And Shallum begat Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begat Azariah,

1 CHRONICLES 6:13KJV
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1 Chronicles 6:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:13 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:13 records part of a family line, stating that Shallum was the father of Hilkiah, and Hilkiah was the father of Azariah. This verse is part of a genealogy listing the descendants of Levi, focusing on the priestly line.

This verse appears in a section where the writer of Chronicles is carefully tracing the ancestry of Israel’s priests. The names mentioned—Shallum, Hilkiah, and Azariah—are part of the succession of high priests, showing the continuity of the priesthood through generations. The verse helps establish the legitimacy and heritage of those who served in Israel’s temple.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:13

  • The word "begat" (יָלַד, yalad) means "to father" or "to bring forth." In genealogies like this, it highlights direct descent and the passing of family roles or responsibilities.
  • "Hilkiah" (חִלְקִיָּה, ḥilqiyyāh) means "my portion is Yahweh." This name reflects a common practice of embedding references to God in personal names, especially among priests.
  • "Azariah" (עֲזַרְיָה, ‘azaryāh) means "Yahweh has helped." This name, too, points to a relationship with God, which is fitting in a priestly lineage.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:13 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the specific line of high priests, which is important for understanding the leadership structure in ancient Israel’s worship.
  • By naming each generation, the Chronicler emphasizes the continuity and faithfulness of God’s provision for spiritual leadership.
  • Seeing these names in context connects the reader to other biblical stories, as some of these priests appear in key moments elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“Hilkiah” Hebrew H2518 · used in 31 verses

  • 2 Kings 18:18 And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:45 The son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah,
  • Ezra 7:1 Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

“Azariah” 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.