1 Chronicles 6:46 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:46 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:46 lists part of a genealogy, stating that someone was the son of Amzi, who was the son of Bani, who was the son of Shamer. This verse is one link in a longer family line, tracing the ancestry of certain Levites.

This verse appears in a section where the writer of 1 Chronicles is recording the descendants of Levi, the tribe responsible for religious duties in ancient Israel. The names mentioned—Amzi, Bani, and Shamer—are part of a careful record showing the priestly lineage, which was important for temple service and leadership.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:46

• The word "son" (בֵּן, ben, H1121) is used repeatedly here. In Hebrew genealogies, "ben" can mean a direct son or a more distant male descendant, so the list may skip generations.
• "Amzi" (אַמְצִי, Amtsi, H557), "Bani" (בָּנִי, Bani, H1137), and "Shamer" (שָׁמֵר, Shamer, H8106) are personal names. Each name in this list represents a real person from the tribe of Levi, and their inclusion signals their family's role in Israel's religious history.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:46 matters

• This verse helps clarify the continuity of the Levitical priesthood by showing exactly how certain families were connected, which was crucial for temple service eligibility.
• By preserving these names, the Chronicler emphasizes the importance of heritage and faithful record-keeping in Israel’s worship life.
• Understanding these genealogies helps readers see how the Old Testament roots the story of Israel in real families and historical continuity, not just abstract ideas.