1 Chronicles 6 5

1 Chronicles 6:5 kjv

And Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi,

1 Chronicles 6:5 nkjv

Abishua begot Bukki, and Bukki begot Uzzi;

1 Chronicles 6:5 niv

Abishua the father of Bukki, Bukki the father of Uzzi,

1 Chronicles 6:5 esv

Abishua fathered Bukki, Bukki fathered Uzzi,

1 Chronicles 6:5 nlt

Abishua was the father of Bukki.
Bukki was the father of Uzzi.

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 5 Meaning

1 Chronicles 6:5 continues the genealogical record of the high priests, descendants of Aaron through his son Eleazar. It precisely lists six consecutive names: Bukki, Uzzi, Zerahiah, Meraioth, Amariah, and Ahitub. The purpose of this verse, as part of the broader chapter and book, is to establish and authenticate the legitimate lineage of the priesthood from the time of Moses down to the post-exilic era, thereby affirming the proper succession and authority for temple worship. It highlights God's faithfulness in maintaining His ordained covenant and order within the Israelite community.

1 Chronicles 6 5 Context

First Chronicles chapter 6 focuses exclusively on the lineage of Levi, the priestly tribe. Within this, verses 1-15 (English numbering) provide a detailed and foundational genealogy of the high priests from Aaron to the return from Babylonian exile. Verse 5 is a direct continuation of this sequential listing, following the earlier names of Eleazar, Phinehas, and Abishua mentioned in verse 4.

Historically, the book of Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, possibly by Ezra or a contemporary priestly scribe. The returning exiles faced the critical task of re-establishing their identity, covenantal relationship with God, and national structure. Genealogies served as vital documents, affirming tribal distinctions, property rights, and most importantly, the legitimacy of the priesthood, which was central to the reconstituted temple worship. By meticulously tracing the high priestly line, 1 Chronicles 6:5, along with the surrounding verses, assured the community of the continuity and divine sanction of their religious leadership, countering any doubts or rival claims about the proper authority for approaching God through sacrificial worship.

1 Chronicles 6 5 Word analysis

• Bukki (Hebrew: בֻּקִּי, Buqqi)

  • Means: Likely related to "bubbling forth" or "one who opens/produces." In a genealogical context, its meaning primarily designates the individual in the unbroken high priestly line.
  • Significance: As a successor, Bukki ensured the perpetuation of the consecrated high priestly office during his tenure.

• Uzzi (Hebrew: עֻזִּי, ‘Uzzi)

  • Meaning: "My strength" or "my might." A common theme in biblical names, pointing to divine attributes or human characteristics.
  • Significance: He continued the sacred line, embodying the continuity of strength and authority vested in the Aaronic priesthood.

• Zerahiah (Hebrew: זְרַחְיָה, Zerachyah)

  • Meaning: "Yahweh has risen/shined" or "Yahweh has appeared." Contains the divine name Yahweh (Yah).
  • Significance: His name echoes God's divine revelation and presence, crucial for a priestly lineage that facilitated God's interaction with His people.

• Meraioth (Hebrew: מְרָיוֹת, Merayoth)

  • Meaning: Likely related to "rebellions" or "bitterness," or perhaps "places of looking/vision." It's significant as his descendants continued a vital part of the main priestly line (specifically the line leading to Zadok in other accounts, though 1 Chronicles does not explicitly connect this Meraioth to the specific line to Zadok within the high priest succession until later in the genealogy itself through the later Ahitub and Zadok mentioned).
  • Significance: His inclusion emphasizes the direct, historical succession of the priesthood, linking one generation to the next without interruption.

• Amariah (Hebrew: אֲמַרְיָה, ‘Amaryah)

  • Meaning: "Yahweh has said/spoken" or "Yahweh has promised." Another name containing the divine name Yahweh.
  • Significance: His name subtly points to the importance of God's Word and covenant faithfulness, which the priests were entrusted to teach and uphold.

• Ahitub (Hebrew: אֲחִיטוּב, ’Aḥiṭub)

  • Meaning: "My brother is goodness" or "brother of goodness."
  • Significance: A significant name in the priestly lineage as he is an ancestor of Zadok, who became the prominent high priest during David and Solomon's reign, whose descendants primarily served as high priests thereafter. This marks a critical link in the chain that legitimizes Zadok's family line's high priestly claim after Abiathar's removal.

• Words-group Analysis (Bukka, Uzzi, Zerahiah, Meraioth, Amariah, Ahitub):

  • List of names without actions: The primary purpose of this verse is a sequential, exhaustive list, not a narrative of deeds. This underscores the structural importance of an unbroken lineage. The individuals' personal achievements are secondary to their position within the divinely appointed chain of priesthood.
  • Embodiment of Covenant Continuity: The presence of each name ensures the unbroken transfer of sacred office and its attendant responsibilities from one generation to the next, upholding God's covenant with Levi.
  • Foundational for Post-Exilic Identity: For the audience in the post-exilic period, these precise names served as a verifiable roster of their ancestral spiritual leaders, validating their current priesthood and temple operations.

1 Chronicles 6 5 Bonus section

• Chronicles' Unique Emphasis: While other books (like Exodus, Numbers) detail the establishment of the priesthood, Chronicles distinctively expands and foregrounds genealogies, particularly the Levites and priests. This indicates a heightened concern for rightful heritage and office, crucial for a people rebuilding their identity and worship after the devastation of exile.
• Anticipation of the Ultimate Priest: This diligent tracing of the high priestly line subtly sets the stage for a deeper understanding of Christ. Although He did not come from the Aaronic line but rather from Judah and the order of Melchizedek (Heb 7), the Old Testament priesthood established the pattern of a divinely appointed mediator and representative who makes atonement. The continuity and sacred nature of the Aaronic succession highlight the immense significance of God providing a qualified mediator for His people.
• Scribal Precision and Trustworthiness: The inclusion of such detailed genealogical lists, especially without any commentary on the individuals themselves, reflects the scribal dedication to preserving historical and religious records. This commitment implies the profound value and trustworthiness ascribed to these divine appointments and historical records by the chronicler and his community.

1 Chronicles 6 5 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:5 serves as a testament to the meticulous care with which the sacred lineage of Israel's high priesthood was preserved. It does not offer a narrative of events or personal biographies but rather acts as a precise registry, highlighting the divine faithfulness in maintaining an unbroken line from Aaron. This genealogical precision was crucial for the post-exilic community. It affirmed the legitimacy of their current priests and sacrificial system, demonstrating that the tabernacle and later temple services were being administered by those directly appointed by God through their heritage. This succession underscores the covenant God made with Aaron and Levi, promising a perpetual priesthood, and implicitly points towards the need for an ordered, authorized pathway for humanity to approach God.