1 Chronicles 6 7

1 Chronicles 6:7 kjv

Meraioth begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub,

1 Chronicles 6:7 nkjv

Meraioth begot Amariah, and Amariah begot Ahitub;

1 Chronicles 6:7 niv

Meraioth the father of Amariah, Amariah the father of Ahitub,

1 Chronicles 6:7 esv

Meraioth fathered Amariah, Amariah fathered Ahitub,

1 Chronicles 6:7 nlt

Meraioth was the father of Amariah.
Amariah was the father of Ahitub.

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 7 Meaning

1 Chronicles 6:7 states: "Ahitub begot Zadok, and Zadok begot Ahimaaz." This verse, situated within a detailed genealogical record of the Levites and especially the Aaronic priesthood, traces a specific and critical lineage within the high priestly succession. It establishes the direct patrilineal descent through three key individuals – Ahitub, Zadok, and Ahimaaz – affirming their legitimate claim and role within the divinely appointed priestly office in Israel. The Chronicler emphasizes this line, particularly Zadok's, to validate the authoritative high priesthood that would minister in the Temple and guide post-exilic Israel.

1 Chronicles 6 7 Context

Chapter 6 of 1 Chronicles meticulously details the genealogies of the sons of Levi, the tribe designated by God for priestly and sanctuary service. The initial verses (1-15) specifically focus on the high priestly line of Aaron through his son Eleazar, meticulously tracing it through subsequent generations. This extended list is not merely a record but a foundational text for the post-exilic community for whom the Chronicler wrote. It serves to establish the legitimacy and continuity of the priesthood, particularly the line of Zadok, who would minister in the rebuilt Temple. This verse (6:7) falls directly within this crucial priestly genealogy, confirming the direct ancestral link for Zadok and highlighting his father, Ahitub, and his son, Ahimaaz, as part of this unbroken, divinely sanctioned succession. Historically, this line became the dominant and accepted high priestly lineage in Judah following the ousting of Abiathar by King Solomon (1 Kgs 2:27, 35).

1 Chronicles 6 7 Word analysis

• Ahitub (אֲחִיטוּב - ʼAchiyṭuwb): The name means "my brother is goodness" or "brother of goodness." In this specific context, he is the father of Zadok, linking the rising Zadokite line to a prior priestly generation. This is a distinct Ahitub from the grandfather of Ahimelech (Eli's line), as the Chronicler is focused on solidifying the Zadokite legitimacy. His inclusion here emphasizes Zadok's hereditary claim, connecting him to the established priestly family rather than implying a new, unproven start.
• begot (יָלַד - yalad): This Hebrew verb simply means "to beget" or "to give birth to." In genealogies, it signifies direct biological parentage and legal succession. It highlights the lineal continuation of the family, and crucially, in the case of priestly office, the hereditary transmission of the right to serve as priests. The repetitive use of this verb throughout the genealogies underscores the meticulous record-keeping for legitimacy.
• Zadok (צָדוֹק - Tsadowq): Meaning "righteous" or "just." Zadok was a pivotal figure who rose to prominence alongside Abiathar during David's reign. He famously remained loyal to King David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Sam 15:24-29) and later played a key role in anointing Solomon king (1 Kgs 1:32-39). Solomon subsequently removed Abiathar and established Zadok as the sole high priest (1 Kgs 2:27, 35). His lineage, presented here, became the foundational high priestly line that served from the time of Solomon through the second Temple period, prophesied to serve even in the eschatological Temple (Ezek 40:46, 44:15).
• Ahimaaz (אֲחִימַעַץ - ʼAchiyma'ats): Meaning "my brother is wrath" or "brother of anger." He was a loyal son of Zadok and a trusted messenger for King David during Absalom's revolt (2 Sam 15:27, 2 Sam 17:17-21, 2 Sam 18:19-33). While the text doesn't explicitly state that he succeeded Zadok as High Priest (instead, 1 Chr 6:8 states Azariah succeeded Zadok, or Zadok begot Ahimaaz and Ahimaaz begot Azariah depending on translation, suggesting either a rapid succession or a skipped generation), his inclusion solidifies the chain of legitimate succession from Zadok's esteemed line. The verse itself just states "Zadok begot Ahimaaz," not necessarily that Ahimaaz was the next High Priest immediately, but part of the continuous, recognized family line from whom the high priests came.

1 Chronicles 6 7 Bonus section

The prominence of the Zadokite line in Chronicles, solidified by verses like 1 Chr 6:7, reflects a theological emphasis shared by the prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel’s vision for the future temple specifies that "the Levitical priests, the sons of Zadok" (Ezek 44:15) would be the only ones permitted to approach the Lord to minister to Him, due to their faithfulness when other Levites strayed. This underscores a long-standing recognition and high regard for Zadok’s faithfulness, establishing his descendants as the ideal standard for purity and fidelity in priestly service. The Chronicler's genealogy therefore served not just historical, but also polemical and idealogical purposes, advocating for the true and faithful priestly lineage descended from Zadok.

1 Chronicles 6 7 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:7 serves as a vital link in the Chronicler's meticulously constructed priestly genealogy. Its inclusion underscores several critical aspects: the legitimacy of the Zadokite priesthood, tracing their unbroken lineage directly back to previous generations, establishing their hereditary right to lead in Israel's worship. This was paramount for the post-exilic community, affirming the continuity of God's covenant with Levi and Aaron through their recognized high priestly leadership. The verse highlights divine election and succession, showcasing how God continued to work through specific chosen families for the sacred duties. Furthermore, by placing Zadok firmly within this established line, it indirectly supports the historical shift of the high priesthood from Abiathar (from Eli's line) to Zadok, validating Solomon's decision and implicitly rejecting other priestly claims that emerged over time. It reinforces the idea that true service to God stemmed from an unbroken, divinely sanctioned lineage, reflecting God's order and specific appointment.