1 Chronicles 6:42

KJV

The son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,

KJV (with Strong's)

The son {H1121} of Ethan {H387}, the son {H1121} of Zimmah {H2155}, the son {H1121} of Shimei {H8096},

Complete Jewish Bible

the son of Eitan, the son of Zimah, the son of Shim'i,

Berean Standard Bible

the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,

American Standard Version

the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:42 is a concise genealogical entry within the extensive record of the Levite lineages, specifically tracing a segment of the ancestry leading to Heman, one of the chief musicians appointed by King David for temple worship. This verse, "The son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei," serves as a testament to the meticulous detail with which biblical authors, particularly the Chronicler, recorded the heritage of those designated for sacred service, underscoring the importance of divine order and legitimacy within Israel's worship system.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 6, a chapter dedicated almost entirely to the genealogies of the Levites, the tribe set apart for temple service. The broader narrative of 1 Chronicles emphasizes the re-establishment of proper worship and the legitimacy of the post-exilic community's claims to their heritage. Specifically, verses 31-47 detail the ancestry of the three prominent choirmasters—Heman, Asaph, and Ethan (also known as Jeduthun)—who were instrumental in organizing and leading musical worship during David's reign. 1 Chronicles 6:42 contributes to the lineage of Heman, a Kohathite Levite, highlighting the meticulous care taken to trace the lineage of those entrusted with leading the praise of God's people. The Chronicler's inclusion of such detailed lists serves to validate the roles of those serving in the restored temple, connecting them directly to the divinely ordained practices of the past.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, around the 5th-4th century BC. For the returning exiles, genealogies were not mere historical curiosities but vital documents for establishing identity, land rights, tribal affiliation, and, crucially, the legitimacy of priestly and Levitical service. The meticulous recording of lineages ensured that only those with verified ancestry could serve in the temple, maintaining the purity and divine order of worship established by God. The emphasis on the temple musicians reflects the significant role music played in ancient Israelite worship, particularly as organized by King David, who himself was a gifted musician and psalmist. The culture placed high value on lineage as a marker of status, responsibility, and continuity, especially in roles related to the sacred.

* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 6:42, despite its brevity, contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. First, it underscores **Divine Order and Structure**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail and the importance of established systems for His people, particularly in matters of worship. The careful recording of these lineages ensured that sacred roles were filled by those divinely appointed and historically qualified, reflecting God's desire for order, not chaos, in His house (cf. [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")). Second, it highlights the **Continuity of Worship** through generations. Even seemingly obscure names like Ethan, Zimmah, and Shimei are part of a grand tapestry, contributing to the unbroken thread of praise and adoration that spanned centuries, from the tabernacle to the temple. This continuity points to God's faithfulness in sustaining His people and their purpose. Finally, the emphasis on these precise records speaks to the **Legitimacy and Reliability of Sacred Roles**, affirming that those who served in the temple were indeed from the designated Levitical lines, a crucial point for the post-exilic community seeking to re-establish proper worship and identity, as seen in instances where unverified genealogies led to exclusion from service (cf. [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Exclusion from Priesthood Due to Unverified Genealogy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, _ben_):** This is the foundational term in biblical genealogies, literally meaning "son of" or "descendant of." Its repeated use in this verse, "the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei," emphasizes the direct, lineal descent being meticulously traced. In this context, _ben_ is not merely a biological descriptor but a legal and theological marker, establishing the individual's place within the covenant community and their right to specific roles, particularly within the Levitical service. The repetition underscores the unbroken chain of lineage, validating the heritage.
* **Ethan (Hebrew, _'Eytan'_):** The name Ethan means "enduring," "strong," or "perennial." While the primary significance of the name here is its role in a genealogical chain, the underlying meaning subtly resonates with the enduring nature of God's covenant and the steadfastness required of those in sacred service. It also speaks to the enduring legacy of the Levites and their role in maintaining the continuity of worship through generations, a theme central to the Chronicler's purpose.
* **Shimei (Hebrew, _Shim'i'_):** This name means "renowned" or "my fame" (from the root _shama'_ meaning "to hear"). As with Ethan and Zimmah, the individual's personal fame is secondary to their function as a link in a vital lineage. However, the name itself, implying renown or being heard, could subtly connect to the role of the descendants in leading the people's voices in praise and worship, making their "fame" in God's service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The son of Ethan":** This phrase identifies the immediate paternal link, indicating that the individual being traced (who is further up the lineage leading to Heman) was a direct descendant of Ethan. It establishes the first step in this specific segment of the genealogical chain, providing a clear point of reference for tracing the lineage backward.
* **"the son of Zimmah":** This clause extends the lineage further, identifying Ethan as the son or descendant of Zimmah. The repetition of "the son of" reinforces the meticulous and precise nature of the genealogical record, ensuring no ambiguity in the ancestral connections. It builds upon the previous phrase, pushing the ancestral line back another generation.
* **"the son of Shimei":** This final clause in the verse completes this particular segment of the genealogy, stating that Zimmah was the son or descendant of Shimei. Together, these three phrases form a concise yet vital link in the extensive Levitical lineage, demonstrating the unbroken chain of heritage and the careful preservation of these records for establishing legitimacy and continuity of sacred service.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 6:42, and indeed throughout much of the book of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This device is not merely a dry list of names but serves profound theological and historical purposes. It establishes legitimacy, particularly for those in priestly and Levitical roles, confirming their right to serve based on their divinely ordained lineage. It also provides a sense of historical continuity, connecting the post-exilic community to their rich heritage and God's faithfulness across generations. The repetitive structure of "the son of X, the son of Y, the son of Z" also employs **Anaphora** (the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses), which creates a rhythmic, almost incantatory effect, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent and the meticulousness of the record-keeping. Furthermore, the use of proper names to represent individuals within a larger family and tribal structure can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the names stand in for the collective identity and historical contribution of their respective lines.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 6:42 might appear as a mere list of names, its presence in Scripture is deeply significant, reflecting God's meticulous nature and His commitment to order within His covenant people. It underscores the biblical principle that every part of God's design, no matter how seemingly small, contributes to the grand tapestry of His redemptive plan. The careful preservation of these lineages for temple service speaks to the divine valuing of legitimacy and heritage for those who serve Him, reminding us that God is a God of order who establishes clear pathways for His purposes. This attention to detail in the Old Testament foreshadows the precision with which God orchestrates all of history, leading to the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.

* [Numbers 3:6](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6 - Levites Set Apart for Service")
* [Exodus 6:16-25](/exodus/6-16 "Exodus 6:16-25 - Genealogies of Levi, Kohath, Amram")
* [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Exclusion from Priesthood Due to Unverified Genealogy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly obscure verse, nestled within a long list of names, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of history and the lives of individuals, even those whose contributions might appear minor. Just as Ethan, Zimmah, and Shimei were crucial links in a lineage that produced a great worship leader, so too does every individual, every "small" act of faithfulness, contribute to God's overarching plan and the building of His kingdom. It challenges us to recognize the significance of our own place in the grand narrative of God's work, whether in prominent or hidden roles. Furthermore, the emphasis on proper lineage for sacred service underscores the importance of a solid foundation for ministry and life—a foundation rooted in God's established ways and a heritage of faith. It encourages us to value our spiritual heritage, to learn from those who came before us, and to faithfully pass on the legacy of faith to future generations, trusting that God uses every link in the chain for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this seemingly minor genealogical detail speak to God's meticulous care for His people and His plans?**
* **In what ways does understanding our spiritual heritage or "lineage" (e.g., through church history, family faith) inform our present walk with God?**
* **How can we find significance and purpose in our own seemingly "small" contributions to God's kingdom, knowing that every part matters?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several reasons. They establish identity, tribal affiliation, and land rights, which were foundational to ancient Israelite society. More importantly, they validate the legitimacy of individuals for specific roles, particularly the priesthood and Levitical service, ensuring adherence to God's divine order. For the post-exilic community, as addressed in Chronicles, these records were vital for re-establishing their connection to their covenant heritage, rebuilding the temple, and resuming proper worship. Genealogies also serve a theological purpose, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and, ultimately, the lineage through which the Messiah would come, as seen in the genealogies of [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

**What is the significance of "the son of" being repeated in this verse?**

Answer: The repetition of "the son of" (Hebrew: _ben_) is a standard and crucial feature of biblical genealogies. It serves to emphasize the direct, lineal descent and the meticulous nature of the record-keeping. This repetition ensures clarity and precision in tracing the ancestral chain, leaving no doubt about the familial connections. In a context where legitimacy for sacred service was tied to verifiable lineage, such precision was not merely for historical accuracy but for theological and practical validation of one's right to serve.

**Does this verse have any direct relevance for Christians today?**

Answer: While 1 Chronicles 6:42 is a specific historical record, its underlying principles hold enduring relevance for Christians today. It illustrates God's character as a God of order and detail, who cares about the seemingly small parts of His grand plan. It reminds us that every individual, no matter how obscure, plays a part in God's overarching purposes. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of a proper foundation and heritage in faith, encouraging us to value our spiritual lineage (the history of the church, the teachings passed down) and to faithfully contribute to the ongoing story of God's work in the world. It implicitly points to the ultimate "Son of" who fulfills all the promises and purposes of God, [Jesus Christ](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogies found throughout the Old Testament, including this snippet in 1 Chronicles 6:42, serve as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage, ultimately culminating in the arrival of His promised Messiah. While this particular verse traces a Levite line for temple service, it points to the broader divine plan for worship and redemption. The Old Testament system, with its reliance on specific genealogies for priests and Levites, underscored the need for a mediator between God and humanity. This need is perfectly fulfilled in [Jesus Christ](/hebrews/4-14 "Our Great High Priest"), who is not from the Levitical line but is a High Priest "according to the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:11-17](/hebrews/7-11 "A Priest Like Melchizedek")). He is the ultimate "Son of" – the Son of God and the Son of David ([Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3 "Concerning His Son, who was descended from David")), whose perfect sacrifice and eternal priesthood transcend any earthly lineage. Through His atoning work, the need for a physical temple and a genealogically qualified priesthood is fulfilled and surpassed. In Christ, all believers are made part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), no longer defined by physical descent but by spiritual adoption into God's family, able to draw near to God through the [new and living way](/hebrews/10-20 "The New and Living Way") that He inaugurated. Thus, the meticulous record-keeping of the Old Testament prepares the way for the ultimate, perfect record of God's faithfulness in Christ, who brings all of history to its glorious climax.

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.