As for Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah; Zophai his son, and Nahath his son,

1 CHRONICLES 6:26KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 6:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:26 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:26 lists part of a family line, stating that Elkanah had sons named Zophai and Nahath. This verse is part of a genealogy, showing the descendants of Elkanah.

The book of 1 Chronicles is recording the ancestry of the Levites, the tribe responsible for temple duties in Israel. This verse specifically traces the lineage of Elkanah, who is known elsewhere as the father of Samuel, a key figure in Israel’s history. The verse simply names two of his sons, placing them in the wider context of the tribe’s family tree.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:26

  • אֶלְקָנָה (Elqanah, transliterated "Elkanah") means “God has created” or “God has possessed.” This name is significant because Elkanah is a notable figure in Israel’s history, especially as the father of Samuel.
  • בֵּן (ben, transliterated "ben") means “son.” This word is used repeatedly in genealogies to show direct descent, emphasizing the family line.
  • צוֹפַי (Tsophai, transliterated "Zophai") and נַחַת (Nachath, transliterated "Nahath") are personal names. Their inclusion here helps preserve the specific branches of Elkanah’s lineage, which mattered for roles and inheritance among the Levites.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies the specific line of Elkanah within the Levite tribe, which is important for understanding the family background of Samuel and the priestly duties assigned to his descendants.
  • By listing these names, the verse helps connect later biblical figures to their ancestral roots, which was crucial for establishing legitimacy and roles in Israelite society.
  • The genealogy in this chapter shows the careful record-keeping of the Levites, highlighting the importance of heritage and continuity in Israel’s religious life.

Where else these words appear

“Zophai” Hebrew H6689 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:
  • 1 Samuel 9:5 And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:35 The son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,

“Nahath” Hebrew H5184 · used in 5 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.
  • Genesis 36:17 And these are the sons of Reuel Esau's son; duke Nahath, duke Zerah, duke Shammah, duke Mizzah: these are the dukes that came of Reuel in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:37 The sons of Reuel; Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.

“Elkanah” Hebrew H511 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 6:24 And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these are the families of the Korhites.
  • 1 Samuel 1:23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:34 The son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,