Old Testament
1 Chronicles 25:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The 10th went to Shimei, along with his sons and brothers — 12 in all.
Compare translations
The tenth to Shimei, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
What 1 Chronicles 25:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about a specific group of people involved in the temple service. Shimei, along with his sons and brothers, formed a family unit that contributed to the worship and music in the temple. This group consisted of twelve members in total, indicating a significant role in the community. The number twelve often symbolizes completeness and organization in biblical contexts. By assigning specific roles to families, the community ensured that everyone had a part to play in their spiritual life. This verse highlights the importance of family and teamwork in fulfilling responsibilities. It reminds us that each person, regardless of their role, contributes to a larger purpose. The dedication of Shimei and his family serves as an example of commitment to their faith and community. Their involvement in worship reflects the value placed on collective effort in spiritual practices, showing how unity can enhance the experience of worship and service. This passage encourages us to recognize and appreciate the contributions of those around us.
How to apply 1 Chronicles 25:17 to your life
Consider how you can contribute to your community or family in meaningful ways. Reflect on your unique skills and how they can support a larger purpose. Just like Shimei's family, your involvement can make a significant difference in creating a supportive environment for everyone. Embrace teamwork and collaboration in your daily life to foster unity and growth among those around you. Every contribution counts, no matter how small.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Chronicles 25:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Chronicles 25:17
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Chronicles
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Chronicles 25:17 mean?
1 Chronicles 25:17 describes a family unit led by Shimei that participated in temple service, specifically in worship and music. The verse highlights the importance of family contributions to the community's spiritual life.
What is the significance of the number twelve in 1 Chronicles 25:17?
The number twelve in 1 Chronicles 25:17 symbolizes completeness and organization, indicating that Shimei's family was a well-structured group contributing to the temple's worship.
Who is Shimei in 1 Chronicles 25:17?
Shimei is a figure mentioned in 1 Chronicles 25:17 who, along with his sons and brothers, formed a group of twelve individuals responsible for temple service, particularly in music and worship.
What role did Shimei's family play in the temple according to 1 Chronicles 25:17?
Shimei's family played a significant role in the temple by participating in worship and music, emphasizing the value of teamwork and community involvement in spiritual practices.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.