Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son.

1 CHRONICLES 6:21KJV
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1 Chronicles 6:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:21 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:21 lists a sequence of descendants: Joah, Iddo, Zerah, and Jeaterai, each identified as the son of the one before him. This verse is part of a genealogy tracing the lineage of the Levites, the priestly tribe in ancient Israel.

This genealogy is recorded by the author of 1 Chronicles, likely for an audience of Israelites returning from exile who needed to reestablish their priestly and Levitical lines. The verse’s main purpose is to document the family line, showing the continuity and legitimacy of the Levite families who served in temple worship.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:21 matters

  • This verse helps establish the historical record of the Levite families, which was crucial for assigning temple duties and preserving Israel’s religious traditions.
  • By naming each generation, the verse emphasizes the importance of heritage and continuity in the priestly service.
  • Understanding this genealogy helps readers see how the Levites’ roles were passed down and why certain families had specific responsibilities in Israel’s worship life.

Where else these words appear

“Joah” Hebrew H3098 · used in 10 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 26:4 Moreover the sons of Obededom were, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth,
  • Isaiah 36:3 Then came forth unto him Eliakim, Hilkiah's son, which was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph's son, the recorder.

“Iddo” Hebrew H5714 · used in 10 verses

  • 1 Kings 4:14 Ahinadab the son of Iddo had Mahanaim:
  • Ezra 5:1 Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.
  • Nehemiah 12:16 Of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam;

“Zerah” Hebrew H2226 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 36:13 And these are the sons of Reuel; Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife.
  • Numbers 26:20 And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:4 And Tamar his daughter in law bare him Pharez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah were five.