Kishi קִישִׁי

Male Tribe of Levi H7029 1 book

A Levite and father of Jeduthun (or 'Ethan')

Who is Kishi in the Bible?

Kishi, also known as Kushaiah, was a Levite from the clan of Merari mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:44 and 1 Chronicles 15:17. He is significant primarily as the father of Jeduthun, also called Ethan, who became one of King David's prominent court musicians. Jeduthun was appointed to lead worship and play the bronze cymbals during the procession of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Kishi's lineage is notable in the genealogy of Levites devoted to temple service, highlighting his family's important role in establishing the musical traditions of Israel's worship under David's reign.

Biography

Kishi, also known as Kushaiah, is mentioned in 1Ch.6.44 and 1Ch.15.17 as a Levite from the clan of Merari. He is identified as the father of Jeduthun (or 'Ethan'), a prominent musician in King David's court.

In the genealogy of the Levites involved in temple service (1Ch.6.31-48), Kishi is listed as the ancestor of Ethan, who was one of the main musicians appointed by David to lead worship (1Ch.6.44). This highlights the family's involvement in the musical aspects of Levitical service.

Later, in the context of David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, Kishi (Kushaiah) is again mentioned as the father of Ethan (1Ch.15.17). Ethan, along with other skilled musicians, was appointed to play the bronze cymbals during the procession of the Ark.

The dual naming of Kishi and Kushaiah may indicate that he was known by both names or that one was a variant spelling of the other. Throughout these passages, Kishi (Kushaiah) is primarily known as the father of Ethan, a skilled musician who played a significant role in the worship services during the reign of King David.

Family

In Scripture

1 biblical book
1 Chronicles 2 verses
  • 1 Chronicles 6:44

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

  • 1 Chronicles 15:17

    "So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah;"

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew קִישִׁי
Named Hebrew קוּשָׁיָ֫הוּ
Encyclopedia Article

Kishi

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)

e:1Chr.15.17">1Ch 15:17 (compare 1Ch 6:44).

kish'-i-on, kish'-yon (qishyon): A city in the territory of Issachar (Jos 19:20), given to the Gershonite Levites (21:28; the King James Version wrongly "Kishon"). The parallel pa