And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum,

1 CHRONICLES 6:12KJV
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1 Chronicles 6:12 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:12 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:12 lists part of a family line, stating that Ahitub was the father of Zadok, and Zadok was the father of Shallum. This verse is part of a genealogy tracing the priestly descendants in Israel.

The book of 1 Chronicles was written to record the history and lineage of Israel, especially focusing on the tribe of Levi and the priesthood. In this section, the writer is listing the ancestors of the priests who served in the temple, showing the continuity of the priestly line from one generation to the next.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:12

  • בּוֹרֵא (begat, transliterated "yalad" H3205): This Hebrew word means "to father" or "to bring forth." In genealogies, it is used to show direct descent, emphasizing the biological and legal connection between generations.
  • צָדוֹק (Zadok, transliterated "Tsadok" H6659): The name Zadok means "righteous" or "just." Zadok is a significant figure in Israel's priestly history, later serving as high priest during King David's reign.
  • שַׁלּוּם (Shallum, transliterated "Shallum" H7967): The name Shallum means "retribution" or "reward." Including his name here links the priestly line to later generations known in Israel's history.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:12 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the direct priestly line, showing the legitimate succession from Ahitub to Zadok and then to Shallum, which was important for temple service and leadership in Israel.
  • By naming Zadok, the verse connects to a well-known priest who played a key role in Israel's spiritual life, especially during King David's time, highlighting the importance of faithful leadership.
  • The genealogy in this chapter reassures readers that the priesthood was preserved through generations, even after times of national upheaval, supporting the chronicler's goal of encouraging post-exile Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Ahitub” Hebrew H285 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:3 And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD'S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.
  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son,

“Shallum” Hebrew H7967 · used in 26 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:10 And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:25 Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son.
  • Ezra 2:42 The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine.

“Zadok” Hebrew H6659 · used in 50 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
  • 1 Kings 1:34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.
  • 1 Chronicles 24:3 And David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in their service.