1 Chronicles 6:26

KJV

[As for] Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah; Zophai his son, and Nahath his son,

KJV (with Strong's)

As for Elkanah {H511}: the sons {H1121} of Elkanah {H511}; Zophai {H6689} his son {H1121}, and Nahath {H5184} his son {H1121},

Complete Jewish Bible

As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah: his son Tzofai, his son Nachat,

Berean Standard Bible

Amasai, Ahimoth, Elkanah his son, Zophai his son, Nahath his son,

American Standard Version

As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, and Nahath his son,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:26 offers a concise yet significant entry within the extensive Levitical genealogies, specifically detailing a segment of the Kohathite lineage: "As for Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah; Zophai his son, and Nahath his son." Far from a mere list of names, this verse is an integral part of the meticulous biblical record-keeping tradition, underscoring divine attention to detail, the profound importance of lineage in ancient Israelite society, and the continuity of God's covenant purposes unfolding through generations, even through individuals whose lives are not extensively narrated elsewhere.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of [1 Chronicles chapter 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - Levitical Genealogies"), a chapter entirely dedicated to the comprehensive genealogy of the Levites, the tribe divinely appointed for sacred service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The Chronicler meticulously traces the descendants of Levi's three sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—before focusing on the priestly line of Aaron and then the families responsible for musical service. Verse 26 falls within the Kohathite lineage, specifically within a branch that includes the ancestors of the prophet Samuel, though not directly the priestly line of Aaron. The Chronicler's emphasis on genealogies throughout [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam to Israel") serves to establish the legitimacy and continuity of Israel's tribal structure, especially after the Babylonian exile, reinforcing the identity and roles of those returning to rebuild the nation and its religious life. This meticulous record highlights the enduring covenant relationship between God and His people, demonstrating His faithfulness across generations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogies were far more than simple family trees; they were crucial legal, social, and theological documents. They established tribal identity, land inheritance rights, eligibility for priestly or royal service, and affirmed one's place within the covenant community. For the Levites, these lists were vital for maintaining the integrity of their sacred duties, ensuring that only those of the proper lineage performed specific roles in worship. The book of Chronicles itself was likely compiled in the post-exilic period (5th-4th century BCE), addressing a community grappling with questions of identity, continuity, and restoration. By meticulously detailing these lineages, the Chronicler reassured the returning exiles of their connection to their heritage and God's ongoing plan, emphasizing the importance of proper worship and the continuity of the Levitical service as central to their national and spiritual identity. Such detailed records were not unique to Israel but were common in the ancient Near East, yet Israel's genealogies uniquely tied lineage to divine promise and covenant, as seen in the promises made to Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram").
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of [1 Chronicles 6:26](/1_chronicles/6-26 "1 Chronicles 6:26 - Elkanah's Lineage") within the extensive Levitical genealogies contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **importance of lineage and heritage**, affirming that identity and belonging in God's covenant community are rooted in one's ancestry and faithfulness to the covenant, as seen throughout [the patriarchal narratives](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abram"). Secondly, it highlights **God's meticulous record-keeping and sovereign oversight** of history, demonstrating that every individual, even those not prominent in the narrative, plays a part in His grand design. This reflects God's personal knowledge and care for His people across generations, echoing His covenant promises to Abraham in [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - God's Promise to Abraham") and the detailed census in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census of Israel"). Thirdly, within the Levitical context, the verse speaks to the **continuity of sacred service and devotion**. The faithful succession of Levitical families ensured that the worship of God, through the Tabernacle and Temple ministry, remained uninterrupted, a theme central to the Chronicler's emphasis on proper worship and the enduring call to serve God, as also seen in the dedication of the Temple in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elkanah (Hebrew, _ʼElqānāh'_):** From H511, this name, meaning "God has obtained" or "God has possessed," is a theophoric name, incorporating a divine element ("El," meaning God). Such names were common in ancient Israel and often reflected a parent's faith, a prayer, or a theological statement about God's character or action in the child's life. While this specific Elkanah is an ancestor in the lineage of the more famous Elkanah, father of the prophet Samuel (as seen in [1 Samuel 1:1](/1_samuel/1-1 "1 Samuel 1:1 - Elkanah, Father of Samuel")), the name itself carries profound theological weight, testifying to God's creative power and His ownership of His people. Its recurrence within this significant Levitical line reinforces the idea of a family dedicated to God, generation after generation.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this word broadly refers to a son, but in its widest sense, it encompasses a builder of the family name, including grandsons, subjects, nations, or even qualities. In the context of genealogies, "son" is crucial for establishing direct paternal lineage, which was paramount for tribal identity, inheritance, and eligibility for specific roles, especially within the Levitical priesthood. The repetition of this term in the verse emphasizes the direct, unbroken chain of descent.
* **Zophai (Hebrew, _Tsûwph'_):** From H6689, this name (also appearing as Zuph or Tsiph) means "honey-comb." While its etymological meaning doesn't directly contribute to a theological statement as "Elkanah" does, its inclusion highlights the Chronicler's meticulous detail in tracing every branch of the Levitical family. Zophai is a specific individual whose existence, though not elaborated upon, is vital for connecting the generations and maintaining the integrity of the lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[As for] Elkanah:**" This introductory phrase serves as a precise marker, singling out this particular Elkanah from the broader genealogical list. It acts as a transitional device, drawing the reader's attention to him as the progenitor of the subsequent lineage, effectively setting the stage for the enumeration of his direct descendants within the Kohathite branch.
* **"the sons of Elkanah; Zophai his son,"** This clause details the immediate succession from Elkanah, explicitly identifying Zophai as his direct son. The use of "sons" (plural) initially, followed by "Zophai his son," suggests that Zophai is one of potentially multiple sons, but the focus immediately narrows to the lineage continuing through Zophai. This establishes the first link in the specific chain of descent the Chronicler wishes to highlight.
* **"and Nahath his son,"** This final clause extends the lineage by identifying Nahath as the son of Zophai. The repetitive structure "his son" reinforces the direct paternal line, clearly articulating a three-generational succession: Elkanah to Zophai, and Zophai to Nahath. This meticulous detailing of the paternal line was paramount in ancient Israelite society for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and the legitimacy of claims to sacred service.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 6:26](/1_chronicles/6-26 "1 Chronicles 6:26 - Elkanah's Lineage"), and indeed throughout much of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. Genealogies function not merely as historical records but as profound theological statements, anchoring the present community to its past and divine promises. In this verse, the concise listing of names highlights the **Brevity** and **Conciseness** characteristic of such lists, yet this brevity belies their profound significance in establishing continuity and legitimacy. The repetitive phrase "his son" serves as a form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition**, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent and the meticulous nature of the record-keeping. Furthermore, the inclusion of names like "Elkanah" introduces **Etymological Symbolism**, subtly weaving theological affirmations ("God has obtained/possessed") into the very fabric of the lineage, reminding the reader of God's active involvement in the lives of these individuals and the destiny of His people. This terse, factual presentation underscores the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy as a foundation for theological truth, demonstrating God's faithfulness through the generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Chronicles 6:26](/1_chronicles/6-26 "1 Chronicles 6:26 - Elkanah's Lineage"), though a brief genealogical entry, profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative by affirming God's meticulous attention to detail, His sovereign oversight of history, and the enduring nature of His covenant promises. It reminds us that every individual, even those whose lives are not extensively documented, holds a place in God's unfolding plan. The continuity of the Levitical lineage, of which Elkanah, Zophai, and Nahath are a part, speaks to God's faithfulness in providing for the spiritual needs of His people through designated service. This divine record-keeping underscores the truth that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, preserving their heritage and ensuring the fulfillment of His purposes through successive generations, ultimately pointing to the coming of the Messiah through a specific lineage.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1-32 "Genesis 5:1-32 - The Genealogy from Adam to Noah") - An early biblical genealogy demonstrating God's preservation of humanity's lineage despite the Fall, leading to Noah.
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") - The New Testament's meticulous record of Jesus' lineage, establishing His rightful claim as Messiah and King, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59-63 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Exclusion from the Priesthood") - Illustrates the critical importance of accurate genealogies for establishing legitimacy, particularly for priestly service, after the Babylonian exile, reinforcing the Chronicler's emphasis.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list of names in [1 Chronicles 6:26](/1_chronicles/6-26 "1 Chronicles 6:26 - Elkanah's Lineage") offers profound spiritual insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's meticulous attention extends to every individual, regardless of their perceived prominence or historical impact. Just as Elkanah, Zophai, and Nahath were carefully recorded within the sacred lineage, so too is every life known and valued by God. This truth can be deeply encouraging, assuring us that our lives, our contributions, and our very existence are significant in God's grand narrative. Furthermore, this verse calls us to recognize our place within a spiritual heritage—a long line of faithful believers who have served God across generations. We are not isolated, but part of a continuous story of faith, called to carry forward the legacy entrusted to us, contributing our unique part to God's ongoing work in the world. It encourages us to live with intentionality, knowing that our faithfulness today impacts future generations, just as the faithfulness of these ancient Levites ensured the continuity of service for Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous record-keeping in genealogies impact your view of His care for individual lives, including your own?**
* **In what ways can you identify with or contribute to the "faithful heritage" of believers that stretches across generations?**
* **What is your unique role in God's unfolding purpose, even if it feels small or unnoted by the world?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prevalent in the Bible, especially in Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are prevalent in the Bible because they served multiple crucial functions in ancient Israelite society and theology. They established tribal identity, confirmed land inheritance rights, validated claims to priestly or royal office, and demonstrated the continuity of God's covenant promises through specific lineages. In books like Chronicles, written for a post-exilic community, genealogies were particularly vital for re-establishing national and religious identity, ensuring proper worship, and connecting the returning exiles to their historical and spiritual roots. They also serve a theological purpose, showing God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen people and tracing the lineage leading to the Messiah, as seen in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

**Is this Elkanah the same as the father of Samuel?**

Answer: No, this Elkanah in [1 Chronicles 6:26](/1_chronicles/6-26 "1 Chronicles 6:26 - Elkanah's Lineage") is not the same individual as the more famous Elkanah, the father of the prophet Samuel, whose story begins in [1 Samuel 1:1](/1_samuel/1-1 "1 Samuel 1:1 - Elkanah, Father of Samuel"). However, they both belong to the same overarching Kohathite lineage, indicating a shared tribal heritage. The Elkanah mentioned here is an ancestor of the Elkanah who was Samuel's father. The genealogies in Chronicles often list various individuals with the same name, reflecting common naming conventions within families and tribes. The purpose of this specific entry is to trace a particular branch of the Kohathite line that includes Elkanah, Zophai, and Nahath, contributing to the comprehensive record of the Levitical families.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 6:26](/1_chronicles/6-26 "1 Chronicles 6:26 - Elkanah's Lineage") details a Levitical lineage, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how it points to the ultimate and perfect fulfillment of all God's purposes in Jesus Christ. The meticulous record-keeping of these genealogies underscores God's sovereignty over history and His faithfulness to His promises, culminating in the precise arrival of the Messiah "when the fullness of time had come" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")). Jesus, though not of the Levitical priesthood by lineage, fulfills and supersedes its purpose as the Great High Priest, not according to the order of Aaron, but of Melchizedek, offering a perfect and eternal sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 7:11-28](/hebrews/7-11-28 "Hebrews 7:11-28 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). He is the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), rendering the Levitical sacrificial system obsolete. Furthermore, Christ is the head of a new, spiritual lineage—the Church—into which believers are adopted, becoming "sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:26](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Sons of God Through Faith")). Thus, the continuity and purpose evident in these ancient genealogies find their ultimate meaning and eternal significance in Him, in whom "all the promises of God find their Yes in him" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes 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.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 1:1

¶ Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name [was] Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:

1 Chronicles 6:35

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