1 Chronicles 6 42

1 Chronicles 6:42 kjv

The son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,

1 Chronicles 6:42 nkjv

the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,

1 Chronicles 6:42 niv

the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,

1 Chronicles 6:42 esv

son of Ethan, son of Zimmah, son of Shimei,

1 Chronicles 6:42 nlt

Ethan, Zimmah, Shimei,

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 42 Meaning

This verse outlines a segment of a priestly lineage within the tribe of Levi, specifically tracing descent through Gershom to Levi. It states that the individual being traced is "the son of Jahath," who in turn is "the son of Gershom," who is finally identified as "the son of Levi." This establishes a direct genealogical connection important for defining identity and roles, particularly concerning sacred service in ancient Israel.

1 Chronicles 6 42 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 6 primarily focuses on the detailed genealogies of the Levitical families, specifically their role and organization in the temple service, particularly in the realm of music. Following a listing of Aaron's high priestly lineage, the chapter enumerates the descendants of Levi's three sons—Gershon (Gershom), Kohath, and Merari—assigning their specific responsibilities related to the tabernacle and later, the temple. Verses 31-48 concentrate on the Levitical musicians appointed by David for temple worship. Verse 42, which appears in various translation as verse 27 or 42, identifies a particular segment of the line from Gershom's family, connecting Jahath to Gershom and ultimately to Levi, underscoring the legitimate ancestral qualification for specific roles. Historically, the post-exilic community, for whom Chronicles was written, valued precise genealogical records for re-establishing land claims, priestly and Levitical service, and a sense of national and religious identity rooted in divine promises. These genealogies confirmed who had the right and responsibility to serve in God's sanctuary.

1 Chronicles 6 42 Word analysis

• the son of (בֶּן- Yaḥat-): This Hebrew term, ben, meaning "son of," is fundamental to all biblical genealogies. It denotes direct paternity but can also refer to a grandson or a more distant descendant, emphasizing the continuity of lineage and tribal identity rather than exclusively immediate parentage. In this precise sequence (son of X, son of Y, son of Z), it typically denotes a direct father-son relationship to clearly trace the immediate ancestry. Its repetition stresses the clear, unbroken chain of inheritance and qualification.
• Jahath (יַחַת - Yaḥat): This is a proper name, likely meaning "union" or "he will snatch." Multiple individuals named Jahath appear in the Old Testament, particularly among the Levites. In 1 Chronicles 6 (v. 20, 27, 42 depending on numbering), the Chronicler carefully distinguishes them by their father and subsequent lineage. This specific Jahath is explicitly placed in the Gershomite line. The name itself might allude to a sense of bringing together or gathering, perhaps fitting for those involved in assembling and maintaining the tabernacle/temple and later, the musicians who unified worship through sound.
• Gershom (גֵּרְשׁוֹם - Geršom): This is also a proper name, meaning "a sojourner there" (from ger "sojourner" and sham "there"). He was a prominent figure, the firstborn son of Moses (Exod 2:22), and also one of the three foundational sons of Levi, whose descendants formed a major Levitical clan. His name's meaning echoes the experience of Israel as sojourners or aliens in foreign lands, a significant theological theme of pilgrimage and temporary dwelling. This meaning reinforces the Levitical role as those who have no territorial inheritance, but whose inheritance is the Lord and service to Him.
• Levi (לֵוִי - Lēwī): The third son of Jacob and Leah. The name Levi means "attached" or "joined," referencing Leah's hope that Jacob would become more "attached" to her (Gen 29:34). This name has profound theological significance as the ancestor of the tribe designated by God for priestly and sanctuary service. Their attachment to God and His house, rather than to land, marked their distinct identity and sacred purpose. The entire Levitical institution, responsible for carrying, building, and ministering in the sanctuary, derives its authority and existence from him.

Words-group Analysis:

• "the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi": This phrase functions as a genealogical formula. The repeated "the son of" acts as a clear linking phrase, establishing an unbroken and precise succession. It is not just listing names, but formally affirming their ancestral legitimacy for service within the temple structure. This precision was critical for post-exilic Judah, verifying lineage and upholding proper worship against false claims. The movement from individual to tribal patriarch emphasizes belonging, continuity, and divine appointment through heritage.

1 Chronicles 6 42 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's Intent: The Chronicler's (traditional author of Chronicles) extensive genealogies were not just historical records. They served as a theological reaffirmation for the post-exilic community. They sought to connect them to their roots, especially the faithful lineage leading back to Levi, highlighting the perpetual nature of the Levitical service, particularly in music, and emphasizing that God's plan for worship was continuous. This stood in contrast to any contemporary tendencies to neglect proper worship or priestly structures.
• Significance of Music Ministry: While 1 Chr 6:42 is a bare genealogical link, its placement within the context of 1 Chronicles 6 underscores the critical role of music in Israelite worship. The extensive list of musicians and their families (which this genealogy is a part of) signifies that sacred music was not an optional add-on but an essential and highly organized part of divine service, carried out by specifically ordained Levitical families.
• Distinguishing "Jahath": As mentioned in the "Word Analysis," the name Jahath appears multiple times in Levitical genealogies. The Chronicler's precision in specifying "son of Gershom" and "son of Levi" helps to distinguish this specific Jahath, highlighting the meticulous nature of the record-keeping necessary to ensure accuracy in ancestral claims.

1 Chronicles 6 42 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:42 provides a crucial link in the detailed genealogical records of the Levites, specifically focusing on a segment within the family of Gershom, one of Levi's three sons. Far from being a mere list of names, this verse, like others in these extensive genealogies, serves a vital theological and practical purpose. It authenticates the right and qualification of individuals for sacred service within the temple, particularly among the Levitical musicians whom the Chronicler so carefully details (1 Chr 6:31-48). The meticulous tracing of lineage, from Jahath back to Gershom, and ultimately to the foundational tribal patriarch Levi, underscored the divine order of worship and administration within the Israelite community. For the original audience, recently returned from exile and seeking to rebuild their national and religious identity, these records were paramount. They not only confirmed legitimate claims to priestly and Levitical roles but also affirmed God's faithfulness to His covenant and His continued care for the proper functioning of His sanctuary. This genealogy demonstrates that continuity of sacred roles depended not on human decree, but on the enduring and verifiable heritage God had established through His chosen tribe.