1 Chronicles 6:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:28 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:28 lists the sons of Samuel, naming Vashni as the firstborn and Abiah as the second. This verse is part of a genealogy, simply recording the descendants of Samuel for the historical record.

The book of 1 Chronicles was written to document the lineage of important figures in Israel’s history, especially those connected to the priesthood and worship. Here, the chronicler is listing Samuel’s family as part of the broader genealogy of the tribe of Levi, since Samuel was a significant prophet and leader in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:28

• בְּנֵי (benê; H1121) means "sons." The use of this word shows the focus on family lines and descent, which is central to the genealogies in Chronicles.
• שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemu'el; H8050) means "Samuel." Naming Samuel here connects this genealogy to a well-known prophet, emphasizing his place in Israel’s history.
• בְּכוֹר (bekhor; H1060) means "firstborn." This word highlights the order of birth, which often carried legal and social significance in ancient Israel.
• וַשְׁנִי (Vashni; H2059) is the name given as Samuel’s firstborn. The name itself is rare and only appears in this context.
• אֲבִיָּה (Abiah; H29) is the name of Samuel’s other son, meaning "Yahweh is my father." This name reflects a common practice of embedding God’s name in personal names.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:28 matters

• This verse helps clarify the family line of Samuel, which is important for understanding the roles his descendants played in Israel’s worship and leadership.
• The listing of Samuel’s sons connects the prophetic tradition to the Levitical genealogies, showing the overlap between different kinds of leadership in Israel.
• The verse highlights the importance of accurate record-keeping in ancient Israel, especially regarding priestly and prophetic families.