1 Chronicles 6 43

1 Chronicles 6:43 kjv

The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.

1 Chronicles 6:43 nkjv

the son of Jahath, the son of Gershon, the son of Levi.

1 Chronicles 6:43 niv

the son of Jahath, the son of Gershon, the son of Levi;

1 Chronicles 6:43 esv

son of Jahath, son of Gershom, son of Levi.

1 Chronicles 6:43 nlt

Jahath, Gershon, and Levi.

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 43 Meaning

1 Chronicles 6:43 is a genealogical verse that precisely identifies three successive generations within the lineage of the Levites. It lists Zimmah as the father of Shimei, who in turn was the father of Jahath. This specific excerpt forms a crucial part of the detailed ancestral record of Heman, a chief Levitical musician appointed by King David for temple worship. Its significance lies in meticulously establishing and validating the authorized personnel for sacred duties in Israel, underscoring continuity and legitimate descent within God's ordered house.

1 Chronicles 6 43 Context

1 Chronicles 6 focuses on establishing the authentic lineages of the Levitical families, particularly those responsible for temple service and priesthood. Verses 1-30 trace the lineage of Aaron (the priestly line), while verses 31-47 detail the lineages of the Levites appointed by David for musical service in the tabernacle, leading to temple worship. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 6:43 falls within the lengthy genealogy of Heman, one of the three chief musicians alongside Asaph and Ethan (or Jeduthun), who served during David's reign. This meticulous recording was vital for the post-exilic community in Judah. Having returned from Babylonian captivity, they needed to re-establish legitimate worship and validate claims to priestly and Levitical office, ensuring adherence to divine appointments. The Chronicler's emphasis on such details underscores the importance of proper worship, divine order, and the continuity of God's covenant with His people through identifiable and legitimate lines.

1 Chronicles 6 43 Word analysis

• the son of (בֶּן־, ben-): This recurring Hebrew term denotes direct lineage and paternal descent. Its repetition three times in this short verse ("the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei, the son of Jahath") serves to emphasize the direct and unbroken ancestral line, ensuring no breaks or illegitimate inclusions. In the context of genealogies, ben- confirms the legal and biological relationship, crucial for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and most importantly for this chapter, qualification for specific sacred roles within the community.
• Zimmah (זִמָּה, Zimmah): The name means "plan," "device," or sometimes "wickedness" in a different context, but in a proper name, it's simply an identifier. He is mentioned as a Levite in other genealogical lists (e.g., 1 Chr 6:20, 1 Chr 26:15), specifically from the lineage of Gershom, Kohath's brother. Here, he appears as an ancestor of Heman, though his specific contributions are not detailed. His inclusion solidifies the chain of legitimate succession.
• Shimei (שִׁמְעִי, Shim'i): A very common biblical name meaning "heard" or "renowned." Many individuals bore this name in Israel's history. Here, he is identified specifically as the son of Zimmah and the father of Jahath, a pivotal link in Heman's ancestry. His presence, like others in these lists, ensures the accuracy of the lineage for future generations.
• Jahath (יַחַת, Yachath): This name can mean "union" or "to snatch away." Like Zimmah, there are several individuals named Jahath in the Old Testament, sometimes within the Levite lines (e.g., 1 Chr 23:10, 2 Chr 34:12). In this verse, he concludes the sequence of three names, linking back into the larger genealogy of Heman (as per 1 Chr 6:43-44). The function of these names is to serve as markers in an unbroken chain of generational continuity.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei, the son of Jahath": This repetitive structure highlights the sequential nature of generations and the importance of unbroken lineage. The consistent "the son of X, the son of Y" phrase reinforces the genealogical principle, emphasizing direct, legal, and historically recorded descent. For the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, this formula was more than a mere record; it was a reaffirmation of the divine hand in preserving a chosen people, ensuring the legitimate succession of those appointed to serve God, especially in worship, even after national exile and disruption. This exactitude was foundational to re-establishing Israel's spiritual identity and practices.

1 Chronicles 6 43 Bonus section

The extensive genealogies in Chronicles, including verses like 1 Chr 6:43, demonstrate a key theological concern of the Chronicler: continuity and identity. After the upheaval of exile, the precise identification of families, especially the Levites, was crucial for reconstructing a proper functioning society centered on the Jerusalem temple. These lists are not just dry data; they are foundational documents confirming who belonged, who was qualified for what role, and that the promise of God endured through traceable lines. They provided stability and assurance to a fragile, re-forming community, asserting their connection to Abraham, David, and ultimately, to God's chosen plan for Israel. The focus on musical leaders like Heman within these genealogies further highlights the Chronicler's emphasis on ordered, joyful, and God-honoring worship as central to Israel's life.

1 Chronicles 6 43 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:43, while seemingly a simple list of names, is deeply significant within the larger narrative of Chronicles. Its primary function is to serve as part of an authenticated record of Levitical ancestry, essential for identifying and validating those designated by God for sacred temple service. The Chronicler, writing to a community seeking to rebuild after the Babylonian exile, meticulously recorded these genealogies not just for historical accuracy, but for theological grounding. They served as irrefutable proof of lineage, guaranteeing legitimacy for priestly and Levitical duties, particularly those involved in worship leadership like Heman.

This verse contributes to establishing the chain of authority that led to the re-institution of proper worship, ensuring that only those truly called and descended from the designated lines could perform these holy functions. It implicitly teaches about God's order, faithfulness in preserving His appointed servants, and the critical importance of spiritual heritage. For a post-exilic people facing uncertainty, these lists provided assurance of God's enduring covenant and the blueprint for restoring right worship. They underscore that our callings within God's house are not arbitrary but often stem from a divine plan unfolding through generations.