יְדוּתוּן (ye.du.tun)
ye.du.tun
Jeduthun
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Yeduthun is a proper name meaning "praising," referring to a Levite from the family of Merari who served during the time of the United Monarchy. He appears primarily in the books of Chronicles and Nehemiah, where he is identified as the son of Kishi and the father of several notable descendants, including Obed-edom. The text also notes that he was known by the name Ethan, linking him to a lineage of worship leaders.
His most significant role was as the chief of one of the three temple choirs. This position established a lasting tradition, as his descendants continued to form part of the perpetual temple choir long after his lifetime. The connection between Yeduthun and music is further emphasized by the superscriptions of Psalms 39, 62, and 77, which bear his name. These headings likely indicate that he was either the composer or, more probably, the leader of the choir responsible for singing these specific psalms.
The sources highlight a clear distinction between Yeduthun’s personal identity and his functional title within the temple hierarchy. While his name signifies praise, his historical record focuses on his administrative and musical leadership. This dual identity as both an individual patriarch and a liturgical head underscores the organized nature of worship in ancient Israel, where specific families were assigned permanent roles in maintaining the temple's musical traditions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Jeduthun’s name means 'praising,' and it belongs to a Levite leader who helped shape worship in ancient Israel. He was not just a manager of temple routines but a key figure in establishing musical traditions that lasted for generations. His family served as doorkeepers and singers, ensuring that praise remained central to the community’s life.
When we read about Jeduthun in Chronicles or see his name attached to Psalms 39, 62, and 77, we glimpse a structured yet deeply spiritual approach to devotion. David appointed him alongside Asaph and Heman to lead choirs with harps and cymbals. This shows that organized worship was seen as a sacred duty, one that required both skill and reverence.
For believers today, Jeduthun reminds us that praise is not an afterthought but a disciplined practice. Whether through song or silent gratitude, we join a long line of worshippers who have offered thanks to God. His legacy invites us to value consistency and community in our own spiritual journeys.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jeduthun6×
- and/ Jeduthun5×
- for/ Jeduthun1×
- Jedithun1×
- <to>/ Jeduthun1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וִֽ/ידוּת֔וּן2×
- לִֽ֠/ידֻתוּן1×
- לִ/ידוּת֑וּן1×
- יְדוּתוּן֙1×
- יְדוּתֽוּן\׃1×
- יְדוּת֡וּן1×
- יְדוּת֖וּן1×
- יְדוּת֔וּן1×
- יְדוּת֑וּן1×
- יְדִית֛וּן1×
- וִֽ/ידוּת֜וּן1×
- וִֽ/ידֻתוּן֙1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 25:1
Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with harps, with stringed instruments, and with cymbals. The number of those who did the work according to their service was:
This verse shows David formally setting apart Jeduthun and his family for prophetic music service, highlighting the official role of worship leaders in Israel.
-
I Chronicles 25:3
Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied in giving thanks and praising Yahweh with the harp.
Here, Jeduthun is described as prophesying with the harp while giving thanks, linking musical skill directly to spiritual expression and gratitude.
-
II Chronicles 5:12
also the Levites who were the singers, all of them, even Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and their brothers, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them one hundred twenty priests sounding with trumpets);
During Solomon’s temple dedication, Jeduthun stands with other singers in fine linen, demonstrating the dignity and unity of the worship team before the altar.
-
I Chronicles 16:41
and with them Heman and Jeduthun and the rest who were chosen, who were mentioned by name, to give thanks to Yahweh, because his loving kindness endures forever;
Jeduthun is listed among those chosen to give thanks because God’s loving kindness endures forever, emphasizing his role in proclaiming divine mercy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jeduthun mean?
Is Jeduthun the same person as Ethan?
Why are Psalms linked to Jeduthun?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 3 books)
I Chronicles 7 verses
and Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of…
I Chronicles 16:38and Obed-Edom with their sixty-eight relatives; Obed-Edom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be doorkeepers;
I Chronicles 16:41and with them Heman and Jeduthun and the rest who were chosen, who were mentioned by name, to give thanks to Yahweh,…
I Chronicles 16:42and with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should sound aloud, and with instruments for…
I Chronicles 25:1Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of…
I Chronicles 25:3Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of…
I Chronicles 25:6All these were under the hands of their father for song in Yahweh’s house, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and…