King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 6:9 Mean?

1 Chronicles 6:9 in the King James Version says “And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,”

1 Chronicles 6:9 · KJV

Context

7

Meraioth begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub,

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,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan—this genealogical link within the high priestly line connects two significant names. Ahimaaz (אֲחִימַעַץ 'my brother is counsel') served as high priest during David's reign, while Azariah (עֲזַרְיָה 'Yahweh has helped') became high priest under Solomon, serving in the temple Solomon built (v. 10).

The repetition of Azariah in this lineage is significant: at least five high priests bore this name (also called Uzziah), demonstrating how names commemorating Yahweh's help became foundational in Israel's worship leadership. Johanan (יוֹחָנָן 'Yahweh is gracious') continues the theophoric naming pattern, each generation embedding covenant theology into family identity.

This priestly succession bridges the tabernacle era (mobile sanctuary) and temple era (permanent sanctuary), showing God's faithfulness to the Aaronic priesthood promise despite changing worship contexts. The genealogy anticipates Christ as our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), whose priesthood supersedes Aaron's line.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This genealogy traces the high priestly line from Aaron through Zadok to the First Temple period (970-586 BC). Azariah son of Ahimaaz likely served during Solomon's prosperous reign when the Jerusalem temple replaced the tabernacle at Gibeon. The Chronicler, writing to post-exilic priests reestablishing temple worship, emphasizes legitimate priestly descent—crucial for those challenged by Samaritans claiming equally valid priesthoods descended from northern Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the theophoric names ('Yahweh has helped,' 'Yahweh is gracious') in this priestly line testify to experienced grace rather than empty tradition?
  2. What does this unbroken priestly succession teach about God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַֽאֲחִימַ֙עַץ֙1 of 8

“And Ahimaaz”

H290

achimaats, the name of three israelites

הוֹלִ֥יד2 of 8

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת3 of 8
H853

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

וַֽעֲזַרְיָ֖ה4 of 8

“Azariah”

H5838

azarjah, the name of nineteen israelites

וַֽעֲזַרְיָ֖ה5 of 8

“Azariah”

H5838

azarjah, the name of nineteen israelites

הוֹלִ֥יד6 of 8

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת7 of 8
H853

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

יֽוֹחָנָֽן׃8 of 8

“Johanan”

H3110

jochanan, the name of nine israelites

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 6:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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