And Johanan begat Azariah,(he it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)

1 CHRONICLES 6:10KJV
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1 Chronicles 6:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:10 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:10 records that Johanan was the father of Azariah, who served as a priest in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem. This verse highlights the lineage of priests and specifically notes Azariah’s important role in the temple’s service.

This verse is part of a genealogical list in 1 Chronicles, where the writer traces the descendants of Levi, focusing on the priestly line. The mention of Azariah serving in Solomon’s temple points to a time after the temple’s construction, emphasizing the continuity of priestly duties from one generation to the next in Jerusalem’s central place of worship.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:10

  • יְהוֹחָנָן (Yehōḥānān, "Johanan"): This name means "The LORD is gracious." Its inclusion shows the personal faith reflected in Israelite names and connects the priestly line to God’s character.
  • הֵיכָל (heikhal, "temple"): This word refers specifically to the temple building, not just any house or structure. It highlights that Azariah’s priestly service took place in the unique, sacred space built by Solomon.
  • בָּנָה (banah, "built"): This verb stresses that the temple was a constructed, established place, not a temporary tent, marking a significant shift in Israel’s worship practices.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:10 matters

  • The verse clarifies the continuity of the priestly line, showing that the office was passed down through families, which was central to Israel’s religious structure.
  • By naming Azariah as the priest who served in Solomon’s temple, the writer connects this genealogy to a key period in Israel’s history, grounding the priesthood in a real time and place.
  • This detail helps readers see the importance of the temple and its service in the life of Israel, not just as a building but as the center of worship and priestly activity.

Where else these words appear

“office” Hebrew H3547 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 28:1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
  • Exodus 31:10 And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
  • Numbers 3:3 These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.

“Johanan” Hebrew H3110 · used in 24 verses

  • 2 Kings 25:23 And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.
  • Nehemiah 12:22 The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.
  • Jeremiah 41:14 So all the people that Ishmael had carried away captive from Mizpah cast about and returned, and went unto Johanan the son of Kareah.

“Azariahhe” Hebrew H1931 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 2:11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
  • Genesis 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
  • Joshua 10:13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.

“Azariahhe” Hebrew H5838 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Kings 4:2 And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,
  • 1 Chronicles 6:9 And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,
  • 2 Chronicles 31:10 And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.