1 Chronicles 6:37

KJV

The son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

KJV (with Strong's)

The son {H1121} of Tahath {H8480}, the son {H1121} of Assir {H617}, the son {H1121} of Ebiasaph {H43}, the son {H1121} of Korah {H7141},

Complete Jewish Bible

the son of Tachat, the son of Asir, the son of Evyasaf, the son of Korach,

Berean Standard Bible

the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

American Standard Version

the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:37 is a pivotal verse within the extensive Levitical genealogies, meticulously tracing the lineage of Heman, a prominent temple musician appointed by King David, back to his ancestor Korah. This verse, part of a larger record of the priestly and Levitical families, serves to establish the legitimate identity and roles of those serving in the post-exilic temple, remarkably highlighting God's enduring grace and redemptive power by showcasing a line that, despite its infamous origin in rebellion, was preserved and elevated to a position of sacred service and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 6 is dedicated to the genealogies of the Levites, particularly focusing on the three main branches descended from Levi's sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. The Chronicler's primary concern in compiling these detailed lists, especially for the priests and Levites, was to establish continuity and legitimacy for the re-established temple worship after the Babylonian exile. The chapter meticulously traces the lineage of Aaron (the high priestly line) and then the lines of the other Levites, culminating in the identification of key figures like Heman, Asaph, and Ethan (or Jeduthun), who were appointed by David to lead the temple music. Verse 37 specifically falls within the Kohathite line, tracing Heman's ancestry through Tahath, Assir, and Ebiasaph, back to Korah, thereby linking a revered worship leader to a controversial ancestor. This meticulous record underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on proper order, divine appointment, and the unbroken chain of service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely written after the Babylonian exile, possibly during the Persian period (5th-4th century BCE). For the returning exiles, identity and heritage were paramount. Genealogies served a crucial function in ancient Israel, not merely for historical record-keeping but for establishing tribal affiliation, land rights, and, critically, eligibility for priestly and Levitical service. The Levites, as a tribe, were set apart for service in the tabernacle and later the temple, assisting the priests. Within this context, the inclusion of Korah's descendants is particularly striking. Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron, detailed in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion"), resulted in divine judgment. Yet, the survival and flourishing of a branch of his family, specifically in roles of sacred music and gatekeeping, speaks volumes about God's sovereignty and grace. Culturally, music was an integral part of Israelite worship, and the Levites were the primary practitioners, making the lineage of a chief musician like Heman of great significance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, nestled within the broader genealogical record, contributes to several overarching themes. First, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Preservation and Grace**. Despite the severe judgment on Korah for his rebellion, God mercifully preserved a remnant of his family, demonstrating that divine wrath does not always consume an entire lineage and that God's grace can extend beyond immediate judgment. Second, it reinforces the theme of **Legitimacy and Continuity** in Israel's worship. By meticulously tracing the lines of temple servants, the Chronicler validates their roles and ensures the proper functioning of the post-exilic cult. The inclusion of Korah's descendants, who became renowned for their faithfulness, underscores that God's covenant promises and purposes endure across generations. Third, the verse highlights **Redemption and Restoration**. The transformation of a lineage associated with rebellion into one known for devout worship and musical contributions (as evidenced by the "Sons of Korah" psalms, such as [Psalm 42](/psalms/42 "Psalm 42 - As the Deer Pants for Water") and [Psalm 84](/psalms/84 "Psalm 84 - How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place")) is a profound testament to God's ability to redeem and repurpose even the most unlikely or tarnished backgrounds for His glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, _ben_):** The Hebrew word בֵּן (_ben_) is consistently used here to denote direct paternal descent. While it can sometimes mean "descendant" more broadly, in these genealogical lists, its repetitive use emphasizes a direct, unbroken chain from father to son. This precision was crucial for establishing legal and religious identity in ancient Israel, particularly for those serving in the temple.
* **Korah (Hebrew, _Qorach_):** The name קֹרַח (_Qorach_) itself means "baldness" or "ice." However, its significance here is not in its etymology but in its historical association. Korah was a Levite who led a rebellion against the divinely appointed leadership of Moses and Aaron, resulting in a dramatic divine judgment where the earth swallowed him and his co-conspirators ([Numbers 16:32](/numbers/16-32 "Numbers 16:32 - The Earth Swallows Korah")). His inclusion in this revered lineage, leading to a chief temple musician, is a powerful statement about God's ability to preserve and redeem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The son of Tahath":** This phrase initiates the specific segment of the lineage being highlighted, indicating Tahath as the immediate father in this part of the chain.
* **"the son of Assir":** Continues the genealogical progression, identifying Assir as the father of Tahath, further extending the direct paternal line.
* **"the son of Ebiasaph":** Adds another link, with Ebiasaph being the father of Assir, meticulously tracing the ancestry backward.
* **"the son of Korah":** This final clause in the verse is the most significant, establishing the direct descent of this branch of the Levites from Korah. It is this connection that provides the profound theological and thematic implications, linking a future chief musician to a notorious rebel, and underscoring the themes of divine grace and preservation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 6:37 is **Genealogy**. This is a common feature in biblical literature, particularly in historical books, serving to establish lineage, legitimacy, and continuity. In this specific context, the genealogy is not merely a dry list of names; it functions as a theological statement. The **Repetition** of "the son of" (or "son of") throughout the verse and the broader chapter emphasizes the direct, unbroken chain of descent, reinforcing the authenticity and divine appointment of the individuals mentioned. There is also a powerful element of **Irony** and **Contrast** at play: the lineage of Korah, infamous for rebellion, becomes a line celebrated for its faithful service and musical contributions to temple worship. This unexpected turn highlights God's redemptive power, transforming a story of judgment into one of grace. The name Korah, initially a symbol of defiance, is implicitly transformed into a symbol of divine mercy and the potential for **Restoration**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:37, though a seemingly simple genealogical entry, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful testament to God's enduring grace and His sovereign ability to work through and redeem even the most unlikely or tarnished lineages. The preservation of Korah's line, despite his infamous rebellion and the divine judgment that followed, demonstrates that God's mercy can transcend human failure and that sin does not necessarily disqualify future generations from divine service. This verse underscores the truth that God's plans are not thwarted by human sin, and He can transform a past of rebellion into a future of faithful worship. It speaks to the continuity of God's covenant and His faithfulness across generations, ensuring that those appointed for sacred service are legitimate and divinely chosen, even if their ancestry includes moments of profound human failing.

* [Numbers 26:11](/numbers/26-11 "Numbers 26:11 - The Sons of Korah Did Not Die")
* [Psalm 84:10](/psalms/84-10 "Psalm 84:10 - Better Is One Day in Your Courts")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Steadfast Love Endures")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane listing of names in 1 Chronicles 6:37 holds a profound message for believers today: our past, or the past of our families, does not define our potential for God's redemptive purposes. Just as God preserved and elevated the descendants of Korah, transforming a lineage associated with rebellion into one renowned for its devout worship and musical contributions, so too can He redeem and repurpose any life or family history for His glory. This verse encourages us to embrace God's limitless grace, understanding that His call to service is not contingent on a perfect pedigree but on His sovereign choice and transformative power. It reminds us that God is in the business of restoration, turning stories of failure into testimonies of His faithfulness, and empowering us to serve Him regardless of our background.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's preservation of Korah's lineage challenge our assumptions about who is "qualified" for divine service?**
* **In what ways can we see God's redemptive power at work in our own lives or in the lives of those around us, transforming past failures into future service?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the enduring nature of God's grace and His faithfulness across generations?**

### FAQ
**Why is Korah's name mentioned if he led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron?**

Answer: The mention of Korah's name in this revered lineage is highly significant precisely because of his infamous rebellion recorded in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion"). While Korah and many of his co-conspirators perished in divine judgment, [Numbers 26:11](/numbers/26-11 "Numbers 26:11 - The Sons of Korah Did Not Die") explicitly states that "the sons of Korah did not die." This verse in 1 Chronicles 6:37, along with others, confirms that a branch of his family survived and was not permanently disqualified from God's service. Their inclusion highlights God's sovereign grace and mercy, demonstrating that divine judgment on one generation does not necessarily condemn all future generations. It also underscores the Chronicler's purpose: to show the continuity of God's plan and the legitimacy of the Levites serving in the temple, even those from a controversial lineage.

**What was the later role of the "sons of Korah" in Israel's worship?**

Answer: The descendants of Korah, often referred to as the "sons of Korah," became prominent and highly esteemed figures in Israel's worship life. They served as temple musicians, gatekeepers, and composers of sacred songs. Notably, eleven psalms in the book of Psalms are attributed to the "Sons of Korah" (e.g., [Psalm 42](/psalms/42 "Psalm 42 - As the Deer Pants for Water"), [Psalm 44](/psalms/44 "Psalm 44 - O God, We Have Heard with Our Ears"), [Psalm 45](/psalms/45 "Psalm 45 - My Heart Is Stirred by a Noble Theme"), [Psalm 46](/psalms/46 "Psalm 46 - God Is Our Refuge and Strength"), [Psalm 47](/psalms/47 "Psalm 47 - Clap Your Hands, All You Nations!"), [Psalm 48](/psalms/48 "Psalm 48 - Great Is the Lord"), [Psalm 49](/psalms/49 "Psalm 49 - Hear This, All You Peoples!"), [Psalm 84](/psalms/84 "Psalm 84 - How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place"), [Psalm 85](/psalms/85 "Psalm 85 - Restore Us Again, O God of Our Salvation"), [Psalm 87](/psalms/87 "Psalm 87 - His Foundation Is in the Holy Mountains"), [Psalm 88](/psalms/88 "Psalm 88 - O Lord, God of My Salvation")). These psalms often express deep longing for God, trust in His presence, and praise for His mighty acts, showcasing a profound spiritual devotion that stands in stark contrast to their ancestor's rebellion. Their story is a powerful example of redemption and transformation within the biblical narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative embedded within 1 Chronicles 6:37, particularly the redemption of Korah's lineage from rebellion to sacred service, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The grace extended to Korah's descendants, allowing them to participate in the worship of God despite their ancestral stain, perfectly foreshadows the boundless grace offered to all humanity through Christ. We, like Korah's rebellious line, were once "dead in trespasses and sins," children of wrath by nature, alienated from God ([Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Sins")). Yet, through Christ's atoning sacrifice, God, "being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved" ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - Made Alive in Christ by Grace")). Jesus, the true and ultimate High Priest, not only redeems us from the curse of sin and our past failures but grafts us into a new, divine lineage. Through faith in Him, we become "new creation[s]" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), adopted as "children of God" ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God")), and are given a new identity and purpose: to worship God and serve Him in the "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). The story of Korah's sons becoming faithful worshipers is a beautiful, albeit partial, picture of the radical transformation and inclusion that is fully realized for all believers in the person and work of 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

Exodus 6:21

And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri.

Exodus 6:24

And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these [are] the families of the Korhites.

Psalms 84:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable [are] thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!

Psalms 85:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.

Psalms 49:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Hear this, all [ye] people; give ear, all [ye] inhabitants of the world:

Numbers 26:10

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.

Numbers 26:11

Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.