1 Chronicles 6 2

1 Chronicles 6:2 kjv

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

1 Chronicles 6:2 nkjv

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

1 Chronicles 6:2 niv

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

1 Chronicles 6:2 esv

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

1 Chronicles 6:2 nlt

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

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 2 Meaning

First Chronicles chapter 6 verse 2 serves as a genealogical listing, specifically identifying the four direct sons or principal family branches of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath himself was one of the three sons of Levi, whose descendants constituted the tribe entrusted with sacred duties pertaining to the Tabernacle and Temple worship. This verse meticulously documents the foundation of the Kohathite branch, setting the stage for the enumeration of their specific priestly and Levitical roles and lineage that follows in the chapter.

1 Chronicles 6 2 Context

This verse is situated at the beginning of 1 Chronicles chapter 6, which presents an extensive and highly detailed genealogy of the Levites. Unlike other genealogies in Chronicles that often focus on the twelve tribes or Davidic royalty, this chapter predominantly concentrates on the tribe of Levi, particularly the priestly lineage descending from Aaron. The placement of this specific verse (1 Chr 6:2) directly after listing the three main sons of Levi (Gershon, Kohath, and Merari in 1 Chr 6:1) immediately zooms into the lineage of Kohath. This reflects a strategic emphasis by the Chronicler on the sacred service. For the post-exilic audience, accurate priestly and Levitical genealogies were crucial for establishing legitimacy for those serving in the restored temple and for ensuring the correct order of worship and temple duties. The meticulous tracing of the Kohathite line is especially significant as it is from this branch that the high priesthood of Aaron descended, thus underscoring the foundation of authorized spiritual leadership in Israel.

1 Chronicles 6 2 Word analysis

• And: This conjunctive particle links the verse directly to the preceding one, establishing a continuation of the genealogical list. It signifies the progression from the major Levitical branches to the sub-branches.
• the sons of: (בְּנֵי, bene) - A common Hebrew idiom meaning direct descendants, offspring, or immediate family lines. Here, it indicates the direct heirs who would head the family divisions.
• Kohath: (קְהָת, Qehat) - The second son of Levi, a pivotal figure as his descendants were given the weighty responsibility of carrying the most holy objects of the Tabernacle and Temple, including the Ark of the Covenant, the altar, and other sacred furniture, when the Israelites journeyed (Numbers 4). He represents the direct ancestral line of Aaron and, consequently, the Aaronic priesthood. The name's etymology suggests "assembly" or "conjunction," possibly hinting at his family's role in the "assembling" or serving around the sacred Tabernacle.
• Amram: (עַמְרָם, Amram) - The first listed son of Kohath, and arguably the most significant of the four due to his offspring. His name means "exalted people" or "their kinsman is high." He is most renowned as the father of Moses (the lawgiver and prophet), Aaron (the first high priest of Israel), and Miriam (the prophetess). His inclusion here specifically points towards the foundation of the priesthood.
• Izhar: (יִצְהָר, Yitzhar) - The second son of Kohath. His name means "oil" or "shining one." While not as prominently featured in positive roles as Amram, his line is infamous as the ancestry of Korah, who rebelled against Moses and Aaron's leadership and the divine appointment of the Aaronic priesthood (Numbers 16). His mention serves to fully detail the family branches, even those with problematic histories.
• Hebron: (חֶבְרוֹן, Hevron) - The third son of Kohath. The name can mean "bond," "association," or "company." His descendants were assigned duties related to the Tabernacle's outward service and treasures (1 Chronicles 26:23-28). The name also resonates with the ancient city of Hebron, a significant patriarchal and later a Levitical city.
• and Uzziel: (עֻזִּיאֵל, Uzziel) - The fourth and final son of Kohath. His name means "my strength is God." His descendants were involved in carrying sacred objects and performing important priestly-related duties (Numbers 3:30), notably, his sons Mishael and Elzaphan, who were instructed to remove Nadab and Abihu's bodies from the sanctuary after their unauthorized offering (Leviticus 10:4-5).

Words-Group by Words-Group analysis:

• "And the sons of Kohath": This phrase immediately establishes the particular family line being detailed. It shifts focus from the three general branches of Levi to the specific sub-branches descending from Kohath, emphasizing their critical importance within the Levitical framework, particularly given their subsequent duties. This highlights a deliberate, ordered presentation of God's covenant people and their roles.
• "Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel": These four names represent the four principal clans or subdivisions within the Kohathite family. Each of these lines had distinct roles and duties assigned within the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The enumeration underscores the precise nature of the genealogical record and its function in verifying legitimate lineage for sacred service, demonstrating the divine order and succession within the Levitical structure.

1 Chronicles 6 2 Bonus section

The detailed Kohathite genealogy in Chronicles, mirroring accounts in Exodus and Numbers, underlines the consistent biblical emphasis on lineage for specific religious roles. This repetition across different books demonstrates the critical importance of ensuring the legitimate descent of those ministering in the sacred offices, especially the High Priesthood through Amram's line to Aaron. This strong emphasis contrasts with the New Testament's "priesthood of all believers" (1 Pet 2:9, Rev 1:6), which reinterprets and broadens the concept of access to God, moving beyond a specific hereditary lineage to encompass all who are in Christ, the ultimate High Priest (Heb 7:26-28). Yet, both testaments speak to divine appointment and purpose, albeit through different mechanisms. The chronicler’s dedication to this particular lineage reinforces the importance of structure, order, and fidelity to God’s historical covenant provisions.

1 Chronicles 6 2 Commentary

First Chronicles 6:2 meticulously lays out the foundational lineage of the Kohathite Levites, a line chosen for some of the most sacred duties in Israel's worship. The careful enumeration of Kohath's four sons – Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel – is far from a mere list; it underpins the entire structure of the Aaronic priesthood and significant Levitical services. Amram's preeminence, by being listed first and known as the father of Moses and Aaron, immediately highlights the critical role this family played in national and religious leadership.

The Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic community, emphasized such genealogies to provide continuity and legitimacy. In a time when the Davidic monarchy was dormant, the priestly institution and structured worship were paramount for the restored Israelite identity. This verse serves as a validating anchor, demonstrating that the priests and Levites of their day descended from a divinely appointed and historically verifiable lineage, ensuring proper continuity of service from the earliest days of Israel. It showcases the divine ordering of communal worship and service, underscoring that roles in God's plan were not arbitrarily assigned but established through specific, hallowed lines. This attention to detail reflects a broader biblical principle of order and a clear, unbroken line of spiritual authority.