1 Chronicles 6:37 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:37 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:37 lists part of a genealogy, naming Tahath, Assir, Ebiasaph, and Korah as ancestors in a family line. The verse is tracing the descendants of Levi, specifically through the line of Korah, to show the priestly heritage.

This verse appears in a section where the writer is recording the family lines of the Levites, who were responsible for temple service in ancient Israel. The genealogy helps establish the legitimacy and roles of certain families among the Levites. By naming each ancestor, the passage connects later generations to their roots in Israel’s early history.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:37

• בֵּן (ben, H1121): This word means "son" and is used repeatedly to show the direct father-son relationship between each name in the genealogy. It emphasizes the unbroken lineage.
• תָּחַת (Tahath, H8480): This is a personal name, included to identify a specific ancestor in the line. Each name marks a real person known in Israel’s tradition.
• אֲסִּיר (Assir, H617): Another personal name, Assir, helps pinpoint the exact branch of the family tree being described.
• אֶבְיָסָף (Ebiasaph, H43): This name continues the chain, showing the careful record-keeping of priestly families.
• קֹרַח (Korah, H7141): Korah is a significant figure in Israel’s history, remembered for his role in the wilderness period, and his descendants had a lasting role in temple worship.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:37 matters

• This genealogy clarifies the specific line of Levites who descended from Korah, which is important for understanding later references to the "sons of Korah" in the Psalms and temple service.
• The verse highlights the importance of heritage and continuity in Israel’s religious leadership, showing that roles and responsibilities were passed down through well-documented family lines.
• By connecting these names, the passage roots Israel’s worship practices in real historical families, reinforcing the authenticity and order of temple service.