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, affirming divine order and continuity.

### 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 and ensuring that those serving in the temple were indeed from the divinely appointed lines.
* **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, as they provided the necessary framework for societal and religious reconstruction.
* **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 powerfully illustrated 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, as seen in [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - Heman, Asaph, and Jeduthun Appointed for 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, _bên_):** This recurring word (H1121) is fundamental to the genealogical structure, denoting direct paternal descent. More than a mere biological descriptor, "son of" in ancient Israel established identity, inheritance, and eligibility for specific roles, particularly within tribal and priestly systems. Its repetition throughout the genealogies underscores the legitimacy and authenticity of the recorded lines, signifying one who "builds" or continues the family name and legacy.
* **Elkanah (Hebrew, _ʼElqânâh_):** The name Elkanah (H511) means "God has obtained" or "God has possessed." While the primary purpose of its inclusion here is genealogical, the meaning of the name subtly points to divine providence and ownership. It suggests a recognition that this individual, and by extension his lineage, was divinely appointed or set apart, reinforcing the theme of God's active involvement in establishing the lines of sacred service.
* **Amasai (Hebrew, _ʻĂmâsay_):** The name Amasai (H6022) means "burdensome." Like Elkanah, its primary function is to serve as a genealogical link. However, the etymology, though not explicitly commented on by the Chronicler, might hint at the weighty responsibility or "burden" of service carried by those in the Levitical line, or perhaps even the challenges faced by the family or nation at the time of his birth. Its inclusion ensures the meticulous and unbroken chain of descent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The son of Zuph":** This phrase initiates a specific segment of Heman's ancestry, identifying Zuph as the immediate ancestor in this particular record. It firmly places Zuph within the broader Kohathite lineage, emphasizing his role as a link in the chain leading to the renowned chief musician Heman. This opening immediately signals the verse's genealogical purpose.
* **"the son of Elkanah":** Continuing the direct paternal line, this clause identifies Zuph as the son of Elkanah. The repetition of "the son of" reinforces the unbroken succession and the meticulous nature of the record-keeping. Elkanah is a notable name, also borne by the father of the prophet Samuel, highlighting the significance of such names within Levitical history.
* **"the son of Mahath":** Mahath is here identified as the father of Elkanah. Each name in this sequence serves as a vital, verifiable link, demonstrating the precision with which these sacred lineages were maintained. This detail was crucial for establishing the legitimacy of those performing temple duties.
* **"the son of Amasai":** This final phrase in the verse names Amasai as the father of Mahath. Together, these four names—Zuph, Elkanah, Mahath, and Amasai—form a specific, consecutive segment of the longer genealogy found in 1 Chronicles 6. Their inclusion validates Heman's position and heritage within the Levitical tribe, ensuring his credentials for sacred service were beyond dispute.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:35, and throughout much of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list but a highly structured historical and theological record designed to establish lineage, legitimacy, and continuity for the post-exilic community. The Chronicler uses genealogy to affirm the identity of the returning exiles and to validate the roles of those serving in the restored temple. Closely related is **Repetition**, specifically the recurring 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, precision, and divine ordering of the record. The verse also functions as a **List** or **Catalog**, presenting a series of names in a specific, chronological 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 within the covenant.

### 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 unwavering faithfulness in preserving a people and a lineage for His purposes. The very act of recording these genealogies reflects a deep-seated 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, demonstrating that God's faithfulness extends to the most minute aspects of His covenant.

* [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, each individual a unique link in God's unfolding plan. 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, inviting us to find our place within His eternal story.

#### 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](/1_chronicles/6-35 "1 Chronicles 6:35 - Levitical Genealogy"), 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, as seen in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The Return from Exile and Genealogies"). 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, providing a foundational anchor for their identity and worship.

**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 detailed in [1 Chronicles 25:1-6](/1_chronicles/25-1-6 "1 Chronicles 25:1-6 - The Organization of the Musicians"). 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, playing a vital role in the spiritual life of the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous tracing of lineage in [1 Chronicles 6:35](/1_chronicles/6-35 "1 Chronicles 6:35 - Levitical Genealogy"), 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 in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and His human ancestry back to Adam in [Luke 3:23-38](/luk/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" in [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" mentioned in [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, as declared in [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.