1 Chronicles 6:2

KJV

And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Kohath {H6955}; Amram {H6019}, Izhar {H3324}, and Hebron {H2275}, and Uzziel {H5816}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of K'hat: 'Amram, Yitz'har, Hevron and 'Uzi'el.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:2 is a succinct but foundational verse within the extensive genealogical records of the book of Chronicles, specifically detailing the immediate descendants of Kohath, one of the three principal sons of Levi. This verse precisely names Kohath's four sons—Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—thereby establishing the primary branches of the Kohathite clan, a lineage of immense significance for the priestly and Levitical service in ancient Israel, responsible for the most sacred duties within the tabernacle and temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles commences with nine chapters dedicated to genealogies, a meticulous tracing of lineage from Adam through the patriarchs, the tribes of Israel, and specifically the royal line of David. Chapter 6 focuses exclusively on the tribe of Levi, whose members were divinely appointed for sacred service. Verse 2 is situated within this detailed record of Levi's descendants (1 Chronicles 6:1-30), immediately following the mention of Levi's three sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari (1 Chronicles 6:1). By listing Kohath's direct offspring, the verse lays the groundwork for understanding the specific family divisions within the Kohathite clan, whose subsequent generations would play a pivotal role in the religious life of Israel. This precise enumeration underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on continuity, legitimacy, and the divine ordering of Israel's worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written in the post-exilic period, likely for the returning community in Judah, 1 Chronicles served to remind the people of their heritage, re-establish their identity, and reinforce the importance of proper worship according to Mosaic law. In ancient Israelite society, genealogies were not mere historical curiosities but vital documents that established tribal identity, land rights, and, crucially for the Levites, eligibility for sacred office. The Kohathites, as descendants of Kohath, held a particularly exalted and dangerous responsibility: they were charged with carrying the most holy articles of the tabernacle, including the [Ark of the Covenant](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites Carrying the Ark"), the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altars, after they had been covered by the priests (Numbers 3:31; 4:1-15). This verse, therefore, identifies the progenitors of the very families who would bear the weight of Israel's most sacred symbols and traditions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive in 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Structure**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in establishing the framework for Israel's worship and governance. The precise listing of names underscores that every family and individual had a designated place and function within God's meticulously planned system. Secondly, it emphasizes **Continuity and Succession**, as genealogies were indispensable for establishing legitimacy and ensuring the unbroken succession of roles, particularly within the Levitical priesthood. This verse is a vital link in the chain that authorized individuals for sacred service. Lastly, it serves as a **Foundation for Service**, revealing that these names are not merely historical footnotes but represent the foundational families from which generations of priests, musicians, and temple servants would arise. For instance, [Amram was the father of Moses and Aaron](/exodus/6-20 "Exodus 6:20 - Amram, Father of Moses and Aaron"), figures central to Israel's deliverance and the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood, whose descendants continued to serve God's people for centuries, fulfilling the duties outlined in passages like [Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Duties of the Kohathites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kohath (Hebrew, _Qehath'_):** The name "Kohath" (קְהָת) is often associated with the Hebrew root meaning "to assemble" or "to gather." While not explicitly stated in the text, this etymological connection may subtly hint at the Kohathites' central and unifying role in the assembly's worship, as they were responsible for transporting the most sacred elements that symbolized God's presence among His gathered people. Their duties were integral to the functioning of the tabernacle, the very center of Israel's communal worship.
* **Amram (Hebrew, _‘Amram'_):** Meaning "exalted people" or "their kinsman is exalted," Amram (עַמְרָם) stands out among Kohath's sons due to his profound historical and theological significance. He is the father of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:20), the foundational figures of Israel's deliverance from Egypt and the establishment of the Mosaic Law and the Aaronic priesthood. His inclusion here, though without explicit elaboration, implicitly connects this genealogical list to the very origins of Israel's national and religious identity, underscoring the deep roots of the Levitical service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Kohath;":** This introductory phrase immediately establishes the focus of the verse, linking it directly to the preceding genealogical list of Levi's sons. It signals a further delineation of the Levitical lineage, specifically through Kohath, indicating the chronicler's intent to provide a detailed and precise record of the family lines that would be crucial for understanding the structure and personnel of Israel's sacred service.
* **"Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.":** This enumeration provides the names of Kohath's four direct male descendants. These names represent the four primary branches or clans of the Kohathite family. While Amram's line is most prominent due to Moses and Aaron, the inclusion of Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel highlights the comprehensive nature of the record, acknowledging all the foundational families that comprised this significant Levitical division. Each of these branches would have specific duties and responsibilities within the larger Kohathite service, as detailed elsewhere in the Pentateuch.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:2, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a sophisticated literary and theological tool. The Chronicler uses genealogy to establish **Continuity**, connecting the post-exilic community to their ancient heritage and the promises made to their forefathers. It confers **Legitimacy**, particularly for the priesthood and the Davidic monarchy, by demonstrating an unbroken line of descent. Furthermore, the meticulous listing reflects a profound sense of **Divine Order**, illustrating God's precise and intentional design for His people, their roles, and their worship. The inclusion of specific family branches like those of Kohath's sons serves to underscore the structured nature of Israel's religious life, where every family had a designated place and purpose within the divine economy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:2, though a simple list of names, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous attention to order, lineage, and the preparation of His chosen instruments for service. It reveals that God's redemptive plan is not haphazard but unfolds through specific individuals and families, meticulously ordained and preserved across generations. The emphasis on the Kohathite lineage underscores the sanctity and importance of the Levitical priesthood, a divinely instituted system designed to facilitate Israel's approach to a holy God. This verse reminds us that every component of God's design, no matter how seemingly small or technical, is significant and serves a greater purpose in His overarching narrative of salvation and covenant faithfulness. It points to a God who cares about details, who establishes structures for worship, and who calls and equips individuals for specific, sacred tasks within His Kingdom.

* [Numbers 3:27-31](/numbers/3-27-31 "Numbers 3:27-31 - Duties of the Kohathite Clans")
* [Exodus 6:16-20](/exodus/6-16-20 "Exodus 6:16-20 - The Lineage of Levi, Kohath, and Amram")
* [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a genealogical list might initially seem distant from contemporary life, 1 Chronicles 6:2 offers profound spiritual insights for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose, who meticulously designs and orchestrates His plans through human agents. Just as every family within the tribe of Levi had a specific, divinely ordained function, so too does every member of God's spiritual family—the Church—have a unique calling, gift, and place within the body of Christ. No role is insignificant in the grand scheme of God's Kingdom. This verse encourages us to recognize our own spiritual heritage, understanding that we are part of a larger, unbroken story of God's faithfulness across generations. It also challenges us to embrace and faithfully execute the tasks God has entrusted to us, no matter how seemingly small or mundane, for they contribute to His larger purpose and the flourishing of the community of faith. Our faithfulness in our assigned "holy tasks" reflects the divine order and dedication exemplified by the ancient Kohathites.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous attention to lineage and order in ancient Israel shape our view of His providence and design in our own lives and communities today?**
* **In what ways can we recognize and affirm the unique gifts and callings of fellow believers, understanding that every role contributes to the health and mission of the body of Christ?**
* **Considering the Kohathites' sacred and demanding duties, what "holy tasks" has God entrusted to us, and how can we cultivate faithfulness and reverence in fulfilling them for His glory?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prevalent and important in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in biblical texts, especially in 1 Chronicles, serve multiple crucial purposes beyond mere historical record. They establish **legitimacy** for claims to land, tribal identity, and, most importantly, eligibility for the priesthood and kingship. For the post-exilic community, these lists reconnected them to their heritage and the covenant promises. They demonstrate **continuity** of God's plan across generations, showing how His promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David were being fulfilled. They also highlight **divine order**, illustrating God's meticulous design for His people, their roles, and the structure of their worship. For example, the detailed Levitical genealogies were essential for ensuring that only those of the proper lineage could serve in the temple, as seen in [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Exclusion from Priesthood Due to Unverified Genealogy").

**What was the specific role of the Kohathites, and why were they significant?**

Answer: The Kohathites, descendants of Kohath, held a uniquely sacred and critical role among the Levites. Their primary responsibility was the transportation of the most holy articles of the Tabernacle—and later, the Temple—during Israel's wilderness wanderings and subsequent movements. This included the [Ark of the Covenant](/numbers/4-1-15 "Numbers 4:1-15 - Duties of the Kohathites Regarding Holy Things"), the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altars. Unlike the other Levitical clans who handled the tabernacle coverings or structural components, the Kohathites were forbidden from touching the holy objects directly until the priests had covered them, lest they die ([Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites Forbidden to Touch Holy Objects Directly")). Their significance lay in their direct handling of the symbols of God's presence and covenant, making their lineage and duties central to Israel's worship and identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogical record of 1 Chronicles 6:2, detailing the lineage of Kohath and his sons, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament emphasizes physical lineage for priestly service, Christ's perfect lineage, traced through both Abraham and David in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), culminates not in a Levitical priest, but in the divine Son of God who becomes our eternal High Priest. The Kohathites carried the sacred articles that symbolized God's presence, but Jesus himself is the very embodiment of God's presence among us, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). He is the [ultimate sacrifice](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice") and the [perfect mediator](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator, Christ Jesus"), fulfilling and superseding the entire Levitical system, as powerfully articulated in the book of [Hebrews](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7 - Christ a Superior Priest"). Through His finished work, the meticulous order of the Old Covenant priesthood points to the perfect order and purpose established in Christ, who is the head of His body, the Church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). Now, all believers, regardless of earthly lineage, are adopted into God's family through Christ and become a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim His excellencies.

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 6:18

And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath [were] an hundred thirty and three years.

Exodus 6:21

And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri.

Exodus 6:24

And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these [are] the families of the Korhites.

1 Chronicles 23:12

The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.