1 Chronicles 6:21

KJV

Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son.

KJV (with Strong's)

Joah {H3098} his son {H1121}, Iddo {H5714} his son {H1121}, Zerah {H2226} his son {H1121}, Jeaterai {H2979} his son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

his son Yo'ach, his son 'Iddo, his son Zerach, his son Ye'atrai.

Berean Standard Bible

Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son.

American Standard Version

Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse, 1 Chronicles 6:21, is part of the extensive genealogical record of the tribe of Levi, specifically tracing a segment of the Gershonite lineage. It meticulously lists four successive generations—Joah, Iddo, Zerah, and Jeaterai—each identified as "his son," thereby emphasizing the unbroken patrilineal descent. Far from being a mere list of names, this verse underscores the chronicler's profound concern for continuity, identity, and the divinely ordained structure of Israel's sacred service, ensuring the legitimate succession of those appointed to minister before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 6 is almost entirely dedicated to the genealogies of the Levites, following the initial broader genealogies of Israel in chapters 1-5. This chapter meticulously details the three main branches of Levi's descendants—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—with a particular focus on the priestly line of Aaron within the Kohathites. Verses 16-30 enumerate the descendants of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, establishing the various families responsible for the Tabernacle and later Temple service. 1 Chronicles 6:21 specifically continues the lineage of the Gershonites, picking up from the immediate preceding verse, [1 Chronicles 6:20](/1_chronicles/6-20 "1 Chronicles 6:20 - Gershonite Lineage Continues"), which lists Zimmah and Joah. The repetitive "his son" structure throughout these lists serves to clearly delineate the succession and establish the legitimacy of individuals within their respective tribal and familial roles. These genealogies are not merely historical records but foundational documents for the post-exilic community, affirming their identity and right to temple worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were paramount in ancient Israelite society, serving as vital legal, social, and religious documents. They established tribal identity, substantiated claims to land inheritance (as seen in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - Census and Land Distribution")), and, critically for the Levites, validated their right and responsibility to serve in sacred capacities. The Chronicler, writing likely in the post-exilic period (5th-4th century BCE), aimed to re-establish the identity and continuity of the returned community. For a people rebuilding their nation and temple, these records provided a crucial link to their past, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and their divinely appointed structures. The meticulous detail, even for seemingly minor figures, reflects a culture where lineage was intrinsically tied to one's purpose, status, and participation in the communal life of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of names in [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - Levitical Genealogies") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles. Firstly, **Continuity and Heritage** are paramount, showcasing the unbroken line of descent from the patriarchs to the Chronicler's present day, reinforcing the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel. Secondly, the emphasis on the Levites highlights **Divine Order and Worship**, demonstrating God's precise instructions for the administration of sacred duties and the importance of proper, authorized service in the Tabernacle and Temple. The genealogies legitimize the roles of priests and Levites, ensuring that worship is conducted according to God's established pattern. Lastly, these lists subtly convey **God's Faithfulness**, illustrating His preservation of His people and their designated roles despite periods of exile and hardship. Even in seemingly dry lists of names, the Chronicler conveys a deep theological truth: God remembers His people and meticulously works out His plan through successive generations, as seen in the broader narrative of [God's covenant with Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - The Call of Abraham") and its unfolding through Israel's history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, _ben_ / בֶּן; in construct, _benô_ / בְּנוֹ'_):** The recurring phrase "his son" is a fundamental component of biblical genealogies. The Hebrew term _ben_ (son) or _benô_ (his son) denotes direct patrilineal descent. Its repeated use in this verse and throughout the genealogies serves to establish an unbroken chain of succession, emphasizing the direct, biological link from one generation to the next. In the context of Levitical genealogies, this precise identification of "son" was crucial for validating an individual's right to participate in the sacred service, as priestly and Levitical roles were hereditary. The simplicity of the phrase belies its profound importance in establishing legitimacy and continuity within Israel's divinely ordered society.
#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Joah his son,":** This clause introduces Joah as the direct descendant of Zimmah, who is mentioned in the preceding verse ([1 Chronicles 6:20](/1_chronicles/6-20 "1 Chronicles 6:20 - Zimmah's Descendant")). It establishes the immediate point of continuation for this specific Gershonite line, linking him firmly to the established lineage.
* **"Iddo his son,":** Iddo is here identified as the son of Joah. This continues the linear progression, adding another generation to the record. The repetition of "his son" reinforces the direct, paternal succession.
* **"Zerah his son,":** Zerah is presented as the son of Iddo. This further extends the genealogical chain, demonstrating the Chronicler's meticulous attention to documenting each generation within the Levitical families.
* **"Jeaterai his son.":** Jeaterai is the final name listed in this verse, identified as the son of Zerah. This completes the four generations detailed in 1 Chronicles 6:21, marking the end of this specific segment of the Gershonite lineage before the narrative moves on to other branches or details.
#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:21, and indeed throughout the genealogical sections of Chronicles, is **Repetition**. The phrase "his son" is repeated four times within this single verse, creating a rhythmic, almost formulaic cadence that underscores the linearity and unbroken nature of the lineage. This repetition serves to emphasize the direct patrilineal succession, which was crucial for establishing the legitimacy and continuity of the Levitical families and their sacred duties. Beyond simple repetition, the verse functions as part of a larger **Catalog** or **List**, a common literary form in ancient Near Eastern and biblical texts. These catalogs are not merely dry inventories but serve a theological purpose, demonstrating divine order, historical continuity, and the fulfillment of covenant promises through specific bloodlines. The very act of listing these names, even without accompanying narratives, highlights the Chronicler's emphasis on **Genealogy** as a foundational structure for understanding Israel's identity and God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their roles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail of genealogies like 1 Chronicles 6:21, though seemingly mundane, carries profound theological weight. They serve as a testament to God's sovereign plan unfolding through history, demonstrating His faithfulness in preserving a chosen people and the specific lines through whom His redemptive purposes would be realized. The emphasis on the Levites underscores the divine importance of worship and the structured, legitimate means by which God intended to be approached. These lists affirm that every individual, even those not highlighted by great deeds, has a place in God's grand narrative, contributing to the continuity of His covenant people. They are a historical anchor, connecting the post-exilic community to their rich heritage and validating their identity and calling before God.
* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1-32 "Genesis 5:1-32 - The Genealogy from Adam to Noah")
* [Numbers 3:14-39](/numbers/3-14-39 "Numbers 3:14-39 - Census of the Levites")
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59-63 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might seem distant to the modern reader, 1 Chronicles 6:21 offers valuable insights for contemporary faith. It reminds us that God is a God of order and intention, who meticulously works through generations and individuals to accomplish His purposes. Just as these names established legitimacy for sacred service in ancient Israel, our spiritual lineage in Christ establishes our identity and calling as part of God's family. We are not isolated individuals but part of a grand story, connected to a heritage of faith passed down through the ages. This verse encourages us to appreciate the faithfulness of those who have gone before us, whose lives, even if unrecorded in grand narratives, contributed to the spiritual heritage we now enjoy. It challenges us to consider our own place in this ongoing story, recognizing that our faithfulness today lays a foundation for future generations, contributing to the continuity of God's work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on detailed genealogies in Scripture, like 1 Chronicles 6:21, challenge our modern individualistic perspectives?**
* **In what ways does understanding our spiritual heritage (our connection to the Church through history) provide context and meaning for our personal faith journey?**
* **What "legacy" or "lineage of faithfulness" are we building for those who will come after us in our families, churches, or communities?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies, especially long lists of names, included in Scripture?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies serve multiple critical purposes beyond mere historical record-keeping. They establish legitimacy, particularly for priestly, kingly, and tribal roles, ensuring that individuals could prove their right to specific inheritances or sacred duties. They also demonstrate the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, showing how specific bloodlines were preserved through generations to bring about His redemptive plan. Furthermore, they emphasize continuity, connecting the present community to their past heritage and demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His people despite challenges. In the post-exilic context of Chronicles, these lists were vital for the returned exiles to re-establish their identity and rebuild their nation and temple according to divine order, as seen in the careful records of those returning in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Those Who Returned").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous recording of genealogies in the Old Testament, exemplified by 1 Chronicles 6:21, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While 1 Chronicles 6 focuses on the Levitical lineage for priestly service, the broader biblical narrative traces other crucial lines, most notably the royal lineage of David, which culminates in Christ. The very existence of these detailed records underscores God's providential care in preserving specific lines through which His redemptive plan would unfold. The New Testament begins with the genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), meticulously connecting Him to Abraham and David, demonstrating His rightful claim as the promised Messiah and King. Moreover, just as the Levites were appointed for sacred service, Jesus fulfills the role of the ultimate and perfect High Priest, not according to the Levitical order, but "according to the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:11](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11 - Priesthood of Melchizedek")). Through His perfect sacrifice, He establishes a new covenant, making all who believe in Him part of a spiritual lineage, "a chosen race, a royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), fulfilling the Old Testament emphasis on a people set apart for God's purposes. Thus, the attention to lineage in 1 Chronicles 6:21 foreshadows the divinely ordained lineage of Christ, through whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")).

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.