Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son.

1 CHRONICLES 6:53KJV
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1 Chronicles 6:53 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:53 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:53 lists part of a family line, stating that Zadok was the father of Ahimaaz. This verse is part of a genealogy tracing the descendants of Aaron, the first high priest, showing the priestly line through Zadok to his son Ahimaaz.

In this section, the writer is recording the ancestry of Israel’s priests for the returned exiles, emphasizing the legitimacy and continuity of the priesthood. Zadok was a significant priest during King David’s reign, and mentioning his son Ahimaaz highlights the ongoing priestly succession.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:53

  • צָדוֹק (tsadok): This name means “righteous” or “just.” Zadok was a notable priest, and his name carries the idea of uprightness, which was important for a spiritual leader.
  • בֵּן (ben): This word means “son.” It is used to show direct descent, making it clear that Ahimaaz is the biological son of Zadok.
  • אֲחִימַעַץ (achima’atz): This name is often understood as “my brother is anger” or “brother of counsel.” Naming Ahimaaz connects him to Zadok’s legacy and the priestly line.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:53 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the priestly line, showing that the priesthood was passed down through specific families, which was crucial for Israel’s religious structure.
  • By naming Zadok and Ahimaaz, the verse connects the story of Israel’s worship in the time of David and Solomon to the later generations, grounding the priesthood in real historical figures.
  • The genealogy reassures the returned exiles that their priests have a legitimate, traceable lineage back to Aaron, reinforcing the authority of their religious leaders.

Where else these words appear

“Ahimaaz” Hebrew H290 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:50 And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.
  • 2 Samuel 17:20 And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.
  • 2 Samuel 18:28 And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said, Blessed be the LORD thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king.

“Zadok” Hebrew H6659 · used in 50 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
  • 1 Kings 1:34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.
  • 1 Chronicles 24:3 And David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in their service.