1 Chronicles 6 10

1 Chronicles 6:10 kjv

And Johanan begat Azariah, (he it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)

1 Chronicles 6:10 nkjv

Johanan begot Azariah (it was he who ministered as priest in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem);

1 Chronicles 6:10 niv

Johanan the father of Azariah (it was he who served as priest in the temple Solomon built in Jerusalem),

1 Chronicles 6:10 esv

and Johanan fathered Azariah (it was he who served as priest in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem).

1 Chronicles 6:10 nlt

Johanan was the father of Azariah, the high priest at the Temple built by Solomon in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 10 Meaning

This verse continues the genealogical record of Levi's descendants, specifically focusing on the lineage of Aaron, from whom the high priests of Israel came. It states that Johanan begat Azariah, then highlights this particular Azariah with an important parenthetical note: he was the one who performed significant priestly duties in the first Temple, which King Solomon built in Jerusalem. This identifies a key figure in the history of the priesthood during the foundational period of Israel's central worship.

1 Chronicles 6 10 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 6 meticulously details the genealogies of the tribe of Levi, emphasizing the sacred office of the priesthood derived from Aaron. Within this extensive lineage, the Chronicler devotes significant attention to establishing the rightful succession of high priests, culminating in the high priests serving during and after the Babylonian exile. The overall purpose of Chronicles is to legitimize the returning post-exilic community by tracing their heritage back through covenant faithfulness, proper worship, and divine appointments, particularly focusing on the legitimate kingly line (Davidic) and the priestly line (Aaronic). This specific verse, therefore, serves to highlight a prominent individual within the vital Aaronic line who was active during the period of Israel's greatest temple and most glorious kingdom. This underscores the historical continuity and divine authorization of the priesthood connected to the foundational Temple, which would have provided immense encouragement and validation to the Chronicler's audience seeking to re-establish their religious life.

1 Chronicles 6 10 Word analysis

• And Johanan begat Azariah:
  • And Johanan (וְיוֹחָנָן, wə-yôḥānān): "Johanan" means "The Lord has been gracious." This marks a continuing name in the priestly genealogy, a common biblical name often implying divine favor.
  • begat (הוֹלִיד, hôlîḏ): Standard Hebrew verb used in genealogies to indicate fathering or lineal descent. It establishes a direct generational link and emphasizes the continuity of the priestly line.
  • Azariah (עֲזַרְיָה, ʿăza̱ryāh): "Azariah" means "The Lord has helped." This was a common name in ancient Israel, which is why the following parenthetical clause is crucial for precise identification.
• (he it is that executed the priest's office:
  • he it is (הוּא, hûʾ): An emphatic personal pronoun ("He himself"), singling out this particular Azariah from other individuals bearing the same name in the genealogies. It draws specific attention to him.
  • executed (כִּהֵן, khihēn): This is a Piel form of the verb כָּהַן (kāhan), meaning "to act as a priest," "to minister in the priestly office." It denotes the active, professional performance of priestly duties, not merely being of priestly descent.
  • the priest's office (בַּכַּהֲנָה, bak-ka̱hănāh): This phrase refers to the function, ministry, and responsibilities associated with being a priest. It signifies that Azariah was actively engaged in the prescribed service of the sanctuary.
• in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)
  • in the temple (בַּבַּיִת, bab-bayiṯ): Literally "in the house," referring to God's dwelling place, the sanctuary, specifically the magnificent Temple constructed by King Solomon. This specifies the location of his significant service.
  • that Solomon built (אֲשֶׁר בָּנָה שְׁלֹמֹה, ʾăšer bānāh šəlōmôh): This precise descriptive clause serves to uniquely identify the Temple and thus the historical period of this Azariah's priestly service, distinguishing it from subsequent temples or periods.
  • in Jerusalem (בִּירוּשָׁלִָם, bîrûšālāim): Specifies the holy city as the established center for worship where this significant priestly ministry occurred, affirming its central place in Israelite religious life.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • And Johanan begat Azariah: A standard genealogical statement linking father to son, emphasizing direct, generational continuity within the priestly lineage, a foundational concern for the Chronicler.
  • he it is that executed the priest's office: This emphatic parenthetical phrase elevates Azariah from a mere name in a list to a historically significant figure. It implies not just nominal priestly status, but an active, possibly unique, or profoundly important role in the discharge of priestly duties. The use of "he it is" signals a pivotal moment or person within the sequence.
  • in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem: This segment provides a critical historical and geographical anchor for Azariah's distinguished service. By linking him directly to the first, magnificent Temple, the Chronicler associates his priestly ministry with the pinnacle of Israelite worship and its national and religious center. It validates the foundational purity and authority of the priesthood tracing back to that sacred place and time.

1 Chronicles 6 10 Bonus section

The identity of this specific Azariah has been a subject of scholarly discussion due to discrepancies in biblical genealogies and chronologies. While 1 Kings 4:2 mentions "Azariah son of Zadok" as a chief officer under Solomon, his role is listed as "the priest" but is often interpreted as an administrative rather than the principal high priestly role in that text. Chronicles, however, presents a more explicit focus on the succession of high priests. The Azariah mentioned here in 1 Chr 6:10 is usually considered to be a high priest descended from Zadok, likely Azariah son of Ahimaaz, or an Azariah in that direct high priestly succession during Solomon's reign or early First Temple period. The emphatic nature of the parenthetical phrase indicates that his priestly service was remarkable, perhaps relating to the dedication of the Temple, the initiation of its regular services, or some other notable act within that hallowed space. The Chronicler's consistent emphasis on the Temple and the priestly office elevates the significance of such brief mentions, connecting the reader to a legacy of divinely established religious authority and pure worship.

1 Chronicles 6 10 Commentary

This concise genealogical note in 1 Chronicles 6:10 serves a profound theological and historical purpose. Within a long list of names, the Chronicler intentionally singles out Azariah with a significant parenthetical remark. This highlights not merely the lineage, but the active, distinguished service of a high priest at the precise moment when Israel's national worship found its definitive physical home in Solomon's Temple. This was a critical point for the post-exilic community reading Chronicles, reminding them of the continuous, legitimate, and divinely ordained nature of their priesthood, anchored in the glory days of the first Temple in Jerusalem. It underscores the Chronicler's theme that faithful and proper worship, administered by legitimate priestly authority, is central to Israel's identity and relationship with the Lord.