King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 6:10 Mean?

1 Chronicles 6:10 in the King James Version says “And Johanan begat Azariah, (he it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:) i...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Johanan begat Azariah, (he it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:) in the temple: Heb. in the house”

1 Chronicles 6:10 · KJV

Context

8

And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Ahimaaz,

9

And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,

10

And Johanan begat Azariah, (he it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:) in the temple: Heb. in the house

11

And Azariah begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub,

12

And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum, Shallum: or, Meshullam

Read 1 Chronicles 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Levitical priesthood and worship section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term כֹּהֵן (kohen) - priest is central to understanding this passage's purpose. The Chronicler, writing to post-exilic Israel (c. 450-400 BCE), uses these genealogies not merely as historical records but as theological statements about covenant continuity and divine faithfulness.

The genealogical structure serves multiple purposes: (1) establishing Israel's connection to God's creatio n plan from Adam, (2) legitimizing post-exilic community's claim to covenant promises, (3) emphasizing Judah and Levi's special roles in God's redemptive plan, and (4) demonstrating that despite exile, God's covenant purposes continue. The selection and arrangement of names is intentional, highlighting Mediatorial role of priesthood.

Chronicles diverges from Genesis and Samuel-Kings in its genealogical presentation, reflecting the Chronicler's distinct theological agenda. Where earlier texts focus on narrative history, Chronicles emphasizes continuity, legitimacy, and hope for restoration. This verse contributes to the larger argument that the post-exilic community is the rightful heir of God's ancient covenant promises.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Post-Exilic Context: The Chronicler wrote during the Persian period (450-400 BCE) to a community returned from Babylonian exile, struggling with identity and purpose. These genealogies answered crucial questions: Who are we? What is our relationship to ancient Israel? Do God's promises still apply to us?

The historical setting influences the text's emphasis on Levitical genealogies and priestly lines. Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued genealogies for establishing land rights, royal legitimacy, and tribal identity. Chronicles' genealogies served similar functions while adding theological depth. The inclusion of specific names and details reflects the author's access to temple archives, royal records, and earlier biblical texts.

Archaeological evidence from Persian-period Judah shows a small, struggling community centered around Jerusalem and the rebuilt temple. The genealogies reinforced their connection to the glorious past and provided hope for future restoration through God's covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding genealogies as theological statements rather than mere historical records change your reading of Chronicles and other biblical genealogies?
  2. What does this verse teach about God's faithfulness across generations, and how does that apply to your own family's spiritual legacy?
  3. How does Mediatorial role of priesthood connect to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְיֽוֹחָנָ֖ן1 of 12

“And Johanan”

H3110

jochanan, the name of nine israelites

הוֹלִ֣יד2 of 12

“begat”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֶת3 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲזַרְיָ֑ה4 of 12

“Azariah”

H5838

azarjah, the name of nineteen israelites

ה֚וּא5 of 12
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

כִּהֵ֔ן7 of 12

“he it is that executed the priest's office”

H3547

to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put on regalia

בַּבַּ֕יִת8 of 12

“in the temple”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲשֶׁר9 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּנָ֥ה10 of 12

“built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה11 of 12

“that Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃12 of 12

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 6:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 6:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 6:1-72 Chronicles 3:42 Chronicles 3:12 Chronicles 26:17-20

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 6 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 6 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes