1 Chronicles 6 37

1 Chronicles 6:37 kjv

The son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

1 Chronicles 6:37 nkjv

the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

1 Chronicles 6:37 niv

the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

1 Chronicles 6:37 esv

son of Tahath, son of Assir, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah,

1 Chronicles 6:37 nlt

Tahath, Assir, Abiasaph, Korah,

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 37 Meaning

This verse is a fragment of a larger genealogy detailing the ancestry of Heman, one of the principal temple musicians appointed by King David. It meticulously lists five generations—Toah, Zuph, Elkanah, Mahath, and Amasai—in the ascending line that links Heman back to the Levitical tribe. Its primary purpose is to establish and authenticate Heman’s direct and legitimate descent within the Kohathite branch of Levi, thereby validating his position and his family’s right to serve in the sacred musical ministry of the Tabernacle, and subsequently the Temple. It underscores the emphasis on hereditary rights and precise lineage in ancient Israel, particularly concerning religious office.

1 Chronicles 6 37 Context

The Book of 1 Chronicles meticulously chronicles the history of Israel from Adam, heavily emphasizing genealogies in its initial chapters (1-9). Chapter 6 specifically details the descendants of Levi, the tribe designated by God for the Tabernacle and Temple service. The verse 6:37 falls within a lengthy genealogical section (1 Chr 6:31-47) dedicated to tracing the lineage of the three chief Levite singers—Heman (from the Kohathites), Asaph (from the Gershonites), and Ethan/Jeduthun (from the Merarites)—who were appointed by King David to minister musically before the Tabernacle. This reverse genealogy (tracing ascent from Heman backward to Jacob) underscores the legitimate, divine, and historical basis for these important roles in the nation's worship. For the returning exiles, this detailed record provided reassurance of their rightful heritage and the continuity of God's chosen service within the community, reinforcing the proper order for renewed temple worship.

1 Chronicles 6 37 Word analysis

• the son of (Hebrew: בֶּן ben): This repeated phrase emphatically denotes direct paternal lineage. Its consistent use in genealogies underscores the meticulous record-keeping, essential for establishing tribal identity, claims to inheritance, and eligibility for specific religious offices, such as those of the priests and Levites. In biblical thought, being a "son of" someone connects an individual directly to that family's history, covenant relationship with God, and divine destiny. The recurrence here authenticates the chain of descent.
• Toah (Hebrew: תֹּ֫וַח Towach): A proper Hebrew name, identified as an ancestor of Heman. Also rendered as Tohu (1 Sam 1:1) and Nahath (1 Chr 6:26). These slight variations highlight the flexibility in transcribing names or regional pronunciations. In the context of the ascending lineage, Toah represents a verified link, contributing to the unbroken chain that confirms Heman’s tribal legitimacy.
• Zuph (Hebrew: צוּף Tsuph): A proper Hebrew name for an individual in this genealogical chain, descended from Kohath and an ancestor of Elkanah. The presence of Zuph continues the precise recording, adding another established point in the line leading to Heman, thus reinforcing the historical depth and validity of the ancestry.
• Elkanah (Hebrew: אֶלְקָנָה Elqanah): Meaning "God has created" or "God has acquired." This is a recurring name among the Levites; notably, it is also the name of Samuel's father (1 Sam 1:1), who was likewise a Levite, though not the same individual. The inclusion of this name highlights its prevalence within the Levitical lineage, particularly the Kohathite branch, and contributes another confirmed step in the genealogical sequence, assuring its historical authenticity.
• Mahath (Hebrew: מַחַת Machath): A proper Hebrew name, another ancestor in this ascending lineage. This particular Mahath is distinct from others bearing the same name (e.g., in 2 Chr 29:12). In this verse, Mahath serves as yet another vital link, maintaining the detailed and verifiable progression of generations towards Heman, further authenticating the record.
• Amasai (Hebrew: עֲמָשַׂי `Amasay): Meaning "my burden" or "burden bearer." A proper Hebrew name and another ancestor in Heman's lineage. This Amasai is distinct from other biblical figures named Amasai (e.g., one of David's mighty men, 1 Chr 12:18; another Levite singer, 1 Chr 15:24). Its appearance in this genealogy demonstrates the chronicler's precision in detailing the full ancestral chain.

• the son of Toah, the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai: This repetitive structural pattern, a characteristic of biblical genealogies, serves a crucial purpose beyond simple listing. It meticulously confirms direct, unbroken paternal succession, providing undeniable evidence of the individual's legitimate identity and their qualification for divinely appointed roles. For the post-exilic community reading Chronicles, this detailed, recursive record reinforced their collective memory, their national identity, and the proper, God-ordained structure for the reorganized worship, proving the faithfulness of God in preserving chosen lines for sacred service. The emphasis is on divine oversight and the integrity of these designated lines throughout history.

1 Chronicles 6 37 Bonus section

• The meticulous genealogies in Chronicles, extending for chapters, are not mere historical notes. They serve a vital theological purpose for the post-exilic community, reaffirming their covenant identity, tribal claims, and the legitimacy of their spiritual leadership (especially priests and Levites). They connected the present struggling community to God’s enduring promises to Abraham, Jacob, and David, emphasizing continuity of faith and heritage.
• By tracing Heman's lineage in an ascending fashion (from Heman back through generations), the Chronicler elevates his status and validates the significance of his musical ministry. This method effectively creates a strong ancestral root for his present authority in worship.
• The consistency of "son of" within this genealogical structure reflects a legal and communal understanding of identity. In ancient Israel, an individual's rights, duties, and social standing were intrinsically linked to their family and tribal affiliation, with the paternal line being paramount.
• These comprehensive Levite genealogies, including the specific line in this verse, were implicitly polemical. They served to refute any claims from individuals who lacked proper lineage but might seek to assume roles in the restructured Temple service, thereby safeguarding the sanctity and prescribed order of worship according to God's law.

1 Chronicles 6 37 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:37, though seemingly a dry list of names, is deeply significant within its literary and theological context. It represents a meticulously preserved fragment of a Levite genealogy, establishing the unquestionable heritage of Heman, a key figure in David’s organization of temple worship. This verse underscores the foundational importance of legitimate lineage in ancient Israel, especially for those serving in religious capacities. The "son of" repetition isn't just enumeration but a powerful assertion of a divinely preserved, unbroken chain of generations. For the returning exiles to whom Chronicles was addressed, such precision offered a profound theological message: God's faithfulness endures, His commands regarding the purity of the priesthood and Levites are meticulously honored through historical preservation, and the future of their worship life must be rooted in this established divine order. The very structure of God's appointed service required verified and pure lineage.