📖WEB · 1 Chronicles 6:20
What does 1 Chronicles 6:20 mean?
"Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,"
— 1 Chronicles 6:20 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
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.
Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son.
The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,
Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son,
Explanation
First Chronicles 6:20 is a simple genealogical statement: it lists a succession of descendants coming from Gershom, one of the three sons of Levi (the others being Kohath and Merari). The verse reads as a chain: Gershom was the father of Libni, Libni was the father of Jahath, and Jahath was the father of Zimmah. It is one link in a much longer chain of names that traces the Levitical family tree across many generations, showing how the priestly and Levitical lines descended in an orderly, recorded succession.
The book of 1 Chronicles was written after the Babylonian exile, likely compiled by a scribe or group of scribes (traditionally associated with Ezra) for the Jewish community that had returned to the land. Chapters 1–9 consist almost entirely of genealogies, tracing Israel's history from Adam down through the tribes, with special attention given to Levi's descendants because of their role in temple worship. For a people rebuilding their identity, temple, and worship practices after exile, establishing legitimate lineage was crucial — especially for the Levites and priests, whose right
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