1 Chronicles 6 46

1 Chronicles 6:46 kjv

The son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shamer,

1 Chronicles 6:46 nkjv

the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shamer,

1 Chronicles 6:46 niv

the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer,

1 Chronicles 6:46 esv

son of Amzi, son of Bani, son of Shemer,

1 Chronicles 6:46 nlt

Amzi, Bani, Shemer,

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 46 Meaning

This verse continues the genealogical listing of Heman, a chief Levite musician appointed by King David for service in the tabernacle, specifying his immediate paternal lineage as "son of Amasai, son of Elkanah, son of Joel, son of Azariah, son of Zephaniah." It meticulously documents the chain of descent, emphasizing the importance of an unbroken lineage for legitimate Levitical identity and sacred service, particularly for the crucial role of temple musicians in post-exilic Israel.

1 Chronicles 6 46 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 6 focuses heavily on the lineages of the Levites, who were chosen for temple service. The Chronicler, writing in the post-exilic period, aimed to establish and validate the true identity, authority, and role of those responsible for sacred worship. Verses 31-48 specifically detail the three major Levite musical families—Heman, Asaph, and Ethan/Jeduthun—appointed by King David to lead the worship through music. Verse 46 forms part of the precise genealogy of Heman, the Kohathite, underscoring the divine order and historical continuity behind the temple’s structured worship. This meticulous recording of ancestry was critical for the Chronicler's audience, as it distinguished legitimate claimants to sacred roles from unauthorized individuals, reinforcing the divinely ordained structure for the rebuilt temple.

1 Chronicles 6 46 Word analysis

• the son of: (Hebrew: בֶן - ben). This common Hebrew term indicates a direct male descendant, though it can sometimes mean "descendant" more broadly (grandson, great-grandson, etc.). In genealogies, its repetition emphasizes the chain of lineage, validating succession and legitimate identity. For the Chronicler, it underscores the unbroken continuity of the Levites tasked with sacred service.
• Amasai: (Hebrew: עֲמָשַׂי - Amasay). Meaning "burden" or "burden-bearer." While less prominent, his name here connects the line, highlighting God's continuous preservation through generations. There are other individuals named Amasai in the Bible, including one of David's mighty men (1 Chr 12:18), indicating a common Israelite name, though distinct in this lineage.
• son of Elkanah: (Hebrew: אֶלְקָנָה - Elkanah). Meaning "God has possessed" or "God has created." This is a significant name, notably borne by Samuel's father (1 Sam 1:1), suggesting a deep connection to God's providence and ownership over individuals and the line. Its presence in this sacred lineage implies a divine claim over their existence and purpose.
• son of Joel: (Hebrew: יוֹאֵל - Yoel). Meaning "Yahweh is God." This is a profoundly theophoric name, common throughout Israelite history, including a major prophet. It powerfully affirms the core belief of Israelite monotheism and serves as a confession of faith embedded within the lineage itself, signifying that this family acknowledges Yahweh's supreme deity.
• son of Azariah: (Hebrew: עֲזַרְיָה - Azaryah). Meaning "Yahweh has helped" or "Yahweh is my help." A very prevalent name, especially among priests and prophets. While Azariah appears in the high priestly lineage earlier in 1 Chr 6, this particular Azariah is distinct, marking a Levite from a different branch. The name reiterates God's sustaining hand and assistance throughout generations, a vital message for the exilic community rebuilding their identity.
• son of Zephaniah: (Hebrew: צְפַנְיָה - Tsephanyah). Meaning "Yahweh has hidden" or "Yahweh has protected/treasured." This name carries a message of divine safekeeping and preservation, implying that God shielded this lineage and watched over them, perhaps even through challenging times. It hints at God's faithfulness in maintaining His appointed lines for His purposes.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "son of Amasai, son of Elkanah, son of Joel, son of Azariah, son of Zephaniah": The repetitive "son of X" structure is a characteristic feature of biblical genealogies (known as toledot). It creates a sequential chain of descent, critical for establishing legal, tribal, and priestly/Levitical legitimacy within ancient Israel. For the Chronicler, this unbroken succession validates the roles and rights of temple personnel in the post-exilic period, reinforcing divine order. This precise recounting of names and the emphasis on continuous generation ensures that those ministering are rightly identified as God's chosen servants, carrying on an ancient, sanctified tradition. The names themselves, rich in theological meaning, speak to God's active involvement, possession, deity, help, and protection over the lineage.

1 Chronicles 6 46 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's Purpose: The Chronicler placed great importance on genealogies (chapters 1-9 are primarily dedicated to them) as they provided the framework for post-exilic Israel's identity, land distribution, and particularly, the re-establishment of the priesthood and Levitical services. For the returned exiles, proving one's lineage was paramount for reasserting one's rightful place in society and in the temple's service (as seen in Ezra 2:62 and Nehemiah 7:64).
• Genealogies as Theological Statements: Beyond mere record-keeping, these lists convey profound theological truths. The repeated "son of" implicitly testifies to God's continuous providence through history, even when generations spanned periods of hardship or exile. Each name, often containing a form of "El" (God) or "Yah" (Yahweh), reiterates the family's faith and God's consistent involvement in their lives, serving as miniature sermons.
• Focus on Temple Personnel: Unlike genealogies that trace civil or kingly lines (e.g., Judah and David), this specific section in 1 Chronicles 6 primarily concerns those designated for temple functions (priests and Levites), especially the crucial role of musical worship leaders. This highlights the Chronicler's unique emphasis on the internal, spiritual life of the nation centered on temple worship.

1 Chronicles 6 46 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:46, while seemingly a straightforward genealogical entry, is integral to the Chronicler’s theological purpose: affirming legitimate worship in the restored temple. By meticulously detailing the lineage of Heman, a key musician, the verse authenticates his and his descendants’ right to serve. It underscores the divine preservation of the Levites and their essential roles, emphasizing the meticulous order established by God through King David for worship. This served as an anchoring point for the post-exilic community, assuring them that their temple worship was rooted in continuity with the past, thereby discouraging any form of unauthorized or irreverent ministry. The carefully preserved lines attest to God's faithfulness in upholding His covenant promises through chosen lineages.