1 Chronicles 6:43

KJV

The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.

KJV (with Strong's)

The son {H1121} of Jahath {H3189}, the son {H1121} of Gershom {H1647}, the son {H1121} of Levi {H3878}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the son of Yachat, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.

Berean Standard Bible

the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.

American Standard Version

the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:43 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse embedded within the extensive genealogical records of the First Book of Chronicles. It meticulously traces a specific lineage within the tribe of Levi, specifically through Gershom, one of Levi's three sons, identifying Jahath as a key link in this ancestral chain. Far from being a mere list of names, this verse, like the surrounding genealogies, served to re-establish tribal identity, validate claims to land and roles, and underscore the divine order and continuity of God's covenant with His people, particularly those set apart for sacred service in the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and detailed account of the Levite genealogies, spanning from [1 Chronicles 6:1](/1_chronicles/6-1 "1 Chronicles 6:1 - Levite Genealogies Begin") to [1 Chronicles 6:81](/1_chronicles/6-81 "1 Chronicles 6:81 - Conclusion of Levite Genealogies"). Chapter 6 primarily focuses on the descendants of Levi, meticulously outlining the priestly line of Aaron (from Kohath) and then the other two major Levite branches: Gershom and Merari. Verse 43 falls within the section dedicated to the Gershonites, detailing their ancestry. The purpose of this exhaustive listing is to establish the legitimacy and order of those serving in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, particularly for the post-exilic community returning to Jerusalem, who needed to re-establish their identity and roles within the restored worship system. The repetitive "son of" structure emphasizes direct, unbroken descent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, after the Jews returned from Babylonian captivity (circa 450-400 BC). For this community, identity, heritage, and the re-establishment of the Temple and its services were paramount. Genealogies were not merely historical curiosities; they were foundational legal and social documents. They validated claims to land, confirmed tribal affiliations, and, most critically, authenticated the lineage of priests and Levites, without whom proper worship and sacrifice could not resume. The Levites, descendants of Levi, were uniquely set apart by God for duties related to the sanctuary, including carrying sacred vessels, maintaining the holy place, and leading worship. Understanding these detailed lists helps to grasp the structured and divinely ordered nature of ancient Israelite society and its religious practices, which were crucial for maintaining communal cohesion and spiritual integrity after the trauma of exile.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of lineages in 1 Chronicles 6:43 and throughout the book contributes significantly to several key themes. First, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Identity and Heritage**. In ancient Israel, one's identity was inextricably linked to family and tribal background, providing a sense of belonging and a connection to a rich, divinely appointed history. Second, the detailed nature of these records highlights **Divine Order and Purpose**. It demonstrates God's meticulous care in organizing His people and assigning specific roles, particularly to those in sacred service. Even individuals seemingly lost in a long list of names, like Jahath, have a place in God's grand design, affirming that every part of His plan is important. Finally, these genealogies speak to the **Continuity of God's Plan** and His covenant faithfulness. By tracing unbroken lines, the text assures the post-exilic community that God's covenant with Levi and his descendants remained intact, guaranteeing the availability of personnel necessary for worship and sacrifice, thus offering profound reassurance and hope for the future. This continuity is a testament to God's enduring commitment to His promises, as seen in passages like [Psalm 89:34](/psalms/89-34 "Psalm 89:34 - God's Unchanging Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Levi (לֵוִי, _Lēwī_):** Meaning "joined" or "attached." Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah. His descendants, the Levites, were uniquely chosen and consecrated by God for sacred service to the Tabernacle and later the Temple, distinct from the other tribes. This name signifies the tribe's special attachment to God's service.
* **Gershom (גֵּרְשׁוֹם, _Gērshōm_):** Meaning "a sojourner there" or "expulsion." Gershom was the firstborn son of Levi ([Numbers 3:17](/numbers/3-17 "Numbers 3:17 - Sons of Levi")). His descendants, the Gershonites, formed one of the three major divisions of the Levites, with specific responsibilities for carrying the Tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and other lighter components during Israel's wilderness wanderings.
* **Jahath (יַחַת, _Yaḥath_):** Meaning "he will snatch away" or "he will descend." Jahath is listed as a son of Gershom in other genealogical accounts as well ([1 Chronicles 23:10](/1_chronicles/23-10 "1 Chronicles 23:10 - Jahath in Levite Census")). While not a prominent figure in narrative accounts, his inclusion here is vital for establishing the precise link within Gershom's lineage, demonstrating the meticulous detail of the chronicler's record.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The son of Jahath":** This phrase identifies Jahath as the immediate paternal ancestor in this specific genealogical entry. It places him as the direct descendant of the individual named just prior in the full list (which in this context is likely a son of Jahath from a previous verse, or Jahath himself is the son of a previously named individual, with the verse focusing on his specific line). The "son of" construction is standard Hebrew genealogical practice, indicating direct patrilineal descent.
* **"the son of Gershom":** This clause connects Jahath directly to Gershom, thereby establishing his affiliation with one of the three foundational clans of the Levites. This link is crucial for understanding the specific responsibilities and heritage associated with this branch of the tribe.
* **"the son of Levi":** This final clause grounds the entire lineage within the tribe of Levi itself, the progenitor of all those consecrated for sacred service. It affirms the divine appointment and special status of this family line, linking them back to the original covenant and purpose for the Levites.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 6:43, and indeed throughout much of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** or **Lineage**. This systematic listing of ancestors and descendants serves multiple purposes: it establishes historical continuity, validates identity and claims (especially for priestly and tribal roles), and underscores the divine order and faithfulness in maintaining a chosen people. The repetitive structure, often referred to as **Anaphora** (though more broadly a form of **Repetition**), with the phrase "the son of" recurring, emphasizes the direct and unbroken nature of the descent. This formulaic presentation ensures clarity and precision in tracing family lines. Despite the brevity of each individual entry, the cumulative effect of these genealogies conveys a sense of meticulous record-keeping and a profound respect for heritage. The verse also exhibits **Conciseness**, presenting vital information in the most direct and unadorned manner, focusing solely on the relational links.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail of a verse like 1 Chronicles 6:43, seemingly just a list of names, carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant promises across generations, particularly concerning the Levites' role in facilitating worship. It underscores the importance of heritage, not just physical, but spiritual, reminding us that God works through specific individuals and families to accomplish His grand purposes. Every person, even those appearing in a long, seemingly impersonal list, has a place and a purpose within God's meticulously ordered plan. This divine attention to detail assures us that God cares about the continuity of His people and the fulfillment of His promises.

* [Numbers 3:17](/numbers/3-17 "Numbers 3:17 - Sons of Levi")
* [Exodus 6:16](/exodus/6-16 "Exodus 6:16 - Generations of Levi")
* [1 Chronicles 9:1](/1_chronicles/9-1 "1 Chronicles 9:1 - Genealogies of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a genealogical verse from ancient Israel might seem far removed from contemporary life, 1 Chronicles 6:43 offers enduring lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose, who meticulously cares for every individual and their place within His larger plan. Just as the Israelites valued their physical heritage and the continuity of their sacred lineage, we as believers can appreciate our spiritual heritage as part of God's family, tracing our lineage back through the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and ultimately to Christ. This verse encourages us to recognize our unique position within the body of Christ and to live faithfully, contributing to the spiritual heritage that will be passed on to future generations. It fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, knowing that we are part of a divinely orchestrated story that spans millennia, sustained by God's unwavering faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding our spiritual heritage in Christ deepen our sense of identity and purpose in God's kingdom?**
* **In what ways does God's meticulous attention to detail, even in ancient genealogies, affirm His care for every individual and His overarching plan?**
* **How can we, in our own lives and communities, contribute to the spiritual heritage that will be passed on to future generations?**

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

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible, particularly in Chronicles, serve several crucial purposes. For the post-exilic community to whom Chronicles was addressed, they were vital for re-establishing identity, confirming tribal affiliations, and validating claims to land. Most importantly, they authenticated the lineage of priests and Levites, ensuring that only those divinely appointed could serve in the Temple. They also demonstrated the continuity of God's covenant promises, showing how God had faithfully preserved His people and His plan through generations, even through the trauma of exile. This meticulous record-keeping underscores God's orderliness and His commitment to His people, ensuring that the necessary personnel for worship and the fulfillment of prophecy (especially concerning the Messiah's lineage) were clearly documented. The emphasis on the Levites in [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - Levite Genealogies") highlights the central role of worship and the priesthood in God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:43 directly traces a physical lineage within the Levitical tribe, its deeper theological resonance finds profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament emphasis on meticulous genealogies, particularly for the priestly and royal lines, ultimately points to the perfect and eternal High Priest, Jesus, who did not come from the tribe of Levi but from Judah, yet whose priesthood is superior and eternal, "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:11-17](/hebrews/7-11-17 "Hebrews 7:11-17 - A New Priesthood")). The Levites' service, foreshadowed in this verse, prepared the way for Christ's ultimate sacrifice and His continuous intercession, which truly takes away sin ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). In Christ, the focus shifts from a physical, tribal lineage to a spiritual one. All believers, regardless of their earthly ancestry, are now "sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:26](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Sons of God through Faith")). We become part of God's family, a "holy nation, a royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), inheriting a spiritual heritage far richer and more enduring than any earthly lineage. Thus, the meticulous care God showed in preserving the Levite lines points forward to His even greater care in establishing a new covenant through Christ, where all who believe are "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

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 6:16

And these [are] the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi [were] an hundred thirty and seven years.

1 Chronicles 6:16

The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.

1 Chronicles 6:17

And these [be] the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei.

1 Chronicles 23:6

And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, [namely], Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

Genesis 46:11

And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

1 Chronicles 6:1

¶ The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

Numbers 3:17

And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.