1 Chronicles 6:27

KJV

Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son.

KJV (with Strong's)

Eliab {H446} his son {H1121}, Jeroham {H3395} his son {H1121}, Elkanah {H511} his son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

his son Eli'av, his son Yerocham and his son Elkanah.

Berean Standard Bible

Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, and Elkanah his son.

American Standard Version

Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:27 is a concise yet significant verse embedded within the extensive Levitical genealogies of the Chronicler's record. It meticulously traces three generations—Eliab, Jeroham, and Elkanah—as a direct paternal line. While seemingly a simple list of names, this verse serves as a crucial link in the divinely orchestrated lineage that culminates in the birth of Samuel, one of Israel's most pivotal prophets, judges, and king-makers, thereby underscoring God's meticulous providence and faithfulness in preparing individuals for His redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 6 of 1 Chronicles is meticulously dedicated to detailing the priestly and Levitical genealogies, a hallmark of the Chronicler's emphasis on the proper functioning of the temple and its personnel. Following the initial tracing of Levi's three sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—the chapter then focuses on the specific lines within each clan. Verses 22-28 specifically delineate the descendants of Kohath, the second son of Levi, from whom influential figures like Moses and Aaron originated. This particular section builds upon the preceding verses (e.g., [1 Chronicles 6:26](/1_chronicles/6-26 "1 Chronicles 6:26 - Tohu's Son, Eliel") which mentions Tohu/Toah, the father of Eliab), systematically narrowing the focus to the direct ancestral line that leads to Samuel, whose significant role in Israel's history is well-documented in the books of Samuel. The precise naming of "Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son" establishes the unbroken chain of succession, providing the necessary historical and theological foundation for Samuel's legitimacy and divine appointment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogies were far from mere historical curiosities; they were foundational documents crucial for establishing tribal identity, land rights, inheritance, and, most critically for the Levites, the legitimacy of their roles in sacred service. For the post-exilic community to whom the Chronicler wrote, these detailed records were vital for re-establishing their identity, reconnecting with their heritage, and ensuring the proper functioning of the restored temple worship. The precise tracing of Levitical lines, such as the Kohathites, was essential for determining who was authorized to carry the sacred vessels, serve in the tabernacle, and later the Temple. The inclusion of this specific lineage leading to Samuel also served to remind the returning exiles of God's continued faithfulness throughout their history, even in times of seeming desolation, by raising up key figures for His purposes.
* **Key Themes:** This seemingly simple genealogical entry contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Importance of Lineage and Continuity**, demonstrating God's meticulous preservation of specific family lines for His covenant purposes, particularly for the Levites and their sacred duties. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Foresight**, revealing how God works through generations, orchestrating seemingly mundane details to prepare for the emergence of pivotal figures. This verse is a critical link in the chain that leads directly to Samuel, whom God would raise up to judge Israel and anoint its first two kings, [Saul](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul Anointed King") and [David](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed King"). Even before his birth, recorded in [1 Samuel 1:20](/1_samuel/1-20 "1 Samuel 1:20 - Birth of Samuel"), God was preparing the way through his ancestors. Finally, the detailed nature of these genealogies underscores the **Historical Accuracy and Reliability** of the biblical narrative, emphasizing the reality of God's work unfolding within concrete human history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **בְּנוֹ (bəno'):** "his son." This Hebrew word is a common and straightforward term indicating direct paternal descent. Its repetitive use throughout genealogical lists, including this verse, serves to emphasize the unbroken, direct succession of generations. While simple in its individual meaning, its cumulative effect in a genealogy is profound, establishing legitimacy, continuity, and the precise tracing of lineage, which was paramount for tribal and priestly identity in ancient Israel.
* **אֶלְקָנָה (ʾElqānâ):** "Elkanah." This name, meaning "God has created" or "God has possessed," appears several times in the Old Testament, but in this specific context, it refers to the father of the prophet Samuel. The inclusion of Elkanah's name as the final person in this three-name sequence within the verse is highly significant. It marks the immediate paternal link to Samuel, signaling to the reader the culmination of this particular genealogical branch and its importance for the ensuing narrative of Israel's history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Eliab his son":** This phrase continues the genealogical line from the preceding verse, identifying Eliab as the direct descendant of Tohu/Toah (as per [1 Chronicles 6:26](/1_chronicles/6-26 "1 Chronicles 6:26 - Tohu's Son, Eliel")). It establishes the first link in the specific sequence presented in this verse, maintaining the chronological and familial flow of the Kohathite lineage.
* **"Jeroham his son":** Following Eliab, Jeroham is identified as Eliab's direct son. This continues the unbroken chain of paternal descent, systematically moving closer to the significant figure at the end of this particular branch. The simplicity of the phrasing belies the meticulous record-keeping inherent in these ancient genealogies.
* **"Elkanah his son":** This final clause in the verse is the most crucial, as it identifies Elkanah as Jeroham's son. This Elkanah is the direct father of Samuel (as confirmed in [1 Samuel 1:1](/1_samuel/1-1 "1 Samuel 1:1 - Elkanah, Father of Samuel")). The verse thus serves as a vital bridge, connecting the broader Kohathite genealogy to the specific family line from which the great prophet and judge Samuel would emerge, highlighting the divine preparation for his pivotal role in Israel's history.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:27, and indeed throughout much of Chapter 6, is **Genealogy**. This is a specific literary form designed to establish lineage, legitimacy, and historical continuity. In the Chronicler's work, genealogies serve to ground the post-exilic community in their past, affirming their identity and their right to the land and the temple service. The repetitive use of **Repetition** in the phrase "his son" (בְּנוֹ, *bəno'*) is not merely formulaic but emphasizes the direct, unbroken succession of generations, reinforcing the authenticity and precision of the lineage. Furthermore, while not an explicit device, the verse functions as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing** by meticulously detailing the ancestry that leads directly to Samuel, a figure whose arrival and ministry would profoundly impact Israel's trajectory, transitioning from the period of judges to the monarchy. The Chronicler, writing with hindsight, understands the immense significance of every link in this chain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:27, despite its brevity, profoundly underscores God's meticulous involvement in human history and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It reveals that even the seemingly mundane details of lineage are part of God's grand design, demonstrating His providence in preparing individuals for specific purposes across generations. The careful preservation of this Levitical line, culminating in Samuel, speaks to God's commitment to raising up leaders and servants for His people, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan. It reminds us that God's work is not haphazard but unfolds with precision, often through ordinary people in ordinary families, whose lives are woven into the larger tapestry of His divine narrative.

* [1 Samuel 1:20](/1_samuel/1-20 "1 Samuel 1:20 - Birth of Samuel")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This concise verse, a mere link in a long chain of names, offers profound insights for our lives today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of meticulous detail, sovereign over every generation and every individual life. Just as He carefully orchestrated the lineage leading to Samuel for a specific purpose, so too does He have a divine plan for each of us, even in the seemingly ordinary or unhighlighted seasons of our existence. We are part of a larger story, a spiritual heritage passed down through generations of faith. This verse invites us to consider our own place in God's ongoing narrative, to appreciate the legacy of those who have gone before us, and to recognize that our lives, no matter how humble, contribute to His overarching purposes. It encourages us to trust in God's unseen hand, knowing that He is faithfully working out His perfect will, preparing us for the unique calling He has placed upon our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous attention to detail in biblical genealogies impact your view of His care for your own life?**
* **What "spiritual heritage" has been passed down to you, and how are you stewarding it for future generations for God's glory?**
* **In what ways might God be preparing you for a unique purpose, even in seemingly ordinary or unhighlighted seasons of your life?**

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

Answer: Genealogies in books like 1 Chronicles served multiple crucial purposes for the post-exilic Israelite community. Firstly, they established **identity and continuity**, helping the returning exiles reconnect with their heritage and understand their place within God's covenant people. Secondly, they provided **legitimacy**, particularly for the priests and Levites, confirming their right to serve in the rebuilt temple and perform sacred duties (as seen in [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Exclusion from Priesthood")). Thirdly, genealogies were vital for **land rights and inheritance**, ensuring that families could reclaim their ancestral territories. Finally, and most profoundly, they demonstrated **God's faithfulness and providential plan**, showing how He preserved specific lines and orchestrated events across generations to fulfill His promises, leading to key figures like Samuel and ultimately, the Messiah.

**How does this verse connect to the broader narrative of the Bible?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles 6:27 serves as a critical genealogical link that directly connects the extensive Levitical lineage to the family of Samuel. Samuel was a pivotal figure in Israel's history, serving as the last judge, a great prophet, and the one chosen by God to anoint Israel's first two kings, [Saul](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul Anointed King") and [David](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed King"). His birth and early life are detailed in [1 Samuel 1](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel 1 - Birth of Samuel") and [1 Samuel 2](/1_samuel/2 "1 Samuel 2 - Hannah's Prayer and Samuel's Early Life"), and his prophetic ministry is highlighted in [1 Samuel 7](/1_samuel/7 "1 Samuel 7 - Samuel Judges Israel"). By meticulously tracing the line through Eliab, Jeroham, and Elkanah, the Chronicler emphasizes the divine preparation and legitimacy of Samuel's calling, underscoring that his significant role in Israel's transition from a tribal confederacy to a monarchy was part of God's predetermined plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous tracing of lineage in 1 Chronicles 6:27, leading to a pivotal figure like Samuel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God meticulously prepared a specific line for Samuel, a prophet and judge who would bridge the old era with the new, so too did God orchestrate the entire history of Israel to culminate in the birth of His Son. The genealogies of Jesus in the New Testament, such as those found in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), demonstrate that He is the promised seed, the long-awaited Messiah, through whom all God's promises are fulfilled. While Samuel served as a prophet, priest (though not of the Aaronic line, he offered sacrifices), and king-maker, Jesus embodies the perfect fulfillment of all these offices: He is the ultimate Prophet, revealing God's truth; the eternal High Priest, not according to the Levitical order but the order of [Melchizedek](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Jesus, a Priest Forever After the Order of Melchizedek"), who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice; and the King of Kings, whose kingdom is everlasting. Thus, every link in the Old Testament's genealogical chains, including the one in 1 Chronicles 6:27, ultimately points forward to the one through whom God's redemptive plan for humanity is fully realized—the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus 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 Samuel 1:19

¶ And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.

1 Samuel 1:20

Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, [saying], Because I have asked him of the LORD.