or "brothers," is the natural style for the members of a guild, whether religious like the monastic bodies, or commercial like the city companies of London, or benevolent like the Freemasons. The plural pronoun refers to the two preceding guilds of Heman and Asaph. The Ethanites stood on the left of the Hemanites in the sanctuary, as the Asaphites stood on their right, and this arrangement was hereditary.

Kishi is a contraction of Kushaiah, like Zabdi of Zebadiah.

(47) Son of Manli, the son of Mushi.--In 1Chronicles 6:19 Mahli and Mushi appear as two sons of Merari; so also at Lev. 3:20. Mahli son of Mushi here must be nephew of the Mahli of those two passages, if the genealogical form is in each case to be understood literally. It is difficult on a first inspection to perceive any connection between the present list and that of the Merarites in 1Chronicles 6:29-30. The series there is: . . .

Verse 44. - Ethan. This passage and 1 Chronicles 15:19 are the leading passages for this name Ethan. But in succeeding references (and they are not a few) to the three chief leaders of song, the name appears as Jeduthun; unless, as seems scarcely credible, two different persons are designated. The occasion and significance of the alteration of the name are not stated, however, and elude detection so far. In 2 Chronicles 35:15 the title of "king's seer" (חֶזֹה) is added to the name Jeduthun, which is variously spelt (יְדֻתוּן יתדוּתוּן ירְיִתוּן). This arrangement of chief singers, one from each of the three branches of Levi's family, lasted unbroken to Josiah's reign (2 Chronicles 35:13); and the representatives of Jeduthun, at all events, are mentioned in the time of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 11:17, 18). Kishi. The most frequent form of this name is Kish (קִישׁ, equivalent to the Vulgate Cis), if, indeed, the form of this verse and that of 1 Chronicles 15:17, Kushaiah (קוּשָׁיָהוּ), are not merely the fruit of a corrupt text.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
On
עַֽל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the left
הַשְּׂמֹ֑אול (haś·śə·mō·wl)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8040: Dark, the north, the left hand

[were] their kinsmen,
אֲחֵיהֶ֖ם (’ă·ḥê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 251: A brother, )

the sons
וּבְנֵ֧י (ū·ḇə·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Merari:
מְרָרִ֛י (mə·rā·rî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4847: Merari -- a son of Levi

Ethan
אֵיתָן֙ (’ê·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 387: Ethan -- 'permanence', an Israelite name

the son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Kishi,
קִישִׁ֔י (qî·šî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7029: Kishi -- a Levite

the son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Abdi,
עַבְדִּ֖י (‘aḇ·dî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5660: Abdi -- two Israelites

the son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Malluch,
מַלּֽוּךְ׃ (mal·lūḵ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4409: Malluch -- the name of several Israelites


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 6:44 On the left hand their brothers (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 6:43
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