The son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,

1 CHRONICLES 6:36KJV
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1 Chronicles 6:36 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:36 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:36 lists part of a genealogy, naming Elkanah as the son of Joel, who was the son of Azariah, who was the son of Zephaniah. This verse is tracing the family line of the Levites, specifically those connected to the priestly duties in ancient Israel.

This genealogy is part of a larger section where the writer is carefully recording the ancestry of the Levites for the returned exiles. The focus here is on establishing the legitimacy and continuity of the priestly line, which was important for temple service. Each name connects one generation to the next, showing how the priestly office was passed down through families.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:36

  • The word "son" (בֵּן, ben) appears repeatedly and simply means "son" or "descendant." In genealogies, this word can sometimes skip generations, but here it is used to show a direct line.
  • "Elkanah" (אֶלְקָנָה, Elqanah) means "God has created" or "God has possessed." He is a notable name in Levitical history, also known as the father of Samuel in other contexts.
  • "Joel" (יוֹאֵל, Yoel) means "Yahweh is God." This name is common in the Old Testament and often marks someone with a religious heritage.
  • "Azariah" (עֲזַרְיָה, Azaryah) means "Yahweh has helped." The use of this name highlights a theme of divine assistance in the family line.
  • "Zephaniah" (צְפַנְיָה, Tsephanyah) means "Yahweh has hidden" or "protected." This name may reflect a hope or prayer for God's protection over the family.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:36 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the continuity of the priestly line, which was crucial for the legitimacy of temple worship after the exile.
  • It emphasizes the importance of family heritage and the passing down of spiritual responsibilities in ancient Israel.
  • By listing these specific names, the chronicler connects the returned exiles to their spiritual ancestors, reinforcing their identity and role in the community.

Where else these words appear

“Zephaniah” Hebrew H6846 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Kings 25:18 And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:
  • Jeremiah 29:29 And Zephaniah the priest read this letter in the ears of Jeremiah the prophet.
  • Zephaniah 1:1 The word of the LORD which came unto Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hizkiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.

“Joel” Hebrew H3100 · used in 19 verses

  • 1 Samuel 8:2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:3 And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:22 The sons of Jehieli; Zetham, and Joel his brother, which were over the treasures of the house of the LORD.

“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.

“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.