Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 6:43 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 6:43 lists part of a family line, saying that a certain person was the son of Jahath, who was the son of Gershom, who was the son of Levi. This verse is part of a genealogy showing the ancestry of the Levites. The book of 1 Chronicles was written to record the history and lineages of Israel, especially focusing on the tribes that served in the temple. In this verse, the writer is tracing the descendants of Levi, the tribe set apart for religious duties, through Gershom and Jahath. This helps establish the legitimacy and heritage of those who served in the temple worship.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:43

Accepted Answer

בֵּן (ben, H1121): This word means "son." It is used repeatedly in this verse to show the direct father-son relationships in the genealogy, emphasizing the unbroken line from Levi down through Gershom and Jahath. יַחַת (Yahath, H3189): This is a personal name, referring to a descendant in the line of Levi. Knowing the names helps connect different parts of the biblical record. גֵּרְשֹׁם (Gershom, H1647): Another personal name, Gershom is one of the sons of Levi. His descendants formed one of the main Levitical families. לֵוִי (Levi, H3878): Levi is the ancestor of the Levites, the tribe responsible for temple service. Mentioning Levi here roots the genealogy in the original tribe set apart for worship.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 6:43 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse helps clarify the specific family lines among the Levites, which was important for roles in temple service and worship. By tracing the ancestry back to Levi, the verse emphasizes the importance of heritage and proper lineage in Israel's religious life. It connects this genealogy to other passages in the Bible where these names appear, helping readers see the continuity and reliability of the biblical record.

1 Chronicles 6:43 (KJV)