1 Chronicles 6 20

1 Chronicles 6:20 kjv

Of Gershom; Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,

1 Chronicles 6:20 nkjv

Of Gershon were Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,

1 Chronicles 6:20 niv

Of Gershon: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,

1 Chronicles 6:20 esv

Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,

1 Chronicles 6:20 nlt

The descendants of Gershon included Libni, Jahath, Zimmah,

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 20 Meaning

1 Chronicles 6:20 states a continuation of the Levitical genealogy within the family of Gershom (or Shemei, depending on the biblical translation). The verse meticulously lists three successive generations: "Of Shemei, his son was Jahath, his son Zimmah." It establishes the direct paternal line of descent, providing the name of the ancestor Shemei, followed by his son Jahath, and then Jahath's son Zimmah. These genealogies serve the crucial purpose of validating identity, lineage, and the divine right to inherited roles and services, particularly for the Levitical tribe dedicated to temple service.

1 Chronicles 6 20 Context

1 Chronicles 6 is primarily dedicated to the extensive genealogies of the Levites, the priestly and ministerial tribe in Israel, descended from Levi, a son of Jacob. This chapter meticulously traces their lineages through Levi's three sons: Gershom (also called Gershon), Kohath, and Merari. This detailed record served a vital purpose for the returned exiles, who needed to re-establish proper order for worship, particularly concerning temple service and priestly functions, as their eligibility and land rights were based on tribal identity.

Verse 20 falls within the section enumerating the descendants of Gershom, Levi's firstborn son. The verses preceding this (1 Ch 6:16-19) lay out the main branches from Levi's three sons. While most modern translations, aligning with the Hebrew Masoretic Text, render 1 Ch 6:20 as detailing the line from "Gershom: his son Libni, his son Jahath, his son Zimmah," the King James Version (KJV) and the prompt text state "Of Shemei, his son was Jahath, his son Zimmah." This implies that the specific lineage here is either directly through "Shemei" (who is identified as a son of Gershom in 1 Ch 6:17), or it is a variant reading that, despite omitting Libni, continues a known Gershomite line that culminates in key individuals responsible for temple ministry, such as those appointed to music service (1 Ch 6:43-47). The inclusion of specific names ensures accuracy and accountability in tracing those ordained for sacred duties.

1 Chronicles 6 20 Word analysis

• Of Shemei, (וּלְשִׁמְעִי u-le-shim'i, from Hebrew שִׁמְעִי Shimei/Shim'i):

  • "Of": (u-le-) The Hebrew "וּלְ" (u-le), combining "and" with the preposition "to/for/belonging to," denotes a direct relation or lineage starting from this individual.
  • Shemei (שִׁמְעִי, Shim'i): The name means "my fame," "renowned," or "hearkened/heard of Yahweh." Shemei is explicitly mentioned as a son of Gershom (Levi's son) in 1 Chronicles 6:17. This indicates that the genealogy in verse 20 (as per the KJV and prompt's wording) traces a branch directly descended from Gershom through his son Shemei. It’s important to note that many modern translations and the Masoretic Text (MT) render this verse as "Of Gershom: his son Libni, his son Jahath, his son Zimmah," thereby showing a line through Libni, Shemei's brother. However, based on the prompt's provided text, this analysis follows "Shemei" as the head of this specific line for this verse.

• his son was Jahath, (לִבְנִי בְנוֹ יַחַת בְּנוֹ Livni bəno Yachath bəno, though the prompt implies the initial "Libni" is skipped by "Shemei"):

  • his son: (בְנוֹ bəno): A direct patronymic connector, emphasizing lineal descent from father to son.
  • Jahath (יַחַת, Yachath): The name signifies "he will snatch up" or "he will be united." Jahath appears in other biblical contexts as a Levite, and crucially, in 1 Chronicles 6:43, Jahath is named in the list of Gershomite descendants appointed for sacred music service, confirming his significance within the Temple's functional staff.

• his son Zimmah, (זִמָּה בְנוֹ Zimmah bəno):

  • his son: (בְנוֹ bəno): Continues the direct father-son relationship within the lineage.
  • Zimmah (זִמָּה, Zimmah): This name is unique due to its primary meaning in common Hebrew usage as "plan," "wickedness," "villainy," or "licentiousness" (as seen in Lev 18:17, Job 24:14, Jer 13:27). While names sometimes had aspirational meanings or could simply be an existing name in the culture, its root meaning for a Levite is unusual. Despite its potentially negative connotation as a common noun, in a genealogical context, it refers solely to a personal name of an individual within this priestly line. Zimmah is also mentioned as part of the lineage of Gershomites appointed for Temple music (1 Ch 6:43), further linking him to an active role in worship.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Of Shemei, his son was Jahath": This phrase establishes the immediate paternal link, identifying Jahath as the direct offspring of Shemei within this recorded genealogy. For readers of translations like the KJV, this specifies a line descending from the Shemei branch of Gershom. It pinpoints a distinct branch among the numerous Gershomite descendants.
• "his son Zimmah": This continues the direct familial chain, identifying Zimmah as the third generation from Shemei (Jahath's son), underscoring the lineage's continuity over three generations. The detailed sequence highlights the importance of maintaining precise records of heritage for identity and the legitimate continuation of their service responsibilities within the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

1 Chronicles 6 20 Bonus Section

• Textual Nuance: The variation between the KJV reading ("Of Shemei, his son was Jahath, his son Zimmah") and the widely accepted Masoretic Text / modern translations ("Of Gershom: his son Libni, his son Jahath, his son Zimmah") in 1 Chronicles 6:20 (and 1 Chr 6:28/43 in the Hebrew numbering) is a significant point for understanding textual criticism. Most scholars lean towards the reading that includes Libni, making the full line from Gershom to be: Gershom – Libni – Jahath – Zimmah. The Shemei in 1 Ch 6:17 is a brother to Libni, both sons of Gershom. If the KJV "Shemei" in v. 20 replaces Libni, it would imply a variant textual tradition, or a scribal error. If "Of Shemei" points to a distinct, parallel branch that also connects to Jahath and Zimmah, it signifies the richness of detailed ancestral records. The consistency in later verses (1 Ch 6:43, English numbering) listing Jahath and Zimmah as part of the Gershomite lineage serving in music highlights their definitive roles irrespective of this specific variant at the very beginning of the listed sequence.
• The Significance of Seemingly Odd Names: While the root meaning of "Zimmah" is "wickedness," its appearance in a Levitical genealogy serving God underscores that personal names in the Bible were often just that – names for identification, perhaps given at birth without an ongoing moral judgment implied, or potentially carrying a different nuance in a name context. It emphasizes that individuals were part of God's chosen lineage by birth, regardless of the connotations of their names, highlighting the sovereign election of God.
• Purpose Beyond Listing: These lists were functional. Knowing the precise lineage was crucial for the organization of services, responsibilities, and benefits associated with the Levites. This included rotational duties in the temple, oversight of its materials, and the carrying of sacred items. The names were not just to fill a page; they authenticated who had the divine right to serve.

1 Chronicles 6 20 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:20 serves as a succinct entry in the expansive and meticulous genealogical records of the Levites. These detailed lineages were not merely lists of names but foundational documents that affirmed the identity, heritage, and divinely appointed roles of individuals and families within ancient Israel. For the Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community, establishing a clear line of descent was crucial for restoring proper temple worship and order, ensuring that only those with legitimate claim served in priestly and Levitical capacities.

The verse, though brief, contributes to the grand narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant, particularly with the tribe of Levi, through whom His holy service was perpetuated. The inclusion of names like Jahath and Zimmah, even if one name's etymology is curious ("Zimmah"), indicates their specific, recognized place within the chain of those designated for sacred duties, as later verses in chapter 6 demonstrate their participation in Temple ministry. The textual variations, such as the KJV's "Shemei" versus the broader "Gershom, Libni" of most other translations, illustrate the complexities of biblical textual transmission, yet ultimately affirm the core purpose of establishing the unbroken line of dedicated service from Levi through his descendants.