1 Chronicles 6:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:3 is a pivotal genealogical entry within the Chronicler's detailed account of the Levitical families, specifically tracing the immediate lineage of Amram. This verse is crucial for establishing the foundational figures of Israel's spiritual leadership, identifying Aaron, Moses, and Miriam as Amram's children, and then meticulously listing Aaron's four sons—Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar—thereby setting the stage for the divinely appointed Aaronic priesthood and its subsequent succession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 6:3 is embedded within the extensive genealogies that open the Book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9). Following the universal genealogies from Adam, the Chronicler narrows the focus to Israel, with particular emphasis on the tribe of Levi in chapter 6. This chapter meticulously details the various Levitical families and their roles in temple service, culminating in the lineage of the high priests. Verse 3 serves as the immediate introduction to the most prominent branch of the Kohathite Levites, establishing the direct familial link of Aaron, the first high priest, to his parents and siblings, and then to his own children, who would continue the priestly line. This placement underscores the foundational importance of this family for all subsequent priestly service.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed in the post-exilic period (c. 450-400 BC), a time when the returned exiles were rebuilding their national and religious identity. Genealogies were critically important in this context, serving to establish legitimacy for land claims, tribal identity, and, most significantly, for roles within the restored temple worship. The precise detailing of the Aaronic lineage was essential to affirm the continuity and divine authorization of the priesthood, which was central to the community's relationship with God. Culturally, the concept of inherited roles, particularly for sacred service, was deeply ingrained, emphasizing divine appointment and generational faithfulness rather than individual merit alone. The mention of Moses and Miriam alongside Aaron also grounds the priestly line within the foundational narratives of Israel's formation during the Exodus.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Appointment and Lineage**, underscoring that the Aaronic priesthood was not a human invention but a divinely established institution, passed down through a specific bloodline, as detailed in [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Aaron's Consecration"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Foundational Figures**, connecting the priestly genealogy directly to the pivotal events of the Exodus and the formation of Israel as a nation by naming Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. Moses, the great lawgiver and leader of the Exodus ([Exodus 3:10](/exodus/3-10 "Exodus 3:10 - Moses' Call")), Aaron, the first high priest, and Miriam, a prophetess and worshiper ([Exodus 15:20](/exodus/15-20 "Exodus 15:20 - Miriam's Song")), were instrumental in God's plan for His people. Lastly, the mention of Aaron's sons underscores the **Continuity of Priesthood**, highlighting the beginning of the priestly succession. While [Nadab and Abihu tragically lost their lives](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1 - The Sin of Nadab and Abihu") due to unauthorized fire, Eleazar and Ithamar continued the legitimate priestly line, ensuring the continuation of sacred service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Aaron (Hebrew, _'Aharon'_):** Meaning uncertain, possibly "mountain of strength" or "enlightened." In this context, Aaron is not merely a name but represents the divinely chosen head of the Levitical priesthood. His inclusion here, as a child of Amram, immediately signals the verse's focus on the lineage from which the high priestly office would emerge. His role as the first high priest, consecrated by God, is foundational to Israel's worship system, mediating between God and His people.
* **Moses (Hebrew, _Mosheh'_):** Meaning "drawn out" (from water). Moses, though not a priest himself, is inextricably linked to the establishment of the Mosaic Law and the covenant at Sinai. His inclusion in this family list emphasizes the close relationship between the law (given through Moses) and the priesthood (administered by Aaron), both essential components of Israel's covenant identity and worship.
* **Miriam (Hebrew, _Miryam'_):** Meaning "bitter" or "rebellious," though often associated with "exalted." Miriam's presence completes the trio of Amram's children, acknowledging her significant role as a prophetess and leader during the Exodus, further highlighting the prominence and divine favor upon this particular family unit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam."**: This clause immediately establishes the familial relationship of three of the most significant figures in Israel's early history. Amram, a descendant of Levi, is identified as the patriarch of this pivotal family. By listing Aaron, Moses, and Miriam together, the text emphasizes their shared origin and the unique role this family played in the Exodus and the formation of the nation of Israel. It grounds the priestly line within the broader narrative of God's deliverance and covenant with His people.
* **"The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar."**: This second clause directly specifies the immediate successors to Aaron in the priestly office. These four sons were consecrated alongside their father. While Nadab and Abihu's tragic deaths are well-documented elsewhere, their initial inclusion here is vital for historical accuracy and to show the full complement of Aaron's direct male descendants who were initially designated for priestly service. Eleazar and Ithamar would subsequently carry on the legitimate priestly line, ensuring the continuity of the Aaronic priesthood.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 6:3 is **Genealogy**. This verse is a concise entry within a much larger genealogical record, serving to establish lineage, legitimacy, and continuity. The Chronicler uses genealogy not merely as a list of names but as a theological tool to affirm God's covenant faithfulness through generations and to validate the authority of specific families for leadership roles, particularly the priesthood. Another subtle device is **Conciseness** or **Brevity**. The verse lists these highly significant figures without elaboration, relying on the reader's assumed familiarity with their stories from the Pentateuch. This brevity underscores the established importance of these individuals, allowing their names to evoke a wealth of historical and theological meaning. The **Juxtaposition** of Aaron, Moses, and Miriam highlights the unique concentration of divine calling and leadership within one family.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:3, though a simple genealogical entry, profoundly underscores God's meticulous order, the importance of divinely appointed leadership, and the continuity of His covenant plan through specific individuals and families. It highlights that the priesthood was not a human invention but a sacred institution established by God Himself, with a clear line of succession to ensure proper worship and mediation. The inclusion of Moses and Miriam alongside Aaron also emphasizes that the priestly function is intrinsically linked to the broader narrative of God's law and prophetic guidance for His people. This verse serves as a foundational block, affirming the legitimacy and divine origin of the Aaronic priesthood, which was vital for the post-exilic community seeking to re-establish proper worship.

* [Exodus 6:20](/exodus/6-20 "Exodus 6:20 - Amram's Family")
* [Numbers 3:2-4](/numbers/3-2 "Numbers 3:2-4 - Aaron's Sons and Their Fate")
* [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - The Sin of Nadab and Abihu")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 6:3 carries profound implications for believers today. It reminds us that God works through specific individuals and families across generations, meticulously orchestrating His purposes. Just as the Aaronic line was divinely appointed for sacred service, so too are believers today called into a spiritual priesthood, tasked with offering spiritual sacrifices and proclaiming the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. The emphasis on lineage and order in this verse encourages us to appreciate our spiritual heritage, understanding that we are part of a grand narrative of faith passed down through generations. It calls us to faithfulness in our own unique roles within the body of Christ, recognizing that even seemingly small contributions are vital to God's overarching plan. The meticulousness of God's record-keeping for His people's identity and roles should inspire us with confidence in His sovereign design for our lives and His church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding our spiritual heritage, as exemplified by the genealogies, inform our faith and sense of identity today?**
* **What does the emphasis on divine appointment and order in the Aaronic priesthood teach us about God's design for leadership and service within the church?**
* **In what ways are we called to uphold and pass on the spiritual legacy entrusted to us, ensuring continuity of faith for future generations?**

### FAQ

**Why are Moses and Miriam mentioned here, given the focus on the priestly line?**

Answer: While 1 Chronicles 6 primarily focuses on the Levitical and priestly lines, Moses and Miriam are included as children of Amram, making them Aaron's full siblings. Their inclusion is crucial for two main reasons. First, it provides a complete familial context for Aaron, the first high priest, emphasizing the foundational family unit from which he emerged. Second, it connects the priestly lineage directly to the broader, pivotal narrative of the Exodus and the establishment of Israel's covenant with God. Moses was the lawgiver and leader, and Miriam was a prophetess; their presence highlights that the priestly office, though distinct, was intricately woven into the fabric of Israel's national and spiritual formation under God's comprehensive leadership.

**What is the significance of listing Nadab and Abihu despite their tragic end?**

Answer: The inclusion of Nadab and Abihu is vital for historical accuracy and theological integrity. They were indeed consecrated as priests alongside their father Aaron and their brothers Eleazar and Ithamar, making them initially part of the legitimate priestly succession. Their subsequent judgment, detailed in [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - The Sin of Nadab and Abihu"), where they offered "strange fire" before the Lord, serves as a stark and enduring warning about the holiness and reverence required in God's service. Despite their tragic fate, they were undeniably Aaron's sons and initially designated priests, thus their inclusion in this genealogical record is necessary to provide a complete and accurate account of the family's lineage, even as Eleazar and Ithamar ultimately carried on the legitimate line.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous tracing of the Aaronic priesthood in 1 Chronicles 6:3, establishing a lineage of mediators between God and humanity, ultimately points forward to the perfect and eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ. While the Aaronic priests served by divine appointment, their ministry was inherently limited—they were mortal, sinful, and their sacrifices were temporary, needing constant repetition. Christ, however, fulfills and transcends this earthly priesthood. He is not from the tribe of Levi but from Judah, yet He is a priest forever "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ, a Priest Forever")). Unlike Aaron's sons, who inherited their office, Jesus' priesthood is based on an indestructible life and His own perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 7:23-27](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23-27 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). He entered the true heavenly tabernacle, not one made with hands, offering His own blood as the ultimate atonement for sin ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). The lineage of Aaron, detailed in this verse, therefore serves as a shadow, a divinely ordained pattern that finds its glorious and complete reality in the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), our great High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 10:1-18](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-18 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")).

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

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.