1 Chronicles 6:3

And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

And the children {H1121} of Amram {H6019}; Aaron {H175}, and Moses {H4872}, and Miriam {H4813}. The sons {H1121} also of Aaron {H175}; Nadab {H5070}, and Abihu {H30}, Eleazar {H499}, and Ithamar {H385}.

The children of 'Amram: Aharon, Moshe and Miryam. The sons of Aharon: Nadav, Avihu, El'azar and Itamar.

The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

And the children of Amram: Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. And the sons of Aaron: Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:3 is a concise genealogical entry within the broader context of the Levitical families, specifically highlighting the lineage of Aaron, from whom the priestly line of Israel descended. This verse serves as a crucial link in tracing the heritage of those called to serve in the tabernacle and later the temple, establishing the foundational figures of Israel's spiritual leadership.

Context

The Book of 1 Chronicles meticulously records genealogies, often repeating information found in earlier books like Exodus, Numbers, and Leviticus, but with a particular emphasis on the tribe of Levi and the royal line of David. This focus underscores the importance of proper lineage for the priesthood and kingship in post-exilic Israel. Verse 3 here specifically details the immediate family of Amram, a descendant of Levi, setting the stage for the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood. It places the most influential figures of the Exodus narrative—Moses, the great lawgiver and leader; Aaron, the first high priest; and Miriam, a prophetess and worshiper—within their family structure.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment and Lineage: This verse underscores the divine ordination of specific families for particular roles. The Aaronic priesthood was not a human invention but a divinely established institution, passed down through a specific bloodline.
  • Foundational Figures: By naming Aaron, Moses, and Miriam, the text connects the priestly genealogy directly to the pivotal events of the Exodus and the formation of Israel as a nation. These individuals were instrumental in God's plan for His people.
  • Continuity of Priesthood: The mention of Aaron's sons—Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar—highlights the beginning of the priestly succession. While Nadab and Abihu tragically lost their lives due to unauthorized fire, Eleazar and Ithamar continued the priestly line, ensuring the continuation of sacred service.

Linguistic Insights

While this verse is primarily a list of names, the significance lies in the names themselves and their historical associations. The names are Hebrew and directly identify individuals whose lives are extensively documented in the Pentateuch. There isn't a complex linguistic nuance to the structure of this verse itself, but its brevity emphasizes the importance of the individuals named, assuming the reader's familiarity with their stories.

Practical Application

Though a genealogical record, 1 Chronicles 6:3 offers several insights for believers today:

  • God's Faithfulness Through Generations: It reminds us that God works through specific individuals and families across time, fulfilling His purposes. It speaks to the importance of spiritual heritage and passing on faith to the next generation.
  • The Importance of Order: The meticulous record-keeping of lineage, particularly for the priesthood, emphasizes God's preference for order and proper structure in His service. This principle can be applied to spiritual leadership and church governance today.
  • Every Role Matters: Even a simple listing of names can highlight the diverse roles within God's plan—from the prophet to the priest, from the leader to the worshiper. Each individual's contribution, whether widely known or less prominent, is vital to God's overarching narrative.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 10:1

    ¶ And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.

  • Exodus 6:20

    And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram [were] an hundred and thirty and seven years.

  • Leviticus 10:12

    ¶ And Moses spake unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons that were left, Take the meat offering that remaineth of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar: for it [is] most holy:

  • Exodus 15:20

    And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

  • 1 Chronicles 23:13

    The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.

  • Exodus 6:23

    And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

  • 1 Chronicles 24:1

    ¶ Now [these are] the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
← Back