Definition: The ninth to Mattaniah, [he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 25:16. It's a little bit complex, but I’ll try to make it clear. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “The ninth to Mattaniah, [he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve.” “The ninth to Mattaniah…” – This is the key part. “Mattaniah” was a significant place in the Old Testament, and it’s often translated as “Mount Zion.” So, this refers to a specific location. Think of it like a particular temple or shrine. “[he]” - He: This simply means “he” – it's referring to a specific person. “his sons…” – This tells us that this person was a son (or descendants) of a man named Mattaniah. “and his brethren, [were] twelve.” – "His brethren" means "his brothers." And the word “were” shows that this group was comprised of multiple individuals. So, there were twelve people – his sons and his brothers. In essence, this verse tells us that a man named Mattaniah had twelve descendants (sons and brothers) who were part of a specific group or community. What does this tell us about the context? This is a common pattern in Jewish tradition, and it often points to a lineage or family history. It suggests that this person was important – perhaps a leader, a priest, or someone with significant influence. It’s also connected to the idea of God's chosen people and their descendants. Do you want me to: Explain what “Mattaniah” might have meant in context? Discuss the significance of this verse within the larger narrative of the Old Testament?