And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Ahimaaz,

1 CHRONICLES 6:8KJV
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1 Chronicles 6:8 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:8 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:8 lists part of a family line, stating that Ahitub was the father of Zadok, and Zadok was the father of Ahimaaz. This verse is part of a genealogy tracing the descendants of the priests in ancient Israel.

This verse appears in a section where the writer is recording the lineage of the Levites, specifically the priestly family descended from Aaron. The names mentioned—Ahitub, Zadok, and Ahimaaz—are important because they show the continuity of the priesthood and help establish the historical record of who served in these sacred roles.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:8

  • בּוֹרֵא (begat, "yalad"): This Hebrew word means "to father" or "to bring forth." In genealogies like this, it marks the direct line of descent and highlights the importance of family heritage in the priesthood.
  • צָדוֹק (Zadok, "tsadok"): The name means "righteous" or "just." Zadok is a significant figure because he served as high priest during the reigns of David and Solomon, marking a key period in Israel’s religious history.
  • אֲחִימַעַץ (Ahimaaz, "achima‘ats"): This name means "my brother is anger" or possibly "my brother is counselor." Ahimaaz is known elsewhere in the Bible as a messenger during King David’s reign.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:8 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the specific line of priestly succession, which was crucial for maintaining the legitimacy of temple service in ancient Israel.
  • By naming Zadok, the verse connects this genealogy to a well-known high priest, anchoring the priestly line in a period of stability and reform.
  • The genealogy in this chapter provides context for later events in Israel’s history, showing how the priesthood was passed down through generations.

Where else these words appear

“Ahitub” Hebrew H285 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:3 And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD'S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.
  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son,

“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.