The son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,

1 CHRONICLES 6:34KJV
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1 Chronicles 6:34 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:34 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:34 lists part of a family line, naming Elkanah as the son of Jeroham, who was the son of Eliel, who was the son of Toah. This verse is part of a genealogy that traces the ancestry of a particular family within the tribe of Levi.

This genealogy is being recorded by the writer of 1 Chronicles, likely for the people of Israel returning from exile, to show the priestly lineage. The names listed here are ancestors of Samuel, a key figure in Israel’s history, and the genealogy helps establish the legitimacy and heritage of the Levites who served in the temple.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:34

  • בֵּן (ben, H1121): This word means "son." It is used repeatedly to show direct descent from one generation to the next, emphasizing the importance of lineage in Israelite society.
  • אֶלְקָנָה (Elqanah, H511): This is the name "Elkanah," which means "God has created" or "God has possessed." Elkanah is known as the father of Samuel, making this genealogy significant for connecting Samuel to the Levitical line.
  • יְרֹחָם (Yerocham, H3395): This is the name "Jeroham," meaning "may he be compassionate." Including Jeroham in the list helps clarify the exact branch of the family being traced.
  • אֱלִיאֵל (Eliel, H447): This is the name "Eliel," meaning "God is God." Each name in the genealogy often carries a meaning that reflects faith or attributes of God.
  • תֹּחַ (Toach, H8430): This is the name "Toah," which is less common and its meaning is uncertain, but its inclusion marks another link in the chain of ancestry.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:34 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the priestly lineage, showing that Samuel’s family came from the Levites, which was important for their role in worship and temple service.
  • The genealogy connects Samuel, a prophet and judge, to the tribe of Levi, reinforcing his authority and the legitimacy of his ministry in Israel’s history.
  • By carefully listing each ancestor, the Chronicler emphasizes the importance of heritage and continuity in Israel’s religious life, especially after the exile when reestablishing identity was crucial.

Where else these words appear

“Jeroham” Hebrew H3395 · used in 10 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 Chronicles 9:8 And Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephathiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah;
  • 1 Chronicles 27:22 Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel.

“Eliel” Hebrew H447 · used in 10 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 5:24 And these were the heads of the house of their fathers, even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty men of valour, famous men, and heads of the house of their fathers.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,
  • 1 Chronicles 15:9 Of the sons of Hebron; Eliel the chief, and his brethren fourscore:

“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 6:27 Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son.