1 Chronicles 6 18

1 Chronicles 6:18 kjv

And the sons of Kohath were, Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.

1 Chronicles 6:18 nkjv

The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

1 Chronicles 6:18 niv

The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.

1 Chronicles 6:18 esv

The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.

1 Chronicles 6:18 nlt

The descendants of Kohath included Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 18 Meaning

This verse precisely enumerates the four sons of Kohath, one of Levi's three sons: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. It is a foundational genealogical statement within the larger Levitical registry, crucial for establishing the proper lines of descent for priestly service and for those assigned to care for the sacred elements of the Tabernacle and, subsequently, the Temple. The list itself is succinct but holds profound implications for the divine order and appointments within ancient Israel's religious structure.

1 Chronicles 6 18 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 6 focuses almost entirely on the genealogy and specific duties of the Levites, particularly those involved in priestly service and temple worship. This verse (1 Chr 6:18) is situated within the segment detailing the family of Kohath, one of the three main divisions of the tribe of Levi. The Chronicler’s overarching purpose in recounting these intricate genealogies in the post-exilic period was to reaffirm the legitimate identity of Israel, emphasizing the divine appointments for priesthood, temple service, and the Davidic monarchy. Specifically for the Levites, detailing their lineages provided clear evidence of who was authorized to perform the crucial sacred duties in the rebuilt Temple, establishing continuity with the Mosaic traditions. It reinforced the covenant structure and underscored the importance of order in worship and communal life, serving as a powerful counter to any claims of unauthorized spiritual leadership or confusion regarding inherited sacred roles.

1 Chronicles 6 18 Word analysis

• And: (`וְ`) Connects this lineage directly to the preceding genealogical information, signaling a continuation of the family tree being traced.
• the sons of: (`בְּנֵי`, benei) "Sons of" clearly denotes direct male descendants and is critical for establishing genealogical links, which in ancient Israel held legal, social, and religious significance regarding inheritance and roles.
• Kohath: (`קְהָת`, Q'hath) Second son of Levi. His lineage is paramount as it includes Amram, the father of Moses and Aaron. The Kohathites were uniquely designated to bear the holiest furnishings of the Tabernacle and Temple, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the altar, and the lampstand, ensuring no one touched them directly.
• were: Implies identification and listing of individuals belonging to the designated group.
• Amram: (`עַמְרָם`, `Amram`) The first and most significant son listed due to his prominence as the father of Moses, the great lawgiver and prophet, and Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. This connection immediately grounds the high priesthood in Kohath's line. His name means "exalted people" or "people of the high One."
• and: (`וְ`) Links each name in the enumeration, indicating an exhaustive list of Kohath's direct sons.
• Izhar: (`יִצְהָר`, Yitzhar) The second son listed. Notable primarily as the father of Korah, who led a significant rebellion against Moses and Aaron's authority, challenging the divinely ordained leadership. His name can mean "oil" or "he shines," which tragically contrasts with his son's rebellious act.
• Hebron: (`חֶבְרוֹן`, Hevron) The third son listed. Head of one of the Kohathite families (Hebronites). His descendants would later play roles in carrying sacred objects and performing administrative duties related to the Tabernacle/Temple, often working alongside the priestly family. The name shares a root with "association" or "binding together," implying community or strong bonds.
• and: (`וְ`) Further extends the list.
• Uzziel: (`עֻזִּיאֵל`, Uzziel) The fourth son. Head of the Uzzielite family among the Kohathites. Descendants are later noted for their involvement in purification rituals and Temple service, notably during Hezekiah's reforms (2 Chr 29:14). His name means "God is my strength," a fitting name for those dedicated to sacred service.

• The sons of Kohath were Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: This group of words identifies the foundational familial units within the Kohathite branch, highlighting that the entire framework of the future Levitical service for this line branched out from these four patriarchs. This precise enumeration validates the intricate structure of Israelite worship, where roles and responsibilities were based on lineage.

1 Chronicles 6 18 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's emphasis: The meticulous listing of genealogies, particularly for the Levites, was crucial for the post-exilic community. It served as a powerful historical anchor, connecting them directly to the covenant people and God's established order for worship. It countered the chaos of exile and provided a blueprint for national identity and spiritual renewal.
• Significance of order: The detailed listing highlights God's demand for order and proper delegation in divine service. Each branch of Kohath's family had specific duties within the Tabernacle and Temple, a meticulous system designed to ensure reverence and purity in handling sacred objects.
• Prophetic Shadow: While dealing with the temporal, physical temple service, the detailed appointment of the Levites and their various duties, originating from lines like Kohath's, foreshadows the perfect and ultimate ministry of Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the role of both priest and ultimate keeper of God's presence, not by physical descent but by divine appointment. The inadequacy of the earthly priesthood, pointed out by Korah's rebellion, ultimately necessitates a greater priest (Hebrews).

1 Chronicles 6 18 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:18 functions as a concise but pivotal record in the Levite genealogies, firmly establishing the four primary lines descending from Kohath. This short verse is indispensable for validating the specific responsibilities delegated to the Kohathites – most notably their exclusive charge over the holiest furnishings of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The immediate listing of Amram connects this lineage directly to Moses and Aaron, thus solidifying the divine authority of the Aaronic priesthood within the wider Levitical framework. The inclusion of Izhar (through his son Korah) implicitly carries the memory of challenges to divine order, while Hebron and Uzziel mark other integral family lines within the dedicated temple service. Ultimately, the verse underpins the precise, God-ordained structure for the spiritual governance and worship of Israel, reinforcing divine appointment and discouraging unauthorized actions in sacred duties.