How does the phrase “one voice” in 2 Chronicles 5:13 sound in Hebrew?

The phrase “one voice” in 2 Chronicles 5:13 sounds in Hebrew as קוֹל אֶחָד (qōl ’eḥād) and denotes a united, harmonious voice. It does not describe a single performer, but the harmonious worship of many trumpeters and singers united in one praise to the Lord.

The Hebrew Expression in the Text

In the Masoretic Hebrew text, the key phrase in 2 Chronicles 5:13 reads: lehashmîa‘ qōl ’eḥād, לְהַשְׁמִיעַ קוֹל־אֶחָד. Literally, it can be translated as “to cause one voice to be heard,” “to make one sound resound,” or “to lift up one harmonious sound.”

The word קוֹל (qōl) means “voice,” “sound,” “noise,” or “resonance.” It can refer to human speech, singing, music, a trumpet blast, or a mighty sound. The word אֶחָד (’eḥād) means “one” or “single.” In this sentence, it characterizes the voice as unified and collective.

The broader context reveals that this refers to the Levitical singers and trumpeters during the dedication of Solomon's temple. There were many of them, yet their ministry did not sound chaotic; rather, it arose as a single, coherent praise.

“Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: ‘For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,’ that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud.” 2 Chr 5:13

“As One” and “One Sound”

In this verse, a form of ’eḥād is used twice. First, it says כְּאֶחָד (ke’eḥād): “as one.” Then: קוֹל־אֶחָד (qōl ’eḥād): “one sound” (or “one voice”).

This construction is remarkably vivid: the trumpeters and singers acted “as one,” and consequently produced “one voice.” Their unity did not require uniformity: trumpets, cymbals, other musical instruments, and voices all resounded together in the temple. Yet all of them served a single purpose—to glorify God and proclaim His goodness and mercy.

The verb לְהַשְׁמִיעַ (lehashmîa‘) derives from the root meaning “to hear” and appears in the causative form: “to cause to hear,” “to make audible.” Thus, the text emphasizes not only the internal unity of the musicians, but also the clear, audible proclamation of the Lord’s glory.

Does “Ehad” Imply a Compound Unity?

At times, the word ehad is explained as if it always implies a “compound unity.” This is not entirely accurate. In biblical Hebrew, ’eḥād is primarily the standard numeral “one.” Its precise nuance is determined by the context.

For example, in Genesis 2:24 it is used of a husband and wife who become “one flesh”: two distinct persons entering into a profound covenant unity. Yet the form of the word itself does not automatically generate theological meaning; it is the sentence that reveals the nature of the unity.

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Gen 2:24

In 2 Chronicles 5:13, the context directly explains the word: many people and instruments blended into one harmonious sound of worship. Therefore, translating it as “one voice,” “one sound,” or “with one voice” faithfully conveys the meaning of the original.

Unity in Worship and God’s Presence

Following their united praise, the temple was filled with a cloud—a visible sign of God’s glory and presence. This does not mean that musical excellence in itself commands God’s presence; God is not dependent on human technique. However, the narrative shows that sincere, orderly, and God-centered worship is fitting for the holiness of the temple service.

Ellen G. White, in the book Prophets and Kings, describing the dedication of the temple, underscores the solemnity of this event and how the glory of God testified to the acceptance of the temple as a place of worship. The focal point of the service was not the virtuosity of the performers, but the character of God: “For He is good, for His mercy endures forever.”

Practical Application

The phrase qōl ’eḥād in 2 Chronicles 5:13 invites the church not merely to sing simultaneously, but to worship with a single spiritual purpose. Unity does not require identical gifts, temperaments, or avenues of service. It flourishes when Christ, His goodness, and His mercy are the heartbeat of the congregation. In practical terms, this means: as we come to worship, we prepare our hearts for praise, support our fellow servants, and join our voice with others in a shared proclamation of God’s glory.