King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 9:11 Mean?
“And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God;”
Context
9
And their brethren, according to their generations, nine hundred and fifty and six. All these men were chief of the fathers in the house of their fathers.
10
And of the priests; Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, and Jachin,
11
And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God;
12
And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasiai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;
13
And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God. very: Heb. mighty men of valour
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(11) **And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam.**—See 1Chronicles 6:12-13. The names coincide so far as Zadok; but either Meraioth and Ahitub have been transposed (see 1Chronicles 6:7), or perhaps Meraioth has been omitted in 1Chronicles 6:12. Instead of Azariah, the parallel in Nehemiah 11:11 has Seraiah, the rest of the verse being *verbatim* the same as here. A list of priests who went up with Zerubbabel and Joshua begins with Seraiah (Nehemiah 12:1), and in Nehemiah 10:2 Seraiah and Azariah are priests who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah the Tirshatha, about seventy years later. Nehemiah 12:12 shows that Seraiah was the name of a priestly clan. Perhaps the name Seraiah should be read in the present passage before, or instead of, Azariah. (Comp. 1Chronicles 6:13-14.) If, however, the name is official, not personal, like the names in the preceding verse, this supposition is hardly necessary. Either Azariah or Seraiah might equally represent the priestly house intended.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 9:11 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 9:11
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge