1 Chronicles 6 35

1 Chronicles 6:35 kjv

The son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,

1 Chronicles 6:35 nkjv

the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,

1 Chronicles 6:35 niv

the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,

1 Chronicles 6:35 esv

son of Zuph, son of Elkanah, son of Mahath, son of Amasai,

1 Chronicles 6:35 nlt

Zuph, Elkanah, Mahath, Amasai,

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 35 Meaning

1 Chronicles 6:35 is part of a detailed genealogical list of the Kohathite Levites, specifically tracing a segment of the ancestral lineage of Heman, a prominent temple musician appointed by King David. This verse identifies four direct male ancestors in succession: Zuph (sometimes rendered Zophai in some translations), Elkanah, Mahath, and Amasai, demonstrating their sequential lineal descent. The verse primarily serves to establish the authentic and divinely appointed heritage of those serving in sacred roles within the tabernacle and later, the Temple, underscoring continuity and legitimacy.

1 Chronicles 6 35 Context

1 Chronicles Chapter 6 focuses on the elaborate genealogies of the Israelite priesthood and the Levites, who were designated for service in the tabernacle and, later, the Temple in Jerusalem. This detailed record establishes the divine right and legitimacy of those called to specific roles, such as priests and temple musicians. Verses 31-48 specifically enumerate the three chief musical guilds (Heman, Asaph, and Ethan/Jeduthun) and their ancestral lines, with Heman's lineage tracing back to Kohath (the son of Levi). Verse 35 contributes to the comprehensive enumeration of Heman's paternal ancestors, ensuring a complete and verifiable record for the post-exilic community.

Historically, genealogies were paramount in ancient Israel, serving not merely as family records but as foundational documents for land inheritance, tribal affiliation, civil identity, and, critically, for validating claims to the priesthood and Levitical service. The Chronicler compiled this extensive information after the Babylonian exile, when the returning exiles faced the task of re-establishing their society and worship. Emphasizing legitimate lineage assured the community that their restored religious practices adhered to divine ordination, fostering stability and unity. The inclusion of this verse solidifies the continuity of sacred duties from ancient times through the generations leading up to David and beyond.

1 Chronicles 6 35 Word analysis

• The son of: (Hebrew: ben, בֵּן) This phrase, repeated throughout genealogical lists, signifies a direct paternal lineage. Its consistent use here underscores the exact, verifiable connection from one generation to the next, crucial for validating ancestral claims to specific roles, such as the Levites' service. This repetition emphasizes the divine preservation of the chosen lines.
• Zophai: (Hebrew: Tsūph, צוּף; in some versions rendered as Zuph or Tofah) The name means "honeycomb" or "to flow." This is a variant rendering for "Zuph," found in 1 Samuel 1:1 as the name of a region, Ramathaim-Zophim. In this context, it refers to a specific individual in the Levitical line. Its significance here is solely within the genealogical record, confirming an ancestral link rather than a profound individual identity or role outside this list.
• Elkanah: (Hebrew: ’Elqānâ, אֶלְקָנָה) Meaning "God has acquired" or "God has created." This was a common name in Israel, notably the father of the prophet Samuel (1 Sam 1:1-2). While the Elkanah mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:35 is not the same person as Samuel's father (who appears later in the list as another Elkanah), the recurrence of such pious names suggests a common theological expression among the people regarding God's divine providence or ownership. In this verse, it primarily serves as a generational identifier in the chain.
• Mahath: (Hebrew: Māḥaṯ, מָחַת) The meaning is often associated with "to snatch away" or "to erase," though interpretations vary. This name appears less frequently in biblical genealogies compared to names like Elkanah. Its primary purpose in this verse is to denote a specific ancestor in the continuous, divinely sanctioned lineage of the Levites, vital for verifying the ancestry of temple servants.
• Amasai: (Hebrew: ‘Ămāsay, עֲמָסַי) Meaning "my burden" or "burden-bearer." This name also appears multiple times in the Old Testament, for instance, a chief among David’s mighty men (1 Chr 12:18). In this context, Amasai represents another link in the unbroken chain of descent for Heman's ancestors, validating his inherited position within the Levitical music guild.

Word-groups Analysis:

• "The son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,": This repeated construct signifies a linear and undisputed genealogical progression. It emphasizes that each individual is directly linked by paternal descent to the next. In a religious and cultural context where lineage defined identity, status, and role (especially for sacred offices), this structure leaves no room for ambiguity. The detailed record authenticates the line of Levites chosen by David for sacred musical service in the temple, highlighting a continuous divine commission across generations from Levi to those serving God.

1 Chronicles 6 35 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's emphasis on accurate genealogies for Levites and priests, particularly the musical guilds, reflects a unique focus on worship and order in the post-exilic community, contrasting with other biblical books that might highlight military or political lineages more.
• Genealogies in the Old Testament often employ telescoping, meaning they sometimes skip generations (e.g., "son of" might mean "descendant of"). While this verse appears direct, it's important to remember that these lists prioritize establishing connection rather than exhaustive, contiguous birth-by-birth records.
• The placement of this verse within Heman's lineage underscores the importance of temple music in the Chronicler's view. Music was integral to Israel's worship, leading the community in praise and adoration, and thus, those ministering in this capacity also required authentic and consecrated lineage.

1 Chronicles 6 35 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:35, though appearing as a mere list of names, holds profound theological and historical significance. It is not just a bland enumeration but a vital component within the Chronicler's larger theological agenda. The verse serves to meticulous document a portion of the lineage of Heman, one of David's principal musicians and a descendant of Kohath, ensuring his, and by extension, his descendants' legitimate right to sacred service.

For the post-exilic community, such genealogies provided a blueprint for reconstituting their society according to God's ancient order. They validated priestly and Levitical claims, distinguishing legitimate temple functionaries from those without verifiable lineage. The Chronicler's painstaking detail confirms the continuity of God's covenant with Levi and His provision for worship through the generations, even after periods of disloyalty and exile. The inclusion of names like Elkanah (God has acquired) also subtly reinforces the idea of God's hand in calling and selecting individuals for His purposes through specific families. This meticulous record grounds the present worship and structure of the temple in divine ordination, providing a source of stability, identity, and encouragement for the returning community that God remained faithful to His promises through an unbroken line.