1 Chronicles 6:9

KJV

And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ahimaaz {H290} begat {H3205} Azariah {H5838}, and Azariah {H5838} begat {H3205} Johanan {H3110},

Complete Jewish Bible

Achima'atz fathered 'Azaryah, 'Azaryah fathered Yochanan,

Berean Standard Bible

Ahimaaz was the father of Azariah, Azariah was the father of Johanan,

American Standard Version

and Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:9 is a pivotal entry within the extensive Levitical genealogies, meticulously documenting a segment of the high priestly lineage through Ahimaaz, Azariah, and Johanan. This verse serves as a crucial link in the Chronicler's comprehensive record of succession for the Aaronic priesthood, thereby reinforcing the themes of divine continuity, the legitimacy of sacred office, and the enduring covenant relationship between God and Israel, providing a vital historical and theological anchor for the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of 1 Chronicles chapter 6, a chapter almost entirely devoted to the detailed genealogies of the Levites, the tribe specifically consecrated for service in the tabernacle and later the Temple. Within this broader context, verses 4-15 specifically delineate the lineage of Aaron, from whom the high priests were exclusively drawn. The immediate preceding verses (1 Chronicles 6:4-8) establish the direct line through Aaron, Eleazar, Phinehas, Abishua, Bukki, Uzzi, Zerahiah, Meraioth, Amariah, Ahitub, and Zadok, leading directly to Ahimaaz, thereby setting the precise narrative stage for 1 Chronicles 6:9. The Chronicler's painstaking record-keeping here transcends mere historical cataloging; it functions as a theological affirmation, validating the unbroken, legitimate continuity of the priesthood, which was indispensable for the proper functioning of Israel's worship, sacrificial system, and covenant fidelity, especially for a post-exilic community striving to re-establish its identity and religious practices in Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the high priest occupied an unparalleled position of sacred authority and mediation. This individual was the primary spiritual leader, responsible for overseeing the elaborate sacrificial system, entering the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement, and often discerning divine will through the Urim and Thummim. Consequently, the unimpeachable legitimacy of the high priest's lineage was not merely a matter of tradition but a divine imperative. Mosaic Law explicitly stipulated that only direct descendants of Aaron could serve in this sacred office, as divinely ordained in passages like [Exodus 29:9](/exodus/29-9 "Exodus 29:9 - Perpetual Priesthood") and [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron's Sons for Priestly Service"). The genealogies presented in Chronicles, compiled after the traumatic Babylonian exile, were thus profoundly significant. They provided the returning community with the essential documentation to verify the identity and authority of those claiming priestly roles, ensuring strict adherence to God's ordained system and preserving the purity and integrity of the cultic worship.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous inclusion of 1 Chronicles 6:9 within these comprehensive genealogies underscores several profound themes central to the Chronicler's overarching message. Firstly, it powerfully emphasizes the **continuity of the priesthood**, demonstrating an unbroken, divinely sanctioned line of succession from Aaron, which was absolutely vital for the legitimacy and stability of Israel's religious leadership. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine order and faithfulness**, illustrating God's meticulous, providential care in preserving the sacred institutions He established, even across generations and through periods of national upheaval. This painstaking record-keeping also speaks directly to the **importance of heritage and identity** for the Israelite community, grounding their present existence and future hopes in a divinely ordained and meticulously preserved past. Finally, the very act of listing these names, though seemingly prosaic, implicitly points to God's **sovereignty over history**, as each individual, whether prominent or obscure, plays a part in His overarching redemptive plan, a foundational theme woven throughout the entire book of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogies and Kings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ahimaaz (Hebrew, _ʼĂchîymaʻats'_):** From אָח (brother) and the equivalent of מַעַץ (anger/counsel), this name (H290) means "brother of anger" or "brother of counsel." In 1 Chronicles 6:9, this Ahimaaz is specifically identified as the son of Zadok, a highly prominent high priest during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. He is historically recognized for his loyalty and his role as a swift messenger, notably during Absalom's rebellion (e.g., [2 Samuel 18:27](/2_samuel/18-27 "2 Samuel 18:27 - Ahimaaz brings news to David")). His inclusion here serves to anchor this segment of the priestly lineage in a well-known and respected historical figure, lending significant credibility and historical depth to the subsequent generations listed.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** This primitive root verb (H3205) is fundamental in biblical genealogies, carrying the primary meaning "to bear young" or, causatively, "to beget." It can also signify "to bring forth" or "to become the father of." In the context of 1 Chronicles 6:9, its repeated use is not merely descriptive but prescriptive, emphasizing the direct paternal succession and the biological and legal transfer of lineage. The theological weight of "begat" in this priestly context is profound, as it validates the legitimate transmission of authority, responsibility, and the sacred office from one generation to the next, ensuring the unbroken continuity of the Aaronic line.
* **Azariah (Hebrew, _ʻĂzaryâh'_):** Derived from עָזַר (to help) and יָהּ (Yah, a shortened form of Yahweh), this common Hebrew name (H5838) means "Yahweh has helped." Its frequent appearance across various biblical lineages, both priestly and royal, necessitates careful contextual identification. In 1 Chronicles 6:9, Azariah is explicitly presented as the son and direct successor of Ahimaaz, further extending the high priestly line. The name itself, "Yahweh has helped," subtly resonates with the Chronicler's overarching theme of God's providential and faithful care in preserving the sacred office and His people.
* **Johanan (Hebrew, _Yôwchânân'_):** A form of יְהוֹחָנָן (Yehochanan), this name (H3110) means "Yahweh is gracious" or "Yahweh has shown favor." Johanan is listed as the son of Azariah, continuing the precise chain of high priestly succession. While this name is also relatively common, its specific placement within this vital genealogy underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on God's enduring grace and favor in maintaining this crucial spiritual office for the well-being and covenant fidelity of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ahimaaz begat Azariah":** This initial clause precisely establishes the direct paternal link, tracing the lineage from Ahimaaz to his son, Azariah. Given Ahimaaz's historical prominence as a high priest during the Davidic era, this connection immediately solidifies the legitimacy of Azariah's claim to the priestly office. It signifies not merely biological descent but the divinely sanctioned transfer of spiritual authority, sacred responsibilities, and the perpetuation of the Aaronic line through Zadok's descendants, ensuring the continuity essential for Israel's worship.
* **"and Azariah begat Johanan":** This second clause extends the high priestly lineage by one more generation, meticulously linking Azariah to his son, Johanan. The repetitive use of "begat" is a deliberate literary device, reinforcing the unbroken, continuous nature of the succession. For the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, this continuity was not a mere historical detail but a profound theological affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the sacred institutions He ordained for His people's worship, atonement, and ongoing covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device dominating 1 Chronicles 6:9, and indeed the entire initial section of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This meticulous and systematic listing of names and lineages serves multiple critical functions beyond simple historical record-keeping. It fundamentally establishes **legitimacy** for the priestly class, unequivocally affirming their divine right to serve based on their direct, verifiable descent from Aaron. It provides profound **continuity**, demonstrating an unbroken chain of divinely appointed authority from the earliest patriarchal times through the generations leading directly to the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, thereby offering a crucial sense of stability, historical grounding, and enduring identity. The repetitive grammatical structure, particularly the recurring phrase "begat," functions as a form of **anaphora** and **repetition**, emphasizing the methodical, deliberate, and divinely ordained nature of this succession. Furthermore, the very **conciseness** of each entry in the list (Name A begat Name B) highlights the functional purpose of these genealogies: to record the essential links in the sacred chain rather than to provide detailed individual biographies, thereby underscoring the paramount importance of lineage and divine order over individual exploits within this specific cultic context.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 6:9 appears as a succinct record of names, its theological resonance is profound and far-reaching. It speaks powerfully to God's meticulous care for His covenant people and the sacred institutions He established for their spiritual well-being. The preservation of the high priestly line was not merely a human endeavor but a divine mandate, absolutely crucial for the proper functioning of the sacrificial system, the maintenance of ritual purity, and the ongoing viability of Israel's relationship with God. This verse, therefore, implicitly testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness in upholding His promises and providentially providing the necessary means for atonement, intercession, and worship, even through successive generations and periods of national upheaval. It underscores the profound importance of divine order, legitimacy, and continuity in spiritual leadership, themes that resonate throughout the entire biblical narrative concerning God's sovereign appointments and sacred service to His people. The seemingly dry list of names thus transforms into a vibrant testament to God's enduring commitment to His redemptive plan.

* [Exodus 29:9](/exodus/29-9 "Exodus 29:9 - Perpetual Priesthood")
* [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron's Sons for Priestly Service")
* [Nehemiah 12:10-11](/nehemiah/12-10 "Nehemiah 12:10-11 - Post-Exilic High Priestly Line")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane record of "who begat whom" in 1 Chronicles 6:9 offers surprising depth for contemporary reflection and spiritual application. It profoundly reminds us that God's grand, unfolding plan for humanity is not solely realized through dramatic, miraculous interventions but also through the quiet, consistent faithfulness of individuals across countless generations. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep appreciation for the rich spiritual heritage we have received, recognizing that our present faith and understanding are built upon the foundational legacy laid by those who came before us—a continuous, divinely preserved lineage of believers. It compels us to thoughtfully consider our own unique role in this ongoing redemptive story, prompting us to ask how we are faithfully stewarding the spiritual truths and responsibilities entrusted to us, and how we are actively preparing the way for those who will follow. Just as God meticulously preserved the priestly line for His purposes, He is equally attentive to the intricate details of our individual lives, weaving them into His magnificent tapestry of redemption. This realization should inspire both profound humility and unwavering confidence: humility in recognizing our small yet significant place within a much larger, eternal narrative, and confidence in God's unwavering faithfulness to His purposes across all time and through all circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like that in 1 Chronicles 6:9, deepen your appreciation for God's precise attention to detail in His overarching redemptive plan?**
* **In what specific ways do you recognize and value your own spiritual heritage within the broader family of God, and how does that heritage influence your identity, calling, and sense of purpose today?**
* **How does the concept of divine continuity, as powerfully demonstrated in the preservation of the priestly line, encourage you in your personal walk of faith, knowing that God's purposes endure across generations and that your faithfulness contributes to a larger, ongoing story?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so long and detailed in Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the concise entry in 1 Chronicles 6:9, served multiple crucial purposes for the Chronicler's post-exilic audience. Primarily, they established **legitimacy** for the returning community, particularly regarding the rightful claim to priestly and Levitical roles, ensuring that those serving in the rebuilt Temple were indeed from the divinely appointed lineages. They also powerfully affirmed **continuity** with Israel's glorious past, demonstrating that despite the trauma of exile and displacement, God's covenant promises and sacred institutions remained intact and unbroken. Furthermore, these meticulous lists helped to define and solidify **national and tribal identity**, enabling families to trace their heritage, claim their ancestral land portions, and understand their place within the restored community (as seen, for example, in [1 Chronicles 9:1](/1_chronicles/9-1 "1 Chronicles 9:1 - Genealogies of Israel and Judah")). Ultimately, they underscored God's profound **faithfulness** in preserving His chosen people and their sacred order through generations, providing hope and a foundation for rebuilding.

**Is this Azariah the same as other Azariahs mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?**

Answer: The name Azariah (meaning "Yahweh has helped") was remarkably common in ancient Israel, particularly within priestly and royal families. Therefore, the Azariah mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:9, specifically identified as the son of Ahimaaz and father of Johanan, is distinct from other individuals bearing the same name. For instance, he is not the Azariah who was a prophet during the reign of King Asa ([2 Chronicles 15:1](/2_chronicles/15-1 "2 Chronicles 15:1 - Azariah the Prophet")) or the Azariah who was a high priest in the time of King Uzziah and courageously confronted him ([2 Chronicles 26:17](/2_chronicles/26-17 "2 Chronicles 26:17 - Azariah the High Priest confronts Uzziah")). In biblical genealogies, the precise parentage and immediate successors are absolutely crucial for accurate identification, ensuring that each individual is correctly placed within their respective lineage and historical context.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:9 meticulously traces the earthly, human lineage of the Aaronic priesthood, its ultimate theological trajectory points far beyond these temporary mediators to the perfect and eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ. The Levitical priests, though divinely appointed and essential for their time, were inherently imperfect and mortal, requiring continuous succession due to death and sin, as explicitly highlighted in [Hebrews 7:23](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23 - Many Priests Because of Death"). This verse, by affirming the necessary continuity of a human priestly line, subtly yet powerfully foreshadows the profound need for a priest who would not be subject to death or the inherent limitations of human frailty. Jesus, as the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), perfectly fulfills all that the Aaronic priesthood could only anticipate and symbolize. He is not appointed by mere physical descent but by the power of an indestructible life ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Jesus' Priesthood by Power of Indestructible Life")), offering a single, perfect, and all-sufficient sacrifice for sins once for all time ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Jesus' One Sacrifice")). Thus, the meticulous record of priestly lineage in 1 Chronicles 6:9, far from being an end in itself, serves as a foundational layer in God's unfolding redemptive history, preparing the hearts and minds of God's people for the ultimate Priest who would secure eternal redemption and provide perpetual intercession for all who come to God through Him ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede")).

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.