1 Chronicles 6 26

1 Chronicles 6:26 kjv

As for Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah; Zophai his son, and Nahath his son,

1 Chronicles 6:26 nkjv

As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah were Zophai his son, Nahath his son,

1 Chronicles 6:26 niv

Elkanah his son, Zophai his son, Nahath his son,

1 Chronicles 6:26 esv

Elkanah his son, Zophai his son, Nahath his son,

1 Chronicles 6:26 nlt

Elkanah, Zophai, Nahath,

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 26 Meaning

1 Chronicles 6:26 records two names, Amasai and Ahimoth, in the lineage stemming from Elkanah, who belongs to the Kohathite branch of the Levites. While translations may vary on the precise phrasing ("sons of Elkanah: Amasai, and Ahimoth" vs. "Amasai his son, Ahimoth his son"), the essence is a continuation of the Levitical priestly or serving line. This verse functions as a vital link in a historical record, establishing the legitimacy and continuity of a particular Levitical family within God's chosen tribe, tracing the descent necessary for temple service and divine appointment. These genealogies confirm identity and demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving those set apart for Him.

1 Chronicles 6 26 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 6 is a long and detailed genealogy, specifically focusing on the tribe of Levi, from whom priests and temple servants were chosen. The broader context of the book of Chronicles, written post-exile, emphasizes the re-establishment of the community's identity, the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, the legitimacy of the Davidic monarchy, and the proper order of worship.

Verse 26, specifically, is part of a segment (1 Chr 6:16-30 KJV/NIV numbering or 6:1-15 ESV/MT numbering then from 6:16-81) tracing the descendants of Levi through his son Kohath. This section leads to the appointment of Temple musicians by King David (1 Chr 6:31-48), particularly highlighting Heman the singer (from the Kohathite line), Asaph (Gershomite), and Ethan/Jeduthun (Merarite). The Elkanah mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:26 is an ancestor of Heman (1 Chr 6:33-38). The meticulously listed names in these genealogies served to affirm the authentic lineage of those assigned sacred duties in the renewed worship of God in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, ensuring proper order and preventing false claims of priesthood or service.

1 Chronicles 6 26 Word analysis

• The sons of Elkanah: This phrase immediately establishes a direct genealogical connection. In biblical genealogies, "son" (Hebrew: ben, בֵּן) denotes not only a direct child but often a descendant, emphasizing generational continuity and the passing down of identity and, in this context, the right to sacred service. The Levites had a divinely appointed role in temple ministry, and proving lineage was paramount.
• Elkanah (אֶלְקָנָה - 'Elqanah): This name means "God has acquired," or "God has created/possessed." It reflects a theological conviction that the individual, and by extension his lineage, belongs to God. There are multiple individuals named Elkanah in the Bible, most notably the father of the prophet Samuel (1 Sam 1:1), who is also a Levite. The Elkanah in 1 Chronicles 6:26 is part of the line of Kohath, one of Levi's sons. His name fittingly precedes descendants who would play a key role in temple worship.
• Amasai (עֲמָשַׂי - 'Amasay): Meaning "my burden" or "my burden bearer." This name might reflect personal or communal burdens or responsibilities. While some individuals with this name are noted for their prowess or joining David (1 Chr 12:18), here Amasai serves as a link in a specific lineage, suggesting continuity in carrying forward the family's Levitical duty or the "burden" of serving God.
• his son: This phrase explicitly details direct paternal lineage. It establishes a clear chain of descent, confirming a generational flow of family identity and, importantly, the spiritual inheritance and rightful place within the Levitical tribal assignments. This is crucial for verifying who was legitimately entitled to sacred roles after the exile.
• Ahimoth (אֲחִימוֹת - 'Achimoth): This name is more obscure, possibly meaning "my brother is death" or "brother of Moth" (though less likely in a pious context), or it might relate to "stability" or "foundation" if connected to the root 'amath. Regardless of the precise semantic interpretation of the individual components, its presence here denotes a continuous and recognized succession in the genealogical record. His inclusion highlights the meticulous nature of the Chronicler's record-keeping, essential for establishing valid claims to lineage and service within the returned community.

1 Chronicles 6 26 Bonus section

The very existence of such precise genealogical records in Chronicles can be seen as an indirect polemic. In a world filled with shifting identities, vague ancestries, and often pagan gods without true historical or consistent worship patterns, the Israelite focus on meticulously maintained family lines affirmed their unique identity as God's chosen people. It served as a clear, irrefutable claim to their divine heritage and their unique, biblically defined institutions, distinguishing them from surrounding nations whose claims of spiritual authority lacked such detailed and verifiable historical foundations. It legitimized the priesthood and worship, contrasting it with potentially corrupt or self-appointed religious figures common in the ancient Near East.

1 Chronicles 6 26 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:26, though a seemingly simple genealogical entry, carries significant theological weight within the book of Chronicles. It serves several purposes:First, it is a statement of historical accuracy and continuity. For a post-exilic community trying to rebuild its identity and re-establish proper worship, authenticating the lines of those responsible for religious duties was paramount. This meticulous naming ensured that individuals like Heman, who held crucial positions in Temple worship, had their rightful lineage affirmed, connecting them directly back to Levi, chosen by God for sacred service.

Second, these lists reflect God's faithfulness. Despite periods of national unfaithfulness and exile, God preserved the designated lines of service. The presence of these names affirms that God never abandoned His covenant or His plan for His people's worship. The genealogy stands as a quiet testimony to divine steadfastness across generations.

Third, it underscores the importance of lineage in the Old Covenant system. Access to certain spiritual roles, like priesthood or temple musicianship, was not based on personal merit alone but on a God-ordained family succession. This system prefigures Christ, whose own lineage, traced through David, qualified Him for His ultimate priestly and kingly roles.

In essence, 1 Chronicles 6:26 reminds the reader that even seemingly insignificant names in a long list are part of a divinely orchestrated plan, integral to the history of salvation and the continuity of God's work among His people. It implicitly encourages diligence in preserving spiritual heritage and faithfulness to one's appointed calling.