1 Chronicles 6:4

KJV

Eleazar begat Phinehas, Phinehas begat Abishua,

KJV (with Strong's)

Eleazar {H499} begat {H3205} Phinehas {H6372}, Phinehas {H6372} begat {H3205} Abishua {H50},

Complete Jewish Bible

El'azar fathered Pinchas, Pinchas fathered Avishua,

Berean Standard Bible

Eleazar was the father of Phinehas, Phinehas was the father of Abishua,

American Standard Version

Eleazar begat Phinehas, Phinehas begat Abishua,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:4 serves as a concise yet pivotal link within the extensive priestly genealogies of the Book of Chronicles, meticulously tracing the divinely ordained succession of High Priests from Eleazar, son of Aaron, through Phinehas, to Abishua. This verse underscores the unbroken continuity and legitimacy of the Aaronic priesthood, a lineage fundamental to Israelite worship, national identity, and the proper administration of the sacrificial system. It highlights God's faithfulness in maintaining the appointed line of service, which was crucial for the post-exilic community seeking to re-establish their covenant relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles are predominantly dedicated to comprehensive genealogies, forming the foundational record for the post-exilic community returning to Judah. These meticulous lists were essential for re-establishing tribal identities, confirming land claims, and, most critically, validating the legitimacy of the priesthood. 1 Chronicles 6 specifically focuses on the descendants of Levi, the tribe from whom all priests and temple servants were drawn. Verses 1-15 of this chapter meticulously outline the lineage of the High Priests, commencing with Levi and systematically tracing the line down through Aaron and his son, Eleazar, thereby demonstrating an unbroken chain of authority essential for temple worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Chronicles was written for the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile, a people grappling with questions of identity, heritage, and continuity with their past covenant relationship with God. In ancient Israelite society, genealogies were not mere records of ancestry but vital legal and religious documents. They established a person's right to land, tribal affiliation, and, in the case of the priesthood, legitimate authority to serve in the temple. The Aaronic priesthood was the divinely appointed mediator between God and Israel, responsible for sacrifices, intercession, and teaching the Law. The precise recording of this lineage, as seen in 1 Chronicles 6:4, was therefore paramount for ensuring the purity and validity of worship in the newly rebuilt temple and for affirming the spiritual and national identity of the returning exiles.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, nestled within the priestly genealogy, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Continuity and Legitimacy of the Priesthood**, showcasing an unbroken line of succession that validated the High Priestly office for generations. This continuity was indispensable for the proper functioning of the sacrificial system and Israel's covenant relationship with God. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Appointment and Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Aaron and his descendants, particularly evident in the "covenant of a perpetual priesthood" made with Phinehas (see [Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "Numbers 25:13 - Covenant of a Perpetual Priesthood")). The meticulous record underscores that the priesthood was not a human invention but a divinely instituted office. Lastly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Historical Accuracy and Identity**, providing a crucial historical and legal anchor for the returning exiles, affirming their heritage and the rightful authority of those serving in the restored temple.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yalad_):** This verb, appearing twice in the verse, is the standard term used throughout biblical genealogies. It means "to bear," "to give birth to," or "to beget." In this context, it signifies direct father-son succession, emphasizing the unbroken and legitimate transmission of the priestly office from one generation to the next. The repetition of "begat" underscores the linear and divinely ordered nature of this specific lineage, highlighting the precision with which God's appointed servants were identified and recorded.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Eleazar begat Phinehas":** Eleazar was the third son of Aaron and succeeded his father as High Priest upon Aaron's death, as commanded by God (see [Numbers 20:28](/numbers/20-28 "Numbers 20:28 - Eleazar Succeeds Aaron")). This phrase establishes the immediate continuation of the Aaronic high priestly line through the designated successor. Eleazar's importance lies in his direct succession to Aaron, ensuring the continuity of the covenantal priesthood.
* **"Phinehas begat Abishua":** Phinehas is a more prominent figure in Israel's early history, celebrated for his zealous act in stopping a plague by executing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were engaging in idolatrous sexual immorality (see [Numbers 25:7-8](/numbers/25-7 "Numbers 25:7-8 - Phinehas's Zeal")). For this act of zeal for the Lord, God made a "covenant of a perpetual priesthood" with Phinehas and his descendants (see [Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "Numbers 25:13 - God's Covenant with Phinehas")). Abishua, while less known from other biblical narratives, represents the crucial next link in this divinely established and perpetually covenanted line, ensuring the ongoing legitimacy and continuity of the High Priesthood.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:4, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This meticulous listing of ancestors and descendants serves multiple purposes beyond mere historical record. It establishes **Legitimacy**, particularly for the priestly line, affirming their divine right to serve. It underscores **Continuity**, demonstrating an unbroken chain of succession from foundational figures like Aaron. The repetitive structure of "X begat Y" creates a sense of **Rhythm and Emphasis**, highlighting the orderly and divinely orchestrated progression of generations. Furthermore, the very existence of such detailed genealogies functions as a **Historical and Legal Document**, validating claims to office, land, and tribal identity for the post-exilic community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:4, though a seemingly simple genealogical entry, carries profound theological weight. It speaks volumes about God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the enduring nature of the Aaronic priesthood. This meticulously recorded lineage underscores the divine order and structure God established for the worship and governance of His people. The continuity of the High Priestly line was not merely a matter of human succession but a testament to God's active preservation of His appointed means of atonement and mediation for Israel. It highlights the importance of spiritual heritage and the faithfulness of those who carried the sacred trust across generations, pointing to a God who is steadfast in His purposes and reliable in His word, even through the ebb and flow of human history.

* [Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "The Covenant of Perpetual Priesthood with Phinehas")
* [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "The Call of Aaron and His Sons to the Priesthood")
* [Hebrews 7:11-17](/hebrews/7-11 "The Superiority of Christ's Priesthood over the Levitical")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Aaronic priesthood no longer functions under the New Covenant, 1 Chronicles 6:4 offers timeless lessons that resonate deeply with believers today. This verse, embedded in a long list of names, reminds us of God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises across generations. Just as He maintained the specific priestly line for the proper functioning of Old Testament worship, so too does He remain faithful to His New Covenant promises, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan. It encourages us to appreciate our spiritual heritage, recognizing that our faith is built upon the faithful witness and service of those who have gone before us. This seemingly mundane record of "begats" is a profound testament to God's orderly establishment of worship and His unwavering commitment to His people, inviting us to trust in His enduring character and His sovereign hand in all things, even in the seemingly small details of life and history.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's faithfulness in maintaining the priestly line, as seen in this verse, encourage your trust in His promises for your own life and for the church today?**
* **What is the significance of spiritual heritage in your own life or community of faith, and how can we honor those who have faithfully served before us?**
* **In what ways does understanding the precision and order of God's plan in the Old Testament inform your understanding of His work and divine appointments in the New Covenant?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 6:4, so important in the Book of Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in Chronicles served several critical purposes for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they established **legitimacy** for key roles, especially the priesthood, ensuring that those serving in the temple were indeed from the divinely appointed Aaronic line. Secondly, they provided a sense of **identity and continuity** for a people returning from exile, connecting them back to their covenant heritage and tribal affiliations. They helped re-establish land claims and confirmed the historical roots of their nation and faith. For instance, the detailed lineage of the High Priests, as seen in [1 Chronicles 6:1-15](/1_chronicles/6-1 "1 Chronicles 6:1-15 - Lineage of the High Priests"), was crucial for the proper functioning of the restored temple worship.

**What is the particular significance of Phinehas in this specific priestly lineage?**

Answer: Phinehas, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:4, is a significant figure because of his zealous act recorded in [Numbers 25:7-8](/numbers/25-7 "Numbers 25:7-8 - Phinehas's Zealous Act"). When Israel engaged in idolatry and immorality with the Moabites, Phinehas intervened decisively, executing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman, thereby stopping a plague that had afflicted the people. For this act of zeal for the Lord, God made a "covenant of a perpetual priesthood" with Phinehas and his descendants (see [Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "Numbers 25:13 - God's Covenant with Phinehas")). This covenant underscored the divine approval of his line and its enduring legitimacy, making his inclusion in this genealogy a direct affirmation of God's faithfulness to that promise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous recording of the Aaronic priestly lineage in 1 Chronicles 6:4, tracing the succession from Eleazar to Phinehas and Abishua, ultimately points to the perfect and eternal High Priesthood of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament priesthood served as a necessary mediator between God and humanity, offering sacrifices for sin, it was inherently temporary and imperfect, requiring continuous succession due to death (as highlighted by the very need for genealogies like this). This earthly line, though divinely appointed, foreshadowed the coming of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus, who would not be of the Levitical order but "according to the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ, a Priest Forever According to the Order of Melchizedek")). Unlike the Aaronic priests who offered repeated sacrifices, Christ offered "one sacrifice for sins forever" ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's One Sacrifice for Sins Forever")), perfectly fulfilling the sacrificial system. His priesthood is eternal and unchangeable, as He "continues forever" and "holds his priesthood permanently" ([Hebrews 7:23-24](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23-24 - Christ's Permanent Priesthood")), rendering any further genealogical succession unnecessary. Thus, the continuity emphasized in 1 Chronicles 6:4 finds its ultimate and everlasting fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, our great High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")).

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 6:25

And Eleazar Aaron's son took him [one] of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these [are] the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.

1 Chronicles 6:50

And these [are] the sons of Aaron; Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,

Ezra 7:1

¶ Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

Ezra 7:5

The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest:

1 Chronicles 9:20

And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, [and] the LORD [was] with him.

Psalms 106:30

Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and [so] the plague was stayed.

Psalms 106:31

And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.