1 Chronicles 6 8

1 Chronicles 6:8 kjv

And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Ahimaaz,

1 Chronicles 6:8 nkjv

Ahitub begot Zadok, and Zadok begot Ahimaaz;

1 Chronicles 6:8 niv

Ahitub the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Ahimaaz,

1 Chronicles 6:8 esv

Ahitub fathered Zadok, Zadok fathered Ahimaaz,

1 Chronicles 6:8 nlt

Ahitub was the father of Zadok.
Zadok was the father of Ahimaaz.

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 8 Meaning

This verse, "and Ahitub begot Zadok, and Zadok begot Ahimaaz," establishes a specific link in the genealogical record of the priestly line descending from Aaron, specifically through his son Eleazar. It underscores the continuation of the legitimate high priestly lineage, crucial for the spiritual administration and proper worship in ancient Israel. It particularly highlights the ascendancy of the Zadokite line, which held a significant and dominant position in the priesthood, especially from the time of David and Solomon onwards.

1 Chronicles 6 8 Context

Verse Context: 1 Chronicles 6:8 is part of a larger genealogical record (1 Chr 6:1-15) detailing the descendants of Levi. Within this record, it specifically contributes to tracing the high priestly line from Aaron through Eleazar, whose descendants, particularly the Zadokite branch, became paramount in Israel's religious life. This verse meticulously connects Zadok, a significant figure in David and Solomon's reigns, back to his legitimate high priestly heritage, ensuring his authority was recognized within the established succession.

Chapter Context: Chapter 6 of 1 Chronicles is primarily dedicated to the genealogies of the tribe of Levi. It carefully differentiates the three sons of Levi—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—and then extensively focuses on the descendants of Kohath, as Aaron, and thus the high priestly line, belonged to this family. The purpose of this detailed genealogy is to validate the lineage of the priests and Levites who served in the tabernacle and later the Temple. For the post-exilic community, establishing this accurate and unbroken lineage was critical for re-establishing proper worship, ensuring that only those with legitimate heritage served in the sacred roles.

Historical Context: The book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed during the post-exilic period (after the return from Babylon). For this community, much of their identity and hopes were tied to the restoration of Jerusalem, the Temple, and proper worship. Genealogies served as essential legal and social documents to legitimize claims to land, status, and especially sacred offices. The emphasis on the Zadokite line of priests, specifically highlighted in this chapter, was vital because this lineage became the exclusive holders of the high priesthood after King Solomon established Zadok over Abiathar. By providing a clear and unbroken chain of descent, the Chronicler reinforces the divine approval and continuity of this crucial priestly family, combating any challenges to their authority and maintaining an ordered and legitimate worship system.

1 Chronicles 6 8 Word analysis

• and: (וַ) Wa- - A common Hebrew conjunction, functioning here as a simple connector, indicating continuation of the preceding genealogical list. It signifies the ongoing flow of generations.
• Ahitub: (אֲחִיטוּב) 'Achiytuv - Meaning "my brother is goodness" or "brother of good." He is listed here as the father of Zadok, linking the pre-Davidic priestly line to the crucial figure of Zadok. This Ahitub is distinct from Abiathar's father (1 Sam 22:20), indicating two different high priestly lineages in the earlier monarchy (Eleazar's and Ithamar's branches from Aaron). Chronicles focuses on the Eleazar/Zadok line.
• begot: (יָלַד) yalad - A fundamental Hebrew verb meaning "to bear," "to beget," "to give birth to." In genealogies, it signifies direct father-to-son succession. Its repetitive use emphasizes the meticulous tracking of direct descent, ensuring the purity and legitimacy of the line. This is more than mere procreation; it points to the divine ordering of lineage.
• Zadok: (צָדוֹק) Tzadoq - Meaning "righteous" or "just." Zadok was a high priest during the reigns of David and Solomon. He is a pivotal figure in Israel's history, especially known for his loyalty to David during Absalom's rebellion and his role in anointing Solomon as king. His lineage eventually became the sole legitimate line for the high priesthood (1 Kgs 2:35), especially significant in Ezekiel's prophecy concerning temple service (Ezek 40:46; 44:15). His name aptly reflects the character desired of one who stands before God.
• and: (וְ) Ve- - Another conjunctive wa- (or ve- after a vowel). Again, a simple connector signifying continuity.
• Ahimaaz: (אֲחִימַעַץ) 'Achiym'ats - Meaning "my brother is anger" or "my brother is a counselor of strength." Son of Zadok, known for his swiftness and loyalty as a messenger for King David, particularly during Absalom's revolt (2 Sam 18:19-29). While the biblical record does not explicitly state he succeeded Zadok as high priest (other genealogies suggest Azariah in the immediate succession), his inclusion here as Zadok's son maintains the generational chain within this significant priestly family.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• and Ahitub begot Zadok: This phrase specifically links the lineage leading to Zadok to the earlier, established priestly succession. It validates Zadok's authority and place in the priestly hierarchy not through usurpation, but through direct, legitimate descent from earlier priestly figures.
• and Zadok begot Ahimaaz: This phrase extends the vital Zadokite lineage forward by another generation, showing the continuation of this crucial priestly family. While Ahimaaz's role as high priest isn't definitive, his birth establishes the continuation of Zadok's house, important for tracing the later high priestly lines, like those mentioned in Ezra. The structure emphasizes the unbroken, generation-by-generation progression of a sacred line ordained by God.

1 Chronicles 6 8 Bonus section

The genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 6 often condenses or selectively presents information found in other Old Testament books (like Samuel and Kings), which primarily focus on historical narratives rather than strict lineage. In this chapter, the Chronicler's specific focus on the Zadokite line over the lineage of Abiathar (the Ithamarite branch of Aaron's descendants) is notable. While Abiathar served alongside Zadok during David's reign, he was later deposed by King Solomon, leaving Zadok as the sole high priest (1 Kgs 2:35). The Chronicler, writing from a post-exilic perspective, highlights the Zadokite line to validate the established priesthood of his time, emphasizing its unbroken and divinely sanctioned continuation from antiquity. This selective presentation serves a polemical purpose: it supports the legitimacy of the contemporary temple priests, tracing their heritage back through an untainted lineage directly associated with the ark and David's kingdom, culminating in Zadok. This careful enumeration underscored stability, divine authorization, and faithfulness to God’s ordinances regarding temple service for generations yet to come.

1 Chronicles 6 8 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:8 is more than a mere record of births; it is a profound theological statement affirming God's faithfulness in maintaining a legitimate priesthood for His people. This verse meticulously establishes the lineage of Zadok, a high priest whose authority became foundational for Israelite worship from David's time onwards. By tracing Zadok's descent through Ahitub, the Chronicler grounds Zadok's high office not in political expediency but in ancient, divinely ordered heritage stemming directly from Eleazar, Aaron's son. This meticulous detail would have resonated deeply with the post-exilic community, for whom proper worship and an undeniable priesthood were crucial for their identity and reconnection with God's covenant promises. The precise chain from Ahitub to Zadok and on to Ahimaaz reinforces the continuity of God's covenant with Levi, underscoring the ordered and legitimate transfer of sacred duties across generations. The names themselves, particularly Zadok meaning "righteous," point to the expected character and purpose of those who serve in such holy capacities, highlighting integrity and divine approval at the heart of the priesthood. This verse assures the reader that despite challenges and changes in Israel's history, God’s established order for His house of worship endured.