1 Chronicles 6:25

KJV

And the sons of Elkanah; Amasai, and Ahimoth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Elkanah {H511}; Amasai {H6022}, and Ahimoth {H287}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Elkanah: 'Amasai and Achimot.

Berean Standard Bible

The descendants of Elkanah:

American Standard Version

And the sons of Elkanah: Amasai, and Ahimoth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:25, a brief yet significant verse, is nestled within the extensive genealogical record of the Levites, specifically detailing the lineage of Elkanah, a descendant of Kohath. This verse, by naming Elkanah's sons Amasai and Ahimoth, serves as a vital link in the meticulously preserved priestly and musical lines of Israel, underscoring God's precise attention to the continuity of His covenant promises and the established order of temple service through specific families.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 6 is a comprehensive and highly structured genealogical chapter dedicated to the tribe of Levi, whose members were divinely appointed for temple service, priesthood, and music. The chapter meticulously traces the lineages of the three main Levitical clans—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—detailing their descendants and their specific roles. Verse 25 is situated within the genealogy of the Kohathites, the clan uniquely tasked with carrying the most sacred articles of the tabernacle and later the temple. This specific verse follows a long list of Kohathite descendants, positioning Elkanah and his sons within a lineage that eventually leads to Samuel the prophet and Heman, a chief temple musician, highlighting the dual priestly and musical heritage of this line. The immediate verses preceding and following 6:25 continue to enumerate the descendants of Kohath, emphasizing the unbroken chain of generations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled and written for the post-exilic community, a people grappling with identity, continuity, and the re-establishment of their national and religious life after returning from Babylonian captivity. For this community, detailed genealogies were not mere lists; they were critical documents affirming tribal identities, validating claims to land, and, most importantly, establishing the legitimacy of the priesthood and Levitical service. Knowing one's lineage was paramount for participating in temple worship and for understanding one's place within God's covenant people. The meticulous preservation of names, even seemingly minor ones, served to reinforce the continuity of God's faithfulness across generations and to provide a foundational sense of belonging and heritage for a people seeking to rebuild.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of a larger genealogical record, contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Preservation**, demonstrating God's meticulous care in maintaining specific lineages crucial for the established order of priestly and Levitical service, as outlined in passages like [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - Census of the Levites and Their Duties"). Secondly, it reinforces **Identity and Heritage**, providing the returning exiles with a tangible connection to their past, their tribal affiliation, and the roles their families played in the sacred history of Israel, fostering a sense of continuity with the covenant promises made to their forefathers. Thirdly, the inclusion of such detailed records underscores **God's Faithfulness in Detail**, illustrating that His grand plan unfolds with precision, even through the seemingly mundane enumeration of family trees. This attention to detail reflects the broader theme of God's unwavering commitment to His people and His promises, a theme echoed in the meticulous instructions for the tabernacle in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elkanah (אֶלְקָנָה, _ʼElqânâh'_):** from אֵל and קָנָה; "God has obtained". This significant Hebrew name, borne by several Israelites including the father of the prophet Samuel ([1 Samuel 1:1](/1_samuel/1-1 "1 Samuel 1:1 - Elkanah, Father of Samuel")), reflects a divine acquisition or initiation. In the context of 1 Chronicles 6, this Elkanah is part of a lineage that extends to Samuel and Heman, a chief temple musician, underscoring a heritage deeply intertwined with both prophetic and musical service to God. The name itself speaks to a divine ownership or purpose for the family's dedicated role within the Levitical line.
* **Amasai (עֲמָשַׂי, _ʻĂmâsay'_):** from עָמָס; "burdensome". This name could subtly reflect a characteristic of the individual or the circumstances of his birth. In a Levitical context, particularly for the Kohathites who were responsible for carrying the sacred articles of the tabernacle ([Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathite Duties")), the name "burdensome" might allude to the weighty responsibility and "burden" of their sacred service.
* **Ahimoth (אֲחִימוֹת, _ʼĂchîymôwth'_):** from אָח and מוּת; "brother of death". While seemingly somber, Hebrew names often reflected various aspects: a difficult birth, a family's experience with loss, or even a symbolic association. The "brother of" construction indicated a close association or likeness. In this context, it could signify a proximity to mortality, perhaps a reminder of the fragility of life or the solemnity and potential peril of the Levitical duties which involved handling sacred objects that could bring death if mishandled (e.g., Uzzah's death in [2 Samuel 6:7](/2_samuel/6-7 "2 Samuel 6:7 - Uzzah's Death")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Elkanah;":** This introductory phrase immediately establishes the familial relationship, identifying the individuals to follow as the direct descendants of Elkanah. In a patriarchal society, this connection was paramount, defining identity, status, and inheritance. It places these individuals firmly within the established lineage of the Kohathites, a line of particular importance for the temple service.
* **"Amasai, and Ahimoth.":** These are the specific names of Elkanah's sons. The simple enumeration serves to meticulously record each link in the genealogical chain. In the context of 1 Chronicles, where the legitimacy of the priesthood and the continuity of God's covenant were vital concerns for the post-exilic community, the inclusion of every name, no matter how briefly mentioned, affirmed the unbroken nature of the divine plan and the specific individuals through whom it was unfolding.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:25, and indeed throughout much of the chapter, is **Enumeration** within the broader literary form of **Genealogy**. This meticulous listing of names serves not merely as a historical record but also carries significant **Symbolism**. The very act of naming each individual, even those who do not feature in narrative accounts, underscores the divine meticulousness and the importance of every link in the chain of God's redemptive history. It symbolizes continuity, demonstrating an unbroken line from the past to the present for the post-exilic community, assuring them of their legitimate heritage and God's unwavering faithfulness across generations. The repetition inherent in genealogical lists further emphasizes the theme of divine preservation and the orderly unfolding of God's plan, providing a sense of stability and divine order in a world often marked by chaos.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:25, though a simple list of names, profoundly reflects God's meticulous involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The preservation of such detailed genealogies highlights the theological truth that God cares about individuals and their specific roles within His grand narrative. Every person, even those seemingly obscure, contributes to the unfolding of His divine purpose. This attention to detail underscores God's faithfulness, demonstrating that His plans are not haphazard but carefully orchestrated, ensuring the continuity of the priestly and Levitical lines essential for the worship life of Israel. It reminds us that our lives, our heritage, and our place in the community of faith are not accidental but are part of a divinely ordered tapestry.
* [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - The Appointment of Aaron and His Sons")
* [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - The Cloud of Witnesses")
* [Psalm 139:16](/psalm/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values notoriety and grand achievements, 1 Chronicles 6:25 offers a profound counter-narrative: every life, every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned or seemingly insignificant, holds value in God's eyes and plays a part in His overarching plan. This verse invites us to consider the quiet faithfulness of those who simply "showed up" in their generation, fulfilling their roles, bearing their burdens, and contributing to the continuity of God's work. It challenges us to embrace our own place in the spiritual lineage, recognizing that our faithfulness, even in the mundane details of life, contributes to the larger story of God's kingdom. Just as these ancient names were preserved to affirm a heritage, we are called to live in a way that honors our spiritual heritage, passing on a legacy of faith to future generations, trusting that God is meticulously at work in our lives, even in the details we might overlook.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 6:25, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways do you see yourself as a "link" in a spiritual heritage, and what responsibility does that impart to you?**
* **How can recognizing God's attention to "small" details in Scripture encourage you in the seemingly insignificant aspects of your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies like 1 Chronicles 6:25 so important in the Bible, especially in a historical book like Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are far more than mere lists of names; they are foundational to understanding the biblical narrative and its theological claims. In 1 Chronicles, written for the post-exilic community, these records served several critical purposes. Firstly, they **established legitimacy and identity**, affirming who belonged to which tribe, which families were authorized for priestly or Levitical service, and who had rights to ancestral lands. This was crucial for rebuilding a cohesive society and re-establishing temple worship after the exile. Secondly, they **demonstrated continuity and God's faithfulness**, showing an unbroken line of God's covenant people, proving that His promises, particularly those concerning the Davidic kingship and the Aaronic priesthood, were being fulfilled through specific families and individuals. For example, the lineage of David, traced in other parts of Chronicles, was vital for the hope of a Messiah. Finally, genealogies **highlighted God's meticulous care and sovereignty** over history, revealing that His divine plan unfolds with precision through specific people and generations, even those not directly involved in major narratives. This attention to detail underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His people, from the grand sweeping narratives to the seemingly minor connections, reinforcing the truth that every individual has a place in His plan, as seen in the broader context of [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - The Genealogies of the Levites").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:25 details a lineage within the Levitical priesthood, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the perfect and eternal Priesthood of Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of genealogies throughout the Old Testament, including this detailed Kohathite line, points to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His careful preparation for the coming of the Messiah. The Old Testament priesthood, though divinely ordained, was temporary and imperfect, requiring continuous sacrifices and a lineage that could be broken by death. Jesus, however, fulfills the essence of all these Old Testament types. He is the ultimate High Priest, not according to the Levitical order of Aaron, but "according to the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Jesus, a Priest Forever")), possessing an indestructible life and an eternal priesthood ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Jesus' Unchanging Priesthood")). The Old Testament genealogies, including that of Elkanah and his sons, served as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving a people and a lineage through whom the promised Seed would come. In Christ, all the burdens and responsibilities hinted at in names like "Amasai" (burdensome) are perfectly carried, and the shadow of "Ahimoth" (brother of death) is overcome by His victory over death through His resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Thus, 1 Chronicles 6:25, in its quiet affirmation of lineage and divine order, ultimately directs our gaze to the one who perfectly fulfills all priestly duties and establishes a new covenant through His own perfect sacrifice, making a way for all who believe to be part of His eternal spiritual family ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")).

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 6:24

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

1 Chronicles 6:35

The son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,

1 Chronicles 6:36

The son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,