1 Chronicles 6 47

1 Chronicles 6:47 kjv

The son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.

1 Chronicles 6:47 nkjv

the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.

1 Chronicles 6:47 niv

the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.

1 Chronicles 6:47 esv

son of Mahli, son of Mushi, son of Merari, son of Levi.

1 Chronicles 6:47 nlt

Mahli, Mushi, Merari, and Levi.

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 47 Meaning

This verse lists three successive generations within the priestly lineage, specifically "the son of Meraioth, the son of Amariah, the son of Ahitub." It meticulously traces a segment of the high priestly genealogy descended from Aaron through his son Eleazar, establishing a vital link in the chain that legitimized the priests responsible for temple service and covenant mediation in ancient Israel, particularly for the post-exilic community addressed by the Chronicler.

1 Chronicles 6 47 Context

This verse is part of a detailed genealogical account in 1 Chronicles chapter 6, which meticulously lists the descendants of Levi. The chronicler dedicates significant attention to the priestly line, particularly from verse 4 to 15, tracing the direct lineage of the high priests from Aaron's son Eleazar through to the Babylonian exile. The emphasis on these genealogies, including the specific names of Meraioth, Amariah, and Ahitub, underscores the chronicler's concern for legitimate religious authority and proper temple worship. Written likely in the post-exilic period, Chronicles served to re-establish the identity and order of the restored community in Judah. An accurate and unbroken priestly lineage was crucial for the resumption of sacrificial worship at the rebuilt Temple, affirming hereditary rights to the sacred office, and validating the spiritual leadership of the people who had returned from exile. This meticulous detailing stood against any potentially illegitimate claims to priestly roles, emphasizing divine appointment and continuity.

1 Chronicles 6 47 Word analysis

• The son of Meraioth:
  • Hebrew: בֶּן־מְרָיוֹת (ben Mərayoṯ).
  • "Meraioth" (מְרָיוֹת): This is a proper name, though the root itself can relate to "rebellion" or "bitter." Here, it signifies a specific individual in the legitimate high priestly line. Meraioth appears in other significant priestly genealogies (e.g., 1 Chr 9:11, Neh 11:11, Ezra 7:3). His inclusion emphasizes the historical continuation of the priesthood from Eleazar, Aaron's son, establishing a clear link.
• the son of Amariah:
  • Hebrew: בֶּן־אֲמַרְיָה (ben ʼAmaryah).
  • "Amariah" (אֲמַרְיָה): This name means "Yah has said" or "Yah has promised." Amariah is consistently found as a descendant of Meraioth in the high priestly lists (e.g., 1 Chr 6:7, 9:12, 2 Chr 19:11, Neh 10:3, 11:4). The repetition of his name across different scriptural lists confirms his position within the legitimate lineage, indicating divine endorsement of their office.
• the son of Ahitub:
  • Hebrew: בֶּן־אֲחִיטוּב (ben ʼAḥiṭuv).
  • "Ahitub" (אֲחִיטוּב): This name means "my brother is goodness" or "brother of goodness." This Ahitub is a crucial figure in the high priestly genealogy as he is widely understood to be the father of Zadok, whose descendants ultimately gained prominence and became the dominant high priestly line after Solomon’s time, often referred to as the Zadokite priests. The inclusion of Ahitub here is therefore paramount to connect the post-exilic priesthood to the established and divinely recognized Zadokite line.

Words-group analysis

• "The son of..., the son of..., the son of...": This repetitive genealogical formula (e.g., 'X ben Y') is characteristic of biblical genealogies. Its function is primarily to establish linear succession, demonstrating continuity, legitimacy, and often hereditary right or status. In the context of the high priesthood, this structure strongly affirms the divine institution of the priestly office passing from generation to generation through specified, legitimate descendants, ensuring that only those truly called and recognized could hold this sacred responsibility. This chain of "sons" is not merely historical record; it is theological affirmation, validating the continuous presence of the covenant mediator within Israel.

1 Chronicles 6 47 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's unique emphasis on the Levites and priests, even more than in Samuel-Kings, highlights his theological agenda of portraying a righteous kingdom centered on temple worship.
• This specific lineage ensures that the high priests serving in the Second Temple era (when Chronicles was likely compiled) could trace their heritage back to the original Aaronic priesthood, thereby solidifying their authority.
• While another "Ahitub" is known as the father of Ahimelech (from the line of Eli, descendants of Ithamar, Aaron's other son), this Ahitub in 1 Chr 6:47 belongs to the Eleazar line, specifically leading to Zadok, whom Solomon elevated to the exclusive high priestly office. The Chronicler emphasizes this specific legitimate branch.

1 Chronicles 6 47 Commentary

This seemingly straightforward verse, a simple succession of three names, is profoundly significant within the Chronicler's narrative and for the returned community of Judah. By listing Meraioth, Amariah, and Ahitub, the Chronicler meticulously underscores the unbroken continuity of the legitimate high priestly lineage descended from Aaron through Eleazar and Phinehas. This attention to detail reflects a deep concern for correct worship and established divine order after the Babylonian exile. The genealogies in Chronicles, far from being mere dry lists, served a vital practical and theological purpose: they validated claims to temple service and property among the returnees. For those seeking to re-establish proper sacrificial worship, an indisputable link to the historical, divinely appointed priesthood was essential. This verse is part of a larger literary effort to affirm God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant and to inspire confidence in the spiritual authority guiding the nascent community, culminating in the line that led to Zadok and beyond, whose priestly duties were fundamental to Israel's identity and worship under the Old Covenant.