📖WEB · 1 Chronicles 6:16
What does 1 Chronicles 6:16 mean?
"The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari."
— 1 Chronicles 6:16 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
Shallum became the father of Hilkiah. Hilkiah became the father of Azariah.
Azariah became the father of Seraiah. Seraiah became the father of Jehozadak.
Jehozadak went into captivity, when Yahweh carried Judah and Jerusalem away by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.
The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.
These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei.
The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ households.
Explanation
This verse simply states that Levi, the son of Jacob, had three sons: Gershom (elsewhere spelled Gershon), Kohath, and Merari. It is a straightforward genealogical notice, one line within a long chain of family records that make up much of the early chapters of 1 Chronicles.
The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled after the Babylonian exile, addressed to the Jewish community returning to the land of Israel. The Chronicler's purpose was to help this restored community understand its identity, its worship, and its connection to God's covenant promises by tracing genealogies from Adam through the tribes of Israel, with special attention to Judah (the royal line) and Levi (the priestly line). Chapter 6 focuses specifically on the tribe of Levi because the Levites held the sacred responsibility of temple service, priesthood, and worship leadership. By listing the three sons of Levi—Gershom, Kohath
Compare translations
Go deeper with ScriptureCompanion AI
Ask questions about any verse, follow reading plans, write personal prayers, and track your daily habit — all grounded in verified scripture text.