And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,

1 CHRONICLES 6:9KJV
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1 Chronicles 6:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:9 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:9 records part of a genealogy, stating that Ahimaaz was the father of Azariah, and Azariah was the father of Johanan. This verse is one link in a longer list tracing the descendants of the priestly line in Israel.

This genealogy is being recounted by the author of 1 Chronicles to document the lineage of the priests, specifically those descended from Aaron. The focus here is on showing the continuity of the priesthood through generations, which was important for Israel’s religious identity and leadership.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:9

  • אֲחִימַעַץ (Ahimaaz, Ahima‘atz): This name means "my brother is anger" or possibly "brother of counsel." It identifies a specific ancestor in the priestly line.
  • יָלַד (yalad, "begat"): This verb means "to father" or "to bring forth," emphasizing the direct parent-child relationship in the genealogy.
  • עֲזַרְיָה (Azariah, ‘Azaryah): This name means "Yahweh has helped," highlighting a common theme in Hebrew names that reflect faith in God’s assistance.
  • יוֹחָנָן (Johanan, Yochanan): This name means "Yahweh is gracious," another example of the way names often carried theological meaning in ancient Israel.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:9 matters

  • This verse helps establish the legitimacy and continuity of the priestly line, which was crucial for temple service and leadership in Israel.
  • The careful recording of names shows the importance of heritage and identity for the people of Israel, especially after periods of exile or turmoil.
  • The verse connects to the broader context of 1 Chronicles, which aims to remind the returned exiles of their roots and the faithfulness of God through generations.

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.

“Johanan” Hebrew H3110 · used in 24 verses

  • 2 Kings 25:23 And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.
  • Nehemiah 12:22 The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.
  • Jeremiah 41:14 So all the people that Ishmael had carried away captive from Mizpah cast about and returned, and went unto Johanan the son of Kareah.

“Azariah” Hebrew H5838 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Kings 4:2 And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,
  • 1 Chronicles 6:10 And Johanan begat Azariah,(he it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)
  • 2 Chronicles 31:10 And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.