1 Chronicles 6:5

KJV

And Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abishua {H50} begat {H3205} Bukki {H1231}, and Bukki {H1231} begat {H3205} Uzzi {H5813},

Complete Jewish Bible

Avishua fathered Buki, Buki fathered

Berean Standard Bible

Abishua was the father of Bukki, Bukki was the father of Uzzi,

American Standard Version

and Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:5 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse embedded within the extensive genealogical records of the Levites, specifically delineating a crucial segment of the high priestly lineage. It meticulously traces the direct patrilineal succession from Abishua to Bukki and then to Uzzi, underscoring the divine order, continuity, and legitimacy of the Aaronic priesthood, which was foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with God and the proper functioning of its sacrificial system.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 6 is almost entirely dedicated to the comprehensive genealogy of the Levites, the tribe divinely appointed for sacred service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This chapter meticulously details their various branches and roles, from musicians to gatekeepers. Verses 4-15 specifically narrow the focus to the direct descendants of Aaron, highlighting the unbroken chain of High Priests. Our verse, 1 Chronicles 6:5, is nestled within this critical sequence, immediately following the mention of Phinehas and Eleazar, and preceding the continuation of the high priestly line through Zerahiah and Meraioth, as seen in [1 Chronicles 6:6-7](/1_chronicles/6-6 "1 Chronicles 6:6-7 - Continuation of the High Priestly Line"). The meticulous listing of these names serves to establish the legitimacy and divine sanction of the individuals who held the most sacred office in Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of 1 Chronicles, likely compiled during or after the Babylonian exile, served a crucial purpose for the returned exiles: to re-establish their identity, heritage, and covenant relationship with God. It emphasizes the importance of the Davidic monarchy, the Temple, and, critically, the Levitical priesthood. In ancient Israel, genealogies were far more than mere historical records; they were vital legal and religious documents. They established tribal identity, rights to land, and, as is paramount in this chapter, the legitimate claim to serve in the sacred Aaronic priesthood. The High Priest was the spiritual head of the nation, responsible for mediating between God and the people, particularly on the Day of Atonement as described in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement"). The precise enumeration of the high priestly line, through figures like Abishua, Bukki, and Uzzi, affirmed their divine appointment and the unbroken continuity of this essential office, providing assurance to a people rebuilding their spiritual and national life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, along with the broader genealogical record, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Continuity of Divine Appointment**. The repetitive "begat" (Hebrew: *yalad*) underscores the meticulous and unbroken succession of the priestly line, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in maintaining the proper channels for worship and mediation. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **God's Faithfulness** to His covenant promises. The preservation of such a detailed and precise lineage, despite the tumultuous history of Israel, testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His people and His design for their spiritual life, ensuring that there would always be those set apart for His service according to His divine will, as promised to Aaron in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of the Priests"). Thirdly, these genealogical records underscore the divine **Order and Structure** within Israelite society. Roles and responsibilities, particularly those as critical as the high priesthood, were not arbitrary but divinely defined and passed down through specific, legitimate family lines, providing a framework for stability and adherence to God's commands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yalad'_):** This verb (יָלַד) is a fundamental term in biblical genealogies, meaning "to bear," "to bring forth," or "to beget." Its consistent use throughout genealogical lists, including this verse, serves as a straightforward and unambiguous declaration of direct lineal descent. In the context of 1 Chronicles 6, its repetition emphasizes the precision, legitimacy, and orderly transmission of heritage and, crucially, the sacred authority of the high priestly office from one generation to the next. It signifies an unbroken, divinely ordained chain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abishua begat Bukki":** This clause establishes the initial link in this segment of the high priestly lineage. Abishua, a descendant of Aaron through Eleazar and Phinehas, is recorded as the father of Bukki. This is not merely a historical note but an affirmation of the legitimate succession of the priestly authority, indicating that Bukki inherited the right to serve in the sacred office through his direct patrilineal connection to Abishua.
* **"and Bukki begat Uzzi":** This second clause continues the direct lineage, confirming Bukki's role in the succession and identifying Uzzi as his son. The repetition of "begat" reinforces the meticulous nature of the record and the unbroken chain of divine appointment. Uzzi, in turn, would inherit the high priestly mantle, ensuring the continuity of the sacred office essential for the spiritual life and worship of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:5, and indeed throughout much of this chapter, is **Genealogy**. As a literary form, genealogy serves multiple purposes beyond mere historical record-keeping; it establishes legitimacy, reinforces tribal and national identity, and demonstrates divine faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage. The repetitive use of the verb **"begat"** (Hebrew: *yalad*) functions as a form of **Anaphora** or **Epizeuxis** within the broader genealogical list, creating a rhythmic and emphatic affirmation of direct, unbroken succession. This repetition underscores the precision and importance of the lineage, signaling to the reader that each link in the chain is vital and divinely sanctioned. The very structure of the verse, a simple declarative statement of parent-child relationships, highlights the **Conciseness** typical of genealogical records, yet each name carries the weight of historical and theological significance regarding the continuity of the priestly office.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous recording of the high priestly lineage in 1 Chronicles 6:5, through figures like Abishua, Bukki, and Uzzi, underscores a profound theological truth: God's commitment to order, continuity, and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. This verse speaks to the divine establishment of the Aaronic priesthood as a perpetual institution, essential for the mediation between God and His people. It highlights the importance of legitimate succession for maintaining the purity and authority of sacred office, ensuring that the sacrificial system and the worship life of Israel could continue according to God's precise design. The very existence of such a detailed genealogy testifies to God's active involvement in human history, meticulously preserving the line through whom His redemptive plan would unfold, leading ultimately to the perfect High Priest.

* [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - The Establishment of the Aaronic Priesthood")
* [Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "Numbers 25:13 - Covenant of a Lasting Priesthood with Phinehas")
* [Malachi 2:4-7](/malachi/2-4 "Malachi 2:4-7 - The Priestly Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the New Covenant does not require a physical lineage for spiritual office, the principle behind 1 Chronicles 6:5 remains profoundly relevant. This verse reminds us of the value God places on continuity, faithfulness, and the meticulous preservation of His purposes across generations. It challenges us to consider our own spiritual heritage—the legacy of faith passed down through the church and through individual believers who have faithfully served God. Just as the high priests were called to a specific, consecrated role, every believer in Christ is now part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")) with a divine calling to declare God's praises. This verse encourages us to live with intentionality, recognizing that our faithfulness today contributes to the spiritual legacy for those who will follow, demonstrating God's enduring care for His people through the ages. It prompts us to consider how we are faithfully stewarding the spiritual truths and responsibilities entrusted to us, ensuring that the "heritage" of faith is not broken but strengthened for future generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous care for the high priestly lineage inform your view of His attention to detail in your own life?**
* **In what ways are you contributing to the spiritual heritage of your family, church, or community?**
* **What does the continuity of the priesthood in the Old Testament teach us about the importance of faithful leadership and spiritual succession in the church today?**
* **How does the concept of a "spiritual lineage" in the New Covenant resonate with the physical lineage described in this verse?**

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

Answer: Genealogies like the one in 1 Chronicles 6:5 are crucial for several reasons. For the returning exiles to whom Chronicles was primarily addressed, they served to re-establish their identity and legitimate claim to their tribal lands and roles after a period of displacement. Specifically for the priesthood, these lists validated the authority and divine appointment of those serving as High Priests, ensuring that only those from the legitimate Aaronic line could perform the sacred rituals essential for Israel's covenant relationship with God. They were legal and religious documents proving lineage, tribal affiliation, and the right to hold specific offices or inherit land. Furthermore, they underscored God's faithfulness in preserving His promises and His chosen lines, ultimately pointing towards the coming Messiah through the lineage of David, as seen in [1 Chronicles 17:11-14](/1_chronicles/17-11 "1 Chronicles 17:11-14 - God's Covenant with David").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous tracing of the high priestly lineage in 1 Chronicles 6:5, from Abishua to Bukki and Uzzi, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament priesthood was a necessary and divinely ordained institution, it was inherently temporary and imperfect, requiring an unbroken physical lineage and repeated sacrifices due to the mortality and sinfulness of its priests. This verse, with its emphasis on "begat," highlights the human, generational nature of that priesthood. However, the New Testament reveals Jesus as our eternal and superior High Priest, not according to the Levitical order, but "according to the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:11](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11 - A Superior Priesthood")). His priesthood is not dependent on human lineage or succession, for He is "without father or mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever" ([Hebrews 7:3](/hebrews/7-3 "Hebrews 7:3 - Melchizedek's Eternal Priesthood")). The earthly priests "begat" their successors, but Christ's priesthood is singular, eternal, and non-transferable because He "holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever" ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Permanent Priesthood")). Thus, the continuity sought through human generations in 1 Chronicles 6:5 is perfectly and eternally realized in Christ, who, through His single, perfect sacrifice, has secured our access to God once for all ([Hebrews 10:12-14](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")).

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.