1 Chronicles 6 6

1 Chronicles 6:6 kjv

And Uzzi begat Zerahiah, and Zerahiah begat Meraioth,

1 Chronicles 6:6 nkjv

Uzzi begot Zerahiah, and Zerahiah begot Meraioth;

1 Chronicles 6:6 niv

Uzzi the father of Zerahiah, Zerahiah the father of Meraioth,

1 Chronicles 6:6 esv

Uzzi fathered Zerahiah, Zerahiah fathered Meraioth,

1 Chronicles 6:6 nlt

Uzzi was the father of Zerahiah.
Zerahiah was the father of Meraioth.

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 6 Meaning

This verse states a simple genealogical fact within the high priestly line of Levi, specifically tracing the descendants of Aaron through his son Eleazar. It identifies Abishua as the father of Bukki, and Bukki as the father of Uzzi, thereby documenting the continuous and divinely appointed succession of the priesthood crucial for the integrity of Israel's worship and national identity.

1 Chronicles 6 6 Context

First Chronicles 6:6 is part of an extensive genealogical section spanning chapters 1 through 9. This particular chapter focuses on the descendants of Levi, detailing the lineages of Gershom, Kohath, and Merari, and paying special attention to the priestly line descending from Aaron through Eleazar (verses 3-15). These genealogies were paramount for the post-exilic community in Israel. They served to re-establish tribal identity, legitimate land claims, and, critically for this verse, validate the legitimate priesthood upon the return from Babylonian captivity. The meticulous recording of names like Abishua, Bukki, and Uzzi provided a vital link in the unbroken chain of high priestly succession, confirming their authority and right to minister in the newly rebuilt Temple. For the Chronicler’s audience, this continuity was an affirmation of God's enduring covenant and faithful ordering of His people.

1 Chronicles 6 6 Word analysis

• and (וְ - wĕ-): A simple conjunction linking this genealogical statement to the previous one (1 Chr 6:5), showing continuity and sequential descent within the line of Eleazar.
• Abishua (אֲבִישׁוּעַ - ’Avishua): The Hebrew name means "my father is salvation" or "father of salvation." While the etymology of the name holds symbolic potential (pointing to God as the source of salvation), its primary function in this verse is to serve as a name in the genealogical record. He is listed as a pivotal figure, linking the past generation (Phinehas) to the succeeding one (Bukki) in the high priestly line.
• begot (הוֹלִיד - hôlîḏ): This Hebrew verb, derived from yalad, means "to father," "to beget," or "to cause to bear." Used in the Hiphil imperfect form, it emphasizes the active role of the father in procreation and establishes a direct, linear, and legitimate ancestral connection. In genealogical contexts like Chronicles, it implies succession, divine ordering, and rightful claim to inherited status, particularly the priesthood here.
• Bukki (בֻּקִּי - Buqqî): The Hebrew name's meaning is somewhat obscure, possibly "spoiler" or "hollow." It doesn't carry significant theological weight within the verse itself but represents a distinct, necessary link in the priestly lineage.
• and (וְ - wĕ-): Another conjunction, here linking two independent, though structurally identical, genealogical clauses within the same verse, emphasizing further progression in the line.
• Bukki (בֻּקִּי - Buqqî): Repeated from the first clause, functioning as the progenitor in the second clause. This repetition is characteristic of genealogical lists, reinforcing the direct line of descent.
• begot (הוֹלִיד - hôlîḏ): Same verb as before, affirming the successive generation from Bukki.
• Uzzi (עֻזִּי - ‘Uzzî): The Hebrew name means "my strength." Similar to Abishua, while the name itself is resonant, its primary role is as a named individual in the priestly lineage.

• "Abishua begot Bukki, and Bukki begot Uzzi": This phrase forms the core structure of the verse. It is a common pattern in biblical genealogies (e.g., Gen 5), creating an unbroken chain of father-to-son succession. In this priestly lineage, it underscores the importance of a clear and legitimate line of descent for those authorized to minister before God. It emphasizes order, continuity, and the precise fulfillment of divine appointment through biological heritage as prescribed for the Aaronite priesthood. The meticulous recording signifies divine faithfulness to His established order.

1 Chronicles 6 6 Bonus section

The chronicler's emphasis on the priestly line through Eleazar (Aaron's elder surviving son after Nadab and Abihu died - Lev 10) indicates a theological focus on purity and legitimacy within the cult. This detailed lineage underscores the principle that the authority to mediate between God and His people was divinely designated and inherited through an uncorrupted line, which was particularly important for a community returning from exile and seeking to re-establish proper worship. The very act of compiling and preserving such extensive genealogies points to a deeply ingrained Israelite understanding of history as providentially guided and meticulously recorded by God for His people.

1 Chronicles 6 6 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:6 is a specific, brief link in the longer chain of priestly genealogy, meticulously preserved by the Chronicler. Its significance lies not in its content as a theological statement or command, but in its role as an indispensable piece of the authoritative record of the legitimate Aaronite high priesthood. For the post-exilic community, this detailed list, tracing back to Aaron, provided concrete evidence of the proper succession, crucial for re-establishing the Temple service according to divine command. The continuous "begot" clauses confirm an unbroken lineage, reinforcing stability and divine order in Israel's most sacred office, countering any potential challenges to its legitimacy. It quietly attests to God's faithfulness in maintaining the Levitical covenant until the perfect and enduring priesthood of Christ was inaugurated.