1 Chronicles 6:1

KJV

¶ The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Levi {H3878}; Gershon {H1648}, Kohath {H6955}, and Merari {H4847}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Levi: Gershon, K'hat and M'rari.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

American Standard Version

The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:1 introduces the three foundational sons of Levi—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—establishing the primary lineage from which all subsequent Levitical families, their specific duties, and the priestly functions in ancient Israel would derive. This verse serves as a crucial gateway to the detailed genealogical record of the Levites, underscoring their unique and divinely appointed role in the religious life and worship of God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Book of 1 Chronicles commences with extensive genealogies, meticulously tracing the lineage of Israel from Adam, through the patriarchs, and down to the various tribes. This comprehensive historical record serves to establish the identity and continuity of God's covenant people, particularly for the post-exilic community. Chapter 6 specifically shifts focus to the tribe of Levi, setting them apart from the other tribes due to their unique divine appointment. This opening verse, by immediately identifying Levi's three primary sons, initiates the detailed account of their descendants, which is foundational for understanding the structure and function of the Tabernacle and later the Temple service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, genealogies were far more than mere lists of names; they were vital documents that established identity, affirmed inheritance rights, and, crucially for the Levites, validated qualifications for sacred service. Unlike the other tribes who received specific land inheritances, the Levites were consecrated to serve God directly, primarily in the Tabernacle and subsequently the Temple, supported by the tithes of the other tribes. This distinct arrangement, detailed in passages like [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance"), underscored their unique dedication. The naming of Levi's sons in this verse grounds the entire Levitical system, from the High Priesthood to the various temple ministries, in a divinely ordained lineage.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores **Divine Order and Purpose**, revealing God's meticulous organization within His covenant people, where each tribe and family had a designated place and function. It highlights the **Importance of Lineage**, demonstrating how ancestry was not just for identity but for establishing qualifications for sacred roles, particularly for the Levites who were "set apart" for service (cf. [Numbers 3:6-9](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6-9 - Levites given to Aaron")). Furthermore, it lays the **Foundation for Temple Service**, as the descendants of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari would later be responsible for the intricate tasks associated with the construction, transport, and maintenance of the Tabernacle, and the various duties within the future Temple, as elaborated in [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Levites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Levi (Hebrew, _Lewi'_):** The third son of Jacob and Leah, whose name means "joined" or "attached" (cf. [Genesis 29:34](/genesis/29-34 "Genesis 29:34 - Leah names Levi")). This etymology is remarkably fitting for the tribe that would later be "joined" to the Lord in special service, having no land inheritance but the Lord himself.
* **Gershon (Hebrew, _Gershon'_):** The firstborn son of Levi. While its precise etymology is debated, possibly meaning "expulsion" or "exile," his descendants, the Gershonites, were assigned specific duties related to the Tabernacle's coverings, curtains, and ropes (cf. [Numbers 3:25-26](/numbers/3-25 "Numbers 3:25-26 - Duties of the Gershonites")).
* **Kohath (Hebrew, _Qehat'_):** The second son of Levi. His name is often associated with "assembly" or "congregation." The Kohathites, from whom Moses and Aaron descended, were entrusted with the most sacred components of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, and the altars (cf. [Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Duties of the Kohathites")).
* **Merari (Hebrew, _Merari'_):** The third son of Levi. His name likely means "bitter" or "unhappy." The Merarites were responsible for the heavier elements of the Tabernacle, such as its framework, pillars, bases, and cords (cf. [Numbers 3:36-37](/numbers/3-36 "Numbers 3:36-37 - Duties of the Merarites")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Levi;":** This opening phrase immediately identifies the patriarch of the tribe, Levi, one of Jacob's twelve sons. It signals the commencement of a detailed genealogical account focusing on this specific lineage, whose descendants were divinely chosen and consecrated for a unique and central role in Israel's worship and national life.
* **"Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.":** This clause lists the three direct and foundational sons of Levi. By naming them, the verse establishes the three primary family divisions from which all subsequent Levitical clans would descend, each with distinct responsibilities and duties in the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, as meticulously detailed in other parts of the Pentateuch.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 6:1, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a profound theological statement. It functions as a form of **Historical Record** that grounds the present community in its past, ensuring continuity and legitimacy. For the Levites, this genealogical record establishes their **Authority** and **Qualification** for sacred service, demonstrating that their roles were divinely ordained and passed down through specific, chosen lines. The precise listing of the three sons also highlights **Divine Order** and **Purposeful Design**, emphasizing God's meticulous care in structuring His covenant people and their roles within His plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:1, though a simple genealogical entry, carries profound theological weight, underscoring God's meticulous and intentional design for His people. The setting apart of the Levites through these foundational family lines highlights the biblical principle of consecration—that certain individuals or groups are designated for sacred service to God. Their unique role as mediators, caretakers of the sanctuary, and teachers of the Law points to the necessity of a bridge between a holy God and sinful humanity, a theme that reverberates throughout Scripture. This verse affirms God's faithfulness in establishing a system of worship and governance that would guide Israel for centuries.

* [Numbers 3:6-9](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6-9 - Levites given to Aaron for service")
* [Deuteronomy 10:8](/deuteronomy/10-8 "Deuteronomy 10:8 - The Lord set apart the tribe of Levi")
* [Malachi 2:4-7](/malachi/2-4 "Malachi 2:4-7 - God's Covenant with Levi")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Even in what appears to be a mere list of names, 1 Chronicles 6:1 offers profound insights into God's character and His purposes for His people. It reminds us that God is a God of order, intentionality, and meticulous care, even in the details of lineage and service. Just as each Levitical clan had a specific, divinely appointed task essential to the functioning of the Tabernacle and Temple, so too does every believer today have a unique calling, gifting, and place within the body of Christ. This verse encourages us to recognize and embrace our individual roles, understanding that our service, no matter how seemingly small, contributes to the larger work of God's kingdom. It also invites us to appreciate the rich spiritual heritage passed down through generations of faith, acknowledging that we stand on the shoulders of those who have faithfully served before us, and that our lives are part of a grander divine narrative.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous ordering of the Levites inform our view of His care and intentionality in our own lives and in the church today?**
* **In what ways can we identify and embrace our unique calling and gifts within the body of Christ, mirroring the specific and diverse roles of the Levitical clans?**
* **How can reflecting on our spiritual heritage and the faithfulness of those who have gone before us strengthen our faith and commitment to God's purposes in our generation?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies so important in 1 Chronicles, especially for the Levites?**

Answer: Genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve multiple critical purposes. They establish the continuity of God's covenant from Adam through the patriarchs and tribes of Israel, particularly important for the post-exilic community to reconnect with their heritage. For the Levites, these genealogies were paramount for legitimizing claims to sacred office and specific duties within the Tabernacle and Temple. They demonstrated that individuals were qualified for service based on their divinely ordained lineage, ensuring proper order and adherence to God's commands regarding worship. This meticulous record-keeping underscores God's faithfulness in preserving His people and promises, even leading to the ultimate lineage of the Messiah, as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus").

**What was the primary role of the Levites, and how did Levi's three sons contribute to this?**

Answer: The Levites were uniquely set apart by God for sacred service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Unlike other tribes who received land, their "inheritance" was the Lord Himself, and they were supported by tithes from the other tribes. Their primary duties included maintaining the sanctuary, transporting its components during wilderness wanderings, assisting the priests (who were a specific subset of the Levites from Aaron's line), teaching the Law, and leading worship. Levi's three sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—became the progenitors of the three main Levitical clans, each assigned distinct responsibilities. The Gershonites cared for the Tabernacle's coverings, the Kohathites (from whom the priests descended) handled the most sacred articles, and the Merarites were responsible for the heavier structural components. These specific assignments are meticulously detailed in [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - The Tribe of Levi") and [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Levites"), demonstrating God's precise organization of His worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed lineage of Levi's sons and the subsequent establishment of the Levitical priesthood, as introduced in 1 Chronicles 6:1, find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The entire Levitical system, with its sacrifices, rituals, and mediatorial priests, served as a temporary shadow pointing to the coming reality. The repeated sacrifices offered by the sons of Levi could never fully take away sin, but they continually foreshadowed the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus, though from the tribe of Judah ([Hebrews 7:14](/hebrews/7-14 "Hebrews 7:14 - Jesus from Judah")), fulfills the priestly role not according to the Levitical order, which was imperfect and temporary, but according to the eternal and superior order of [Melchizedek](/hebrews/7-1-10 "Hebrews 7:1-10 - Priesthood of Melchizedek"). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Christ established a [new and better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant") that renders the Levitical system obsolete. He is our eternal High Priest, interceding for us at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")), granting all believers direct access to God and transforming us into a "royal priesthood" ([1_peter/2-9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 6:16

And these [are] the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi [were] an hundred thirty and seven years.

Genesis 46:11

And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

1 Chronicles 23:6

And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, [namely], Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

Numbers 26:57

¶ And these [are] they that were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites: of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites: of Merari, the family of the Merarites.

1 Chronicles 6:20

Of Gershom; Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,

1 Chronicles 6:16

The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.

Numbers 3:17

And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.