son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, son of Israel;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Chronicles 6:38
What does 1 Chronicles 6:38 mean?
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1 Chronicles 6:38
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This seemingly simple genealogy isn't just a list; it's a deliberate tracing of lineage back to Israel himself, emphasizing the deep, inherited connection of this family to the covenant promises made to their ancestor. It underscores that their priestly role wasn't an accident but a divinely appointed inheritance rooted in their very identity as descendants of the patriarch.
son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, son of Israel;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a long genealogical list tracing the lineage of the Levites, who were set apart for service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It's showing us who stands in the direct line to the priestly families, specifically connecting those who would perform vital duties back to their ancestral roots. This particular verse places Gershom, a key figure in this lineage, within the broader framework of Israel's patriarchal history.
This verse reads like a simple family tree, but it points to something far greater than just a name. It's about an entire tribe set apart.
The Priestly Line
This verse is part of a genealogy tracing the lineage of Aaron, the first High Priest. Notice how it goes back through Kohath and Izhar, all descendants of Levi, one of Jacob's twelve sons.
The tribe of Levi was unique. Unlike other tribes, they weren't given a specific territory in the promised land. Instead, they were dedicated to serving God, particularly through the tabernacle and later the temple. This meant their identity and purpose were intimately tied to worship and God's presence.
While the focus is on Levi, the verse ends by anchoring this lineage back to the very beginning of the nation.
From One to Twelve to Many
The final link, 'son of Israel,' is crucial. It connects this specific priestly line back to the patriarch Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. Jacob, in turn, was a descendant of Abraham.
This shows that the special calling of the Levites, and specifically Aaron's line, didn't negate their identity as part of the larger nation of Israel. It highlights how God works through specific families and individuals within His chosen people to fulfill His broader purposes for all nations.
Understand the original words
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Yitshar · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning 'shining' or 'oil.' He was a son of Kohath and father of Korah, marking a significant branch within the Levitical priesthood.
Qehath · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning 'assembly' or 'congregation.' The Kohathites were a primary division of the Levites, specifically charged with the care of the holy vessels of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the sanctity of serving God.
Levi · Hebrew Proper Noun
The third son of Jacob and the ancestor of the tribe set apart for service to God. The tribe of Levi had no land inheritance, as 'the Lord is their inheritance,' emphasizing a life totally devoted to religious service.
Yisra'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
The name given to Jacob by God after he wrestled with the angel. It designates the chosen people of God, the covenant community, and the promise that through this nation all families of the earth would be blessed.
This passage provides the same genealogical line, listing Kohath as a son of Levi and including Izhar as Kohath's son, reinforcing the lineage.
Numbers 3:17-20Here we see the families of Levi listed, with the family of the Izharites mentioned as descendants of Kohath, confirming their place within the Levitical structure.
1 Chronicles 23:6This verse echoes the same genealogical listing, emphasizing the role of the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites as divisions within the Levites, including the line of Kohath.
Genesis 46:11When Jacob (Israel) went down to Egypt, this passage lists Levi and his sons, including Kohath, showing the origin of this Levitical line from Jacob himself.
This seemingly simple genealogy isn't just a list; it's a deliberate tracing of lineage back to Israel himself, emphasizing the deep, inherited connection of this family to the covenant promises made to their ancestor. It underscores that their priestly role wasn't an accident but a divinely appointed inheritance rooted in their very identity as descendants of the patriarch.
This verse is part of a long genealogical list tracing the lineage of the Levites, who were set apart for service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It's showing us who stands in the direct line to the priestly families, specifically connecting those who would perform vital duties back to their ancestral roots. This particular verse places Gershom, a key figure in this lineage, within the broader framework of Israel's patriarchal history.
This verse is part of a long genealogical list tracing the lineage of the Levites, who were set apart for service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It's showing us who stands in the direct line to the priestly families, specifically connecting those who would perform vital duties back to their ancestral roots. This particular verse places Gershom, a key figure in this lineage, within the broader framework of Israel's patriarchal history.
"son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, son of Israel;" — This seemingly simple genealogy isn't just a list; it's a deliberate tracing of lineage back to Israel himself, emphasizing the deep, inherited connection of this family to the covenant promises made…
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Last reviewed October 2026