1 Chronicles 6:35

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The son {H1121} of Zuph {H6689}, the son {H1121} of Elkanah {H511}, the son {H1121} of Mahath {H4287}, the son {H1121} of Amasai {H6022},

Complete Jewish Bible

the son of Tzuf, the son of Elkanah, the son of Machat, the son of 'Amasai,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:35 meticulously records a segment of the Levitical genealogy, specifically tracing the lineage of Zuph, Elkanah, Mahath, and Amasai. This verse serves as a crucial link within the extensive genealogical records of the Kohathite clan, ultimately connecting the renowned chief musician Heman back to Levi. Far from a mere list of names, this detailed record underscores God's meticulous preservation of legitimate lines for sacred service, particularly in the context of worship leadership within the tabernacle and future temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 6 is entirely dedicated to the comprehensive genealogies of the Levites, the tribe divinely appointed for temple service. The chapter systematically outlines the three main branches descended from Levi's sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—and then details the specific priestly line of Aaron within the Kohathites. Verses 31-47 focus on the chief musicians appointed by King David: Heman, Asaph, and Ethan/Jeduthun. Verse 35 falls within the lineage of Heman, a prominent Kohathite, providing a vital link in his ancestry. This meticulous tracing of descent highlights the importance of proper lineage for those entrusted with sacred duties, establishing their legitimacy and continuity within God's covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled after the Babylonian exile, during a period when the returning exiles were rebuilding Jerusalem and re-establishing their religious and national identity. For this post-exilic community, genealogies were not merely historical records; they were foundational for determining tribal identity, inheritance rights, and, crucially, eligibility for priestly and Levitical service in the restored temple. The Chronicler's emphasis on these detailed lineages served to validate the claims of those serving in the temple, ensuring that worship was conducted according to divine order and that the legitimate lines of God's chosen servants were preserved despite the disruptions of exile. This context underscores the practical and theological significance of seemingly dry lists of names.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader Levitical genealogies in [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - The Genealogies of the Levites"), contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Order and Continuity**, showcasing God's meticulous planning and preservation of specific lineages to ensure the proper functioning of His covenant community and the continuation of sacred service. Secondly, it highlights the **Importance of Heritage and Legitimacy**, as an individual's lineage was paramount in ancient Israel for establishing identity and eligibility for roles, particularly in the temple. This is evident in passages like [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Exclusion from Priesthood Due to Unverified Lineage"), where unverified genealogies led to exclusion from the priesthood. Thirdly, it speaks to **Preparation for Service**, demonstrating how generations of faithfulness and divine providence culminate in individuals like Heman, who played pivotal roles in Israel's worship. Finally, the very existence of these preserved records underscores **God's Enduring Faithfulness** to His covenant promises, even through periods of national disruption and exile, ensuring the restoration of proper worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, בֶּן, _ben_):** This recurring word is critical to the genealogical structure. It denotes direct paternal descent, emphasizing the unbroken chain of lineage. In ancient Israelite society, "son of" was not just a biological descriptor but a legal and social marker establishing identity, inheritance, and eligibility for specific roles, particularly within the tribal and priestly systems. Its repetition throughout the genealogies underscores the legitimacy and authenticity of the recorded lines.
* **Zuph, Elkanah, Mahath, Amasai (Hebrew, צוּף, אֶלְקָנָה, מַחַת, עֲמָשַׂי):** While the individual meanings of these names (e.g., Elkanah means "God has created" or "God has possessed") are not the primary focus here, their significance lies in their function as distinct, verifiable links in a meticulously preserved chain. Each name represents a generation, a person whose existence was crucial for the continuity of the lineage leading to Heman. Their inclusion validates the historical accuracy and divine oversight of the Levitical succession.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The son of Zuph":** This phrase establishes Zuph as the immediate ancestor in this segment of the lineage. It places Zuph within the broader Kohathite family tree, though his specific identity beyond being an ancestor of Heman is not further elaborated here. This opening phrase immediately signals the genealogical nature of the text.
* **"the son of Elkanah":** This continues the chain, identifying Zuph as the son of Elkanah. The repetition of "the son of" reinforces the direct, paternal line of descent, emphasizing the unbroken succession. Elkanah is a common name in the Old Testament, notably borne by the father of the prophet Samuel, also a Levite.
* **"the son of Mahath":** Mahath is identified as the father of Elkanah. Each name serves as a vital link, demonstrating the meticulous record-keeping that was characteristic of Israelite society, especially concerning tribal and religious roles.
* **"the son of Amasai":** This final phrase in the verse names Amasai as the father of Mahath. Together, these four names form a specific segment of the longer genealogy found in 1 Chronicles 6, connecting Heman back through a series of specific ancestors, thereby validating his position and heritage within the Levitical tribe.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:35, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list but a structured historical record designed to establish lineage, legitimacy, and continuity. The Chronicler uses genealogy to affirm the identity of the post-exilic community and to validate the roles of those serving in the temple. Closely related is **Repetition**, specifically the repeated phrase "the son of," which creates a rhythmic pattern that emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent and the direct paternal succession. This reiteration serves to reinforce the authenticity and precision of the record. The verse also functions as a **List** or **Catalog**, presenting a series of names in a specific order. While seemingly dry, this catalog serves a crucial theological and historical purpose by systematically documenting the divine order and preservation of God's chosen people and their designated roles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple list of names in 1 Chronicles 6:35 carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous attention to detail, His sovereign plan unfolding through generations, and His faithfulness in preserving a people and a lineage for His purposes. The very act of recording these genealogies reflects a belief that God is intimately involved in the historical progression of His covenant people, ensuring that those appointed for sacred service possess the legitimate heritage required. This highlights that even the "mundane" details of ancestry are part of God's grand design, culminating in the fulfillment of His promises and the establishment of proper worship.

* [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Exclusion from Priesthood Due to Unverified Lineage")
* [Nehemiah 7:64](/nehemiah/7-64 "Nehemiah 7:64 - Similar Genealogical Verification")
* [Numbers 3:15](/numbers/3-15 "Numbers 3:15 - Census of Levites by Family")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might initially appear distant from modern experience, 1 Chronicles 6:35 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and detail, orchestrating seemingly small elements—like individual names in a long lineage—to fulfill His grand purposes. Our lives, too, are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative. This verse encourages us to consider our own spiritual heritage, recognizing that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and that our faithfulness today contributes to the legacy for future generations. It calls us to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when His plans unfold slowly or through seemingly insignificant means, knowing that He meticulously prepares individuals and circumstances for His ultimate glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like this one, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character and His involvement in human history?**
* **In what ways does your own "spiritual heritage"—the faith passed down to you, or the spiritual influences in your life—shape who you are and your calling today?**
* **What legacy of faithfulness are you building or contributing to for future generations, and how does this verse encourage you in that endeavor?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so long and seemingly repetitive in the Bible?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 6:35, serve several crucial purposes beyond mere historical record. They establish legitimacy, particularly for those in priestly or royal lines, ensuring that individuals serving in sacred roles or inheriting positions of authority were divinely appointed through proper lineage. For the post-exilic community, these records were vital for re-establishing tribal identity, land inheritance, and the proper order of temple service. They also demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant promises through generations, even through periods of national upheaval and exile. The repetition emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent, reinforcing the authenticity and divine order of the lineage.

**Who was Heman, and why is his lineage important enough to be so meticulously recorded?**

Answer: Heman was a prominent chief musician and seer, a Kohathite Levite appointed by King David to lead worship in the tabernacle and later the temple (as seen in [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - Heman, Asaph, and Jeduthun Appointed for Worship")). His lineage was meticulously recorded because his role was not merely a secular appointment but a sacred one, integral to the divinely ordained worship of Israel. His legitimate Levitical descent ensured that the temple worship was conducted by those properly designated by God, underscoring the importance of divine order and authority in sacred service. His line, along with those of Asaph and Jeduthun, continued to serve in the temple for generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous tracing of lineage in 1 Chronicles 6:35, leading to a chief musician like Heman, foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's perfect plan for worship and mediation in Jesus Christ. While Heman's lineage legitimized his earthly service in the tabernacle and temple, Christ's perfect and divinely ordained lineage—traced through both His royal Davidic line ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")) and His human ancestry back to Adam ([Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"))—legitimizes His eternal and universal High Priesthood. The Levitical system, with its emphasis on proper lineage for service, pointed to the need for a perfect mediator. Jesus, though not from the Aaronic priesthood by earthly descent, is declared a priest "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:11-17](/hebrews/7-11-17 "Hebrews 7:11-17 - Jesus, a Priest Like Melchizedek")), a superior priesthood established by divine oath, not by human genealogy. He is the ultimate "Son of God" ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - The Only Begotten Son")), whose perfect life and atoning sacrifice fulfill all the Levitical offerings and priestly functions. The generations of preparation and faithfulness culminating in Heman's worship leadership find their ultimate culmination in Christ, who is both the perfect worshiper and the object of all worship, having made the way for all believers to approach God through His blood ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")).

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.