1 Chronicles 6:11

KJV

And Azariah begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Azariah {H5838} begat {H3205} Amariah {H568}, and Amariah {H568} begat {H3205} Ahitub {H285},

Complete Jewish Bible

'Azaryah fathered Amaryah, Amaryah fathered Achituv,

Berean Standard Bible

Azariah was the father of Amariah, Amariah was the father of Ahitub,

American Standard Version

and Azariah begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:11 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse embedded within the extensive genealogies of the Levites, specifically tracing a segment of the High Priestly lineage. It meticulously records the succession from Azariah to Amariah, and then to Ahitub, serving as a vital link in the Chronicler’s meticulous documentation of the Aaronic priesthood. This verse underscores the divine preservation and continuity of the priestly office, establishing the legitimacy of those called to mediate between God and His people, and reinforcing the foundational structure of Israelite worship and identity in the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - Genealogies of Levi"), a chapter primarily dedicated to the detailed genealogies of the Levites, with a particular emphasis on the priestly line descended from Aaron. The Chronicler, writing likely after the Babylonian exile, meticulously records these lineages from [1 Chronicles 6:4](/1_chronicles/6-4 "1 Chronicles 6:4 - Descendants of Aaron") through [1 Chronicles 6:15](/1_chronicles/6-15 "1 Chronicles 6:15 - High Priestly Lineage Continues"), tracing the succession of High Priests. This section is not merely a dry list of names but a profound theological statement affirming the continuity and legitimacy of the divinely ordained priesthood, which was crucial for the re-establishment of temple worship and national identity in the returned community. The placement of this verse within such a detailed and purposeful genealogical record highlights its importance as an unbroken link in a sacred chain of divine appointment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For the post-exilic community, the precise documentation of genealogies was paramount. The return from Babylon meant an urgent need to re-establish land claims, tribal identities, and, most critically, the proper personnel for temple service. The High Priesthood, established by God through Moses and Aaron (see [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments and Consecration")), was central to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. Only those of legitimate Aaronic descent could serve in this sacred office, performing atonement rituals and mediating for the people. Verses like [1 Chronicles 6:11](/1_chronicles/6-11 "1 Chronicles 6:11 - Azariah, Amariah, Ahitub") provided irrefutable proof of lineage, ensuring that the temple service was conducted according to divine command and preventing usurpation or confusion regarding roles in the restored worship system. The cultural emphasis on patrilineal descent and the sanctity of the priesthood made such records invaluable for maintaining social and religious order.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of generations in [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - Genealogies of Levi") underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Continuity**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving the priestly line despite national upheaval and exile. This continuity ensured that the covenant promises and the structure of worship could be maintained through generations. Secondly, the genealogies emphasize **Historical Accuracy and Legitimacy**. For the original audience, these records served as an authoritative validation for those serving in the priesthood, connecting them directly to the original divine appointment of Aaron and his sons, as detailed in passages like [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). This precision was crucial for the identity and spiritual integrity of the restored nation. Finally, the detailed priestly families underscore the **Preparation for Temple Service**, laying the groundwork for understanding the organization and roles within the elaborate temple worship system that was central to Israelite life. Each "begat" signifies the continuation of a lineage destined for sacred duties, pointing towards a divinely established framework for approaching God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Azariah (Hebrew, _ʻĂzaryâh'_):** From עָזַר (_ʻâzar_) and יָהּ (_Yah_), meaning "Jah has helped" or "Yahweh has helped." This name, borne by nineteen Israelites in the biblical record, is highly significant in the priestly line. Its meaning speaks to God's active involvement and assistance in sustaining the lineage and the sacred office. In the context of 1 Chronicles 6, this Azariah is a crucial link in the High Priestly succession, specifically Azariah II, son of Johanan (verse 10), underscoring divine providence in maintaining the priestly chain.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** A primitive root, יָלַד (_yâlad_), meaning "to bear young" or "to beget." While simple in its direct meaning of physical paternity, its repetitive use throughout genealogical lists, including this verse, carries profound theological weight. It signifies an unbroken, direct, and divinely sanctioned succession. In the context of the priestly line, _yalad_ emphasizes the legitimacy and continuity of the sacred office, ensuring that the lineage remained pure and traceable to Aaron, thereby validating the authority of those who served as High Priests. This continuous chain of "begetting" underscores God's active preservation of His chosen instruments for worship and mediation.
* **Amariah (Hebrew, _ʼĂmaryâh'_):** From אָמַר (_ʼâmar_) and יָהּ (_Yah_), meaning "Jah has said" or "Yahweh has promised." This name, borne by nine Israelites, further reinforces the theme of divine faithfulness. "Yahweh has said" suggests a divine declaration or promise, which resonates deeply with the covenantal nature of the priesthood. The continuation of the line through Amariah signifies God's ongoing commitment to His covenant and His established order for worship.
* **Ahitub (Hebrew, _ʼĂchîyṭûwb'_):** From אָח (_ʼâch_) and טוּב (_ṭûwb_), meaning "brother of goodness" or "my brother is goodness." This name, belonging to several priests, concludes the specific segment of the lineage in this verse. The concept of "goodness" embedded in the name can subtly point to the righteous character expected of those in the priestly office, or perhaps to the inherent goodness of God's design in establishing and preserving this line for the benefit of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Azariah begat Amariah":** This clause establishes the first link in the specific segment of the priestly chain presented in this verse. Azariah, whose name means "Yahweh has helped," is identified as the father of Amariah. In the broader context of 1 Chronicles 6, this Azariah is likely Azariah II, the son of Johanan (verse 10), and a significant figure in the High Priestly succession. The act of "begetting" here is not just biological but theological, indicating the transmission of the priestly heritage and responsibility from one generation to the next, ensuring the continuation of the sacred office.
* **"and Amariah begat Ahitub":** This second clause continues the lineage, identifying Amariah as the father of Ahitub. Amariah, meaning "Yahweh has said" or "Yahweh has promised," further extends the chain of High Priests. Ahitub, meaning "my brother is goodness" or "brother of goodness," represents the next link. The precise naming of these individuals, even in a seemingly dry list, serves to authenticate the lineage and provide a historical anchor for the priestly succession. Each name represents a generation through which the divine mandate for priestly service was faithfully passed down, maintaining the integrity and authority of the High Priesthood in Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:11, and indeed throughout much of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a purposeful literary structure designed to establish historical continuity, legitimacy, and identity for the post-exilic community. The Chronicler employs **Repetition** of the verb "begat" (_yalad_) to emphasize the unbroken chain of descent, reinforcing the divine preservation of the priestly line and the meticulous nature of God's historical record. The **Conciseness** of the verse, presenting three generations in a single breath, highlights the efficiency of the Chronicler's record-keeping while still conveying significant information about the continuity of the sacred office. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Historical Record**, serving as a foundational document for the post-exilic community, anchoring their present reality in their sacred past and ensuring the proper ordering of their religious life. The names themselves, while part of a list, are not just arbitrary; they represent the living transmission of a sacred heritage and divine purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:11, though brief, powerfully encapsulates the theological concept of divine election and preservation within the Old Covenant. It speaks to God's meticulous care for the lineage through which He chose to mediate His presence and atonement to Israel. The continuity of the High Priesthood, demonstrated by these successive generations, underscored the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people and His commitment to providing a means of reconciliation. This verse, therefore, is not just about historical record-keeping; it's a testament to God's faithfulness in maintaining the structure necessary for worship and relationship, even through periods of national decline and exile. It subtly points to the persistent human need for mediation with a holy God, a need that the Aaronic priesthood temporarily fulfilled, setting the stage for a greater, more perfect mediation.

* [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons")
* [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron and His Sons Appointed to Priesthood")
* [Hebrews 7:11](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11 - Need for a Different Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a simple genealogical entry, 1 Chronicles 6:11 invites profound reflection on God's sovereignty over history and His meticulous attention to detail, even in what might seem mundane. It reminds us that every individual and every generation plays a part in God's unfolding plan, whether in prominent roles or simply by faithfully transmitting a heritage. For believers today, this verse underscores the importance of spiritual lineage – the faithful transmission of the Gospel and sound doctrine from one generation to the next. Just as the priestly line served to mediate God's presence and truth, so too are believers called to be a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")) in the world, faithfully stewarding and passing on the spiritual truths entrusted to us. It encourages us to value the continuity of faith, to honor those who have gone before us, and to recognize our own indispensable role in preserving and proclaiming the truth for future generations, ensuring that the legacy of faith continues to flourish.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's meticulous attention to genealogies, as seen in this verse, challenge our modern tendency to focus only on "significant" figures or events?**
* **In what ways can we, as spiritual descendants, ensure the faithful transmission of our "spiritual heritage" to the next generation?**
* **What does the continuity of the priestly line, even through difficult times, teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises and purposes?**
* **How might understanding the Old Testament priestly lineage deepen our appreciation for the concept of spiritual succession in the church today?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 6:11, so prominent in biblical texts?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in biblical texts for several reasons. Primarily, they establish **legitimacy and identity**, particularly for roles like the priesthood or kingship, ensuring that individuals held their positions by divine appointment and proper lineage. For the post-exilic community, as seen in [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogies and History of Israel"), these lists were vital for re-establishing tribal boundaries, land claims, and the correct personnel for temple service. They also serve as a **historical record**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving specific lines (e.g., the line of David for the Messiah, the line of Aaron for the priesthood). Furthermore, genealogies illustrate **divine providence**, showing how God works through generations to bring about His ultimate plans, often culminating in the arrival of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

**Who were Azariah, Amariah, and Ahitub in the broader biblical narrative?**

Answer: Azariah, Amariah, and Ahitub are names that appear multiple times in the Old Testament, making precise identification without context challenging. In [1 Chronicles 6:11](/1_chronicles/6-11 "1 Chronicles 6:11 - Azariah, Amariah, Ahitub"), they are part of the High Priestly lineage descended from Aaron. The Azariah mentioned here is likely Azariah II, son of Johanan, who served as a High Priest (see [1 Chronicles 6:10](/1_chronicles/6-10 "1 Chronicles 6:10 - Johanan Begat Azariah")). Amariah is his son, and Ahitub is Amariah's son. This Ahitub is distinct from the Ahitub who was the father of Zadok, mentioned earlier in the priestly line (e.g., [2 Samuel 8:17](/2_samuel/8-17 "2 Samuel 8:17 - Ahitub, Father of Zadok")). The Chronicler's purpose is not to highlight individual biographies but to affirm the unbroken chain of legitimate priestly succession, which these names represent.

**What is the theological significance of this specific lineage for contemporary believers?**

Answer: For contemporary believers, the theological significance of this priestly lineage extends beyond mere historical curiosity. Firstly, it underscores God's **faithfulness and meticulousness** in fulfilling His promises and establishing His divine order. Even in seemingly dry lists, God's hand is evident in preserving the means of worship and reconciliation. Secondly, it highlights the **importance of spiritual heritage** and the faithful transmission of truth from one generation to the next. Just as the physical lineage was crucial for the Aaronic priesthood, so too is the spiritual lineage of faith vital for the church. Finally, and most profoundly, this lineage, like all Old Testament priestly systems, **foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ**. The temporary, inherited, and imperfect Aaronic priesthood pointed to the need for a perfect, eternal mediator, whose priesthood is not based on human descent but on an indestructible life, as explained in [Hebrews 7](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7 - The Priesthood of Melchizedek and Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous recording of the Aaronic priestly lineage in 1 Chronicles 6:11, tracing the succession from Azariah to Amariah and then to Ahitub, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priesthood, though divinely instituted, was inherently temporary and imperfect, requiring a continuous line of flawed human priests who themselves needed atonement. Each "begat" in this verse underscores the limited nature of a priesthood based on human descent and mortality. This constant succession pointed to the deep human need for a mediator who would not die and whose sacrifice would be eternally efficacious. Jesus, as our great High Priest, fulfills this need perfectly. His priesthood is not "according to the law of a fleshy commandment, but according to the power of an indestructible life" ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Christ's Indestructible Priesthood")). Unlike the Aaronic priests who "were prevented by death from continuing in office" ([Hebrews 7:23](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23 - Many Priests Because of Death")), Jesus holds His priesthood permanently, having offered "one sacrifice for sins forever" ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Thus, the very existence and detailed recording of this Old Testament priestly lineage implicitly highlight the necessity for the perfect, once-for-all mediation provided by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), our eternal High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor")).

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

Ezra 7:3

The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,