Eleazar begat Phinehas, Phinehas begat Abishua,

1 CHRONICLES 6:4KJV
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1 Chronicles 6:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:4 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:4 lists part of a family line, stating that Eleazar was the father of Phinehas, and Phinehas was the father of Abishua. This verse is part of a genealogy tracing the descendants of the priestly tribe of Levi.

This genealogy is being recorded by the author of 1 Chronicles, likely for the people of Israel after the exile, to show the priestly line’s continuity. The verse highlights the direct succession from Eleazar through Phinehas to Abishua, which is important for establishing the legitimacy of the priesthood and its historical roots.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:4

  • יָלַד (yalad, "begat"): This Hebrew word means "to give birth" or "to father." In genealogies like this, it marks the direct parent-child relationship, emphasizing the unbroken line from one generation to the next.
  • פִּינְחָס (Pinchas, "Phinehas"): The name Phinehas is significant because he is a well-known priestly figure in Israel’s history, remembered for his zeal and leadership. Mentioning him in the line adds weight to the priestly heritage.
  • אֲבִישׁוּעַ (Avishua, "Abishua"): Including Abishua by name shows the careful preservation of even lesser-known descendants, underlining the importance of every link in the priestly chain.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:4 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the specific line of descent for the high priests, which was crucial for the Israelites to validate who could serve in the temple.
  • By naming each generation, the verse connects the present priesthood back to key historical figures, reinforcing the legitimacy and continuity of their role.
  • In the wider context of 1 Chronicles, this genealogy supports the book’s purpose of restoring national identity and religious order after the exile.

Where else these words appear

“Abishua” Hebrew H50 · used in 5 verses

“Phinehas” Hebrew H6372 · used in 24 verses

  • Exodus 6:25 And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.
  • Joshua 22:32 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again.
  • 1 Samuel 4:19 And his daughter in law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her.

“Eleazar” Hebrew H499 · used in 70 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 27:2 And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,
  • Joshua 22:31 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD.