1 Chronicles 6:51

KJV

Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son,

KJV (with Strong's)

Bukki {H1231} his son {H1121}, Uzzi {H5813} his son {H1121}, Zerahiah {H2228} his son {H1121},

Complete Jewish Bible

his son Buki, his son 'Uzi, his son Z'rachyah,

Berean Standard Bible

Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son,

American Standard Version

Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:51 is a concise yet significant verse nestled within the extensive genealogical records of the Levites, specifically detailing the lineage of the high priestly family. It meticulously lists three successive generations—Bukki, Uzzi, and Zerahiah—each identified as the direct son of the preceding individual, thereby affirming the unbroken and divinely ordained succession within the sacred Aaronic priesthood. This verse, though brief, underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on continuity, legitimacy, and God's faithfulness in preserving the covenant line responsible for Israel's worship and atonement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a much larger genealogical section that opens the book of 1 Chronicles, spanning chapters 1-9. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 6 focuses on the descendants of Levi, meticulously tracing the priestly and Levitical lines. Verses 49-53 narrow in on the direct descendants of Aaron through Eleazar, who were consecrated for priestly service. The immediate preceding verses (1 Chronicles 6:50) name Eleazar and Phinehas, critical figures in the early priesthood, establishing the foundational lineage from which Bukki, Uzzi, and Zerahiah emerge. The subsequent verses continue this high priestly line, eventually leading to Zadok, who played a pivotal role during the reigns of [King David](/2_samuel/8-17 "2 Samuel 8:17 - David's Priests") and [King Solomon](/1_kings/2-35 "1 Kings 2:35 - Solomon Appoints Zadok"). The Chronicler's placement of such detailed genealogies at the beginning of the book serves to anchor the post-exilic community in their historical and covenantal identity, emphasizing the continuity of God's people and the legitimacy of their institutions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, possibly by Ezra, around the 5th or 4th century BCE. After the Babylonian exile, the returning Jewish community faced the immense task of rebuilding their nation, their temple, and their identity. Genealogies were critically important in ancient Israelite society, serving as legal documents to establish tribal affiliation, land rights, and, most crucially, the legitimacy of the priesthood. Only those who could prove their Aaronic descent were permitted to serve as priests, a role essential for the proper functioning of the temple cult and the spiritual well-being of the nation. The meticulous listing of names like Bukki, Uzzi, and Zerahiah provided irrefutable evidence of an unbroken priestly line, reassuring the returning community of the continuity of God's covenant with them and the validity of their religious leadership. This emphasis on lineage also reflected a broader ancient Near Eastern practice of recording royal and priestly successions to affirm legitimacy and divine favor.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous genealogical record in which 1 Chronicles 6:51 is embedded contributes to several overarching themes within the book. A primary theme is **Continuity and Legitimacy**, particularly concerning the Aaronic priesthood. The unbroken chain of succession from Aaron, through Eleazar, Phinehas, and then Bukki, Uzzi, and Zerahiah, underscores the divine ordination and enduring validity of the priestly office, which was foundational for Israel's worship and atonement. This continuity also highlights **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, especially the perpetual covenant made with Aaron and his descendants regarding their priestly service (as seen in [Exodus 29:9](/exodus/29-9 "Exodus 29:9 - Consecration of Priests") and [Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "Numbers 25:13 - Covenant of a Perpetual Priesthood")). Furthermore, these lists serve as crucial **Historical Record and Identity Markers**, providing the post-exilic community with a tangible link to their past, reinforcing their national and spiritual identity as God's chosen people, and illustrating God's sovereign hand guiding history through generations to fulfill His grand purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bukki (Hebrew, _buqqî_):** The name Bukki is derived from a root meaning "wasting" or "mouth of the Lord." While the etymology is interesting, its primary significance here is its role as a link in the high priestly chain. Bukki is identified in other texts as the son of Abishua and father of Uzzi, serving as a crucial transitional figure in the early post-Mosaic period of the priesthood. His inclusion here confirms the historical continuity of the line.
* **Uzzi (Hebrew, _‘uzzî_):** Meaning "my strength" or "strength of Yahweh," Uzzi is a significant figure in the high priestly lineage. He is explicitly mentioned in Ezra 7:4 as an ancestor of Ezra himself, further cementing the historical and theological importance of this line. His name, denoting strength, might subtly reflect the divine power upholding the priestly office.
* **Zerahiah (Hebrew, _zᵉraḥyāh_):** This name means "the Lord has risen" or "seed of the Lord." Zerahiah is recorded as the son of Uzzi and father of Meraioth. The meaning "seed of the Lord" is particularly poignant within a genealogical context, emphasizing the divine origin and blessing upon this priestly lineage, which was intended to bear spiritual fruit for the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Bukki his son":** This phrase establishes the first link in the immediate sequence presented in this verse. Bukki is identified as the direct patrilineal descendant of the individual named just prior in the genealogy (likely Abishua, though not explicitly stated in this specific verse, it's clear from the broader context of 1 Chronicles 6). This simple declaration underscores the unbroken nature of the lineage.
* **"Uzzi his son":** Following Bukki, Uzzi is presented as his direct son. The repetition of "his son" (בְּנוֹ, _b’no_) is a standard Hebrew genealogical marker, emphasizing the direct, legitimate, and successive nature of the descent. Each link is clearly defined, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the high priestly succession.
* **"Zerahiah his son":** The final individual named in this verse, Zerahiah, is identified as the son of Uzzi. This completes the three-generational sequence within this single verse, reinforcing the meticulous record-keeping of the Chronicler. The consistent use of "his son" highlights the patrilineal focus and the importance of maintaining an accurate record of those divinely appointed to serve.

#### Literary Devices
While a simple genealogical entry like 1 Chronicles 6:51 might seem devoid of complex literary devices, the Chronicler's overall approach to these lists employs several subtle techniques. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the recurring phrase "his son." This repetitive structure creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, emphasizing the unbroken chain of succession and reinforcing the legitimacy of each individual named. It also functions as a form of **Anaphora** if viewed across multiple verses, where the consistent pattern of "X his son, Y his son" drives home the theme of continuity. Furthermore, the very act of meticulously listing names serves as a form of **Historical Documentation**, transforming what might otherwise be a dry record into a testament to God's faithfulness and the enduring legacy of His covenant people. The names themselves, though not deeply analyzed for their etymology within the text, collectively form a **Symbolic Chain** of divine appointment and heritage, representing the very backbone of Israel's spiritual identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:51, though a brief genealogical entry, profoundly contributes to the overarching biblical narrative by highlighting themes of divine order, covenant faithfulness, and the importance of legitimate spiritual authority. The meticulous preservation of the high priestly lineage demonstrates God's commitment to His chosen instruments for worship and atonement, ensuring that the necessary rituals and intercessions could continue for His people. This divine oversight of the priestly line foreshadows a deeper theological truth: God's ultimate provision for a perfect mediator. The continuity of the Aaronic priesthood, though vital for Israel, also implicitly points to its limitations and the need for a final, eternal High Priest, a theme richly developed in the New Testament.

* [Exodus 29:9](/exodus/29-9 "Exodus 29:9 - Consecration of Priests")
* [Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "Numbers 25:13 - Covenant of a Perpetual Priesthood")
* [Nehemiah 7:64](/nehemiah/7-64 "Nehemiah 7:64 - Priestly Lineage Required for Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a simple list of names might seem distant from contemporary life, 1 Chronicles 6:51 offers profound insights into God's character and our own spiritual journey. It reminds us that God is a God of order, purpose, and meticulous detail, working through generations to fulfill His grand plan. Just as He faithfully preserved the priestly line for Israel's spiritual well-being, He continues to work through individuals and communities today, calling us to faithfulness in our own spheres of influence. This verse encourages us to appreciate our spiritual heritage, recognizing the countless individuals whose faithfulness, often unseen or uncelebrated, contributed to the legacy of faith we inherit. It challenges us to consider our own place within this ongoing narrative, asking how we are contributing to the spiritual legacy for future generations and how we are living out the call to be a "royal priesthood" in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like this one, speak to God's character and His involvement in human history?**
* **In what ways can we appreciate and honor the spiritual heritage passed down to us by previous generations of believers?**
* **How does our understanding of God's faithfulness to ancient Israel's priestly line encourage our trust in His faithfulness to us today?**
* **Considering the emphasis on continuity, what "legacy of faith" are you intentionally building for those who will come after you?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in a book like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies, particularly in 1 Chronicles, are critically important for several reasons. First, they establish **legitimacy and identity**. For the post-exilic community, proving one's tribal affiliation, land rights, and especially priestly lineage (as seen in 1 Chronicles 6:51) was essential for re-establishing the nation and its institutions. Only those with verifiable Aaronic descent could serve as priests. Second, they demonstrate **divine faithfulness**. The unbroken lines show God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, such as the perpetual priesthood promised to Aaron ([Exodus 29:9](/exodus/29-9 "Exodus 29:9 - Consecration of Priests")). Third, they serve as a **historical anchor**, connecting the present community to their divinely ordained past and reminding them of their place in God's ongoing redemptive plan. Finally, they highlight **God's meticulous oversight** of history, showing that even seemingly small details like individual names are part of His sovereign design.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:51 meticulously traces the human lineage of the Aaronic high priesthood, its ultimate theological significance finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The very necessity of an unbroken human priestly line, prone to death and sin, underscores the temporary and imperfect nature of the Old Covenant priesthood. Each successive priest, from Bukki to Zerahiah and beyond, served as a type or shadow, pointing forward to the perfect and eternal High Priest. Jesus, as revealed in the New Testament, is the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who does not descend from Aaron but from the tribe of Judah, after the order of Melchizedek ([Hebrews 7:11-17](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11-17 - A Priest Like Melchizedek")). Unlike the Aaronic priests who offered repeated sacrifices for their own sins and the sins of the people, Christ offered [Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice"), forever taking away sin. His priesthood is not passed down through human lineage but is eternal and unchangeable ([Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Christ's Unchanging Priesthood")), ensuring perpetual intercession for His people. Thus, 1 Chronicles 6:51, by emphasizing the continuity of a human priesthood, paradoxically magnifies the unique, superior, and ultimate fulfillment found in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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.