1 Chronicles 6:41
New International Version
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

New Living Translation
Ethni, Zerah, Adaiah,

English Standard Version
son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah,

Berean Standard Bible
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

Berean Literal Bible
son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah,

King James Bible
The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

New King James Version
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

New American Standard Bible
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

NASB 1995
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

NASB 1977
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

Legacy Standard Bible
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

Amplified Bible
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

Berean Annotated Bible
the son of Ethni (my hire), the son of Zerah (rising), the son of Adaiah (YHWH has adorned Himself),

Christian Standard Bible
son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah,

American Standard Version
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

English Revised Version
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
who was the son of Ethni, who was the son of Zerah, who was the son of Adaiah,

Good News Translation
Ethni, Zerah, Adaiah,

International Standard Version
who had been fathered by Ethni, who had been fathered by Zerah, who had been fathered by Adaiah,

NET Bible
son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah,

New Heart English Bible
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

Webster's Bible Translation
The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

World English Bible
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah,

Berean Literal Bible
son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah,

Young's Literal Translation
son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah,

Smith's Literal Translation
The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The son of Athanai, the son of Zara, the son of Adaia.

Catholic Public Domain Version
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

New American Bible
son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah,

New Revised Standard Version
son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The son of Ethi, the son of Zerah, the son of Ariah,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Son of Athni, son of Zarakh, son of Araya
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
the son of Athani, the son of Zaarai,

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Temple Musicians
40the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah, 41the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah, 42the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,…

Cross References
the son of Ethni,

1 Kings 4:31
He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations.

1 Chronicles 15:17-19
So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah; / and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel. / The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals.

2 Chronicles 5:12
all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets.
the son of Zerah,

1 Chronicles 2:6-8
The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—five in all. / The son of Carmi: Achar, who brought trouble upon Israel by violating the ban on devoted things. / The son of Ethan: Azariah.

1 Chronicles 9:6
From the Zerahites: Jeuel and 690 relatives.

Joshua 7:1
The Israelites, however, acted unfaithfully regarding the things devoted to destruction. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart. So the anger of the LORD burned against the Israelites.
the son of Adaiah,

1 Chronicles 9:12
Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;

Nehemiah 11:12
and their associates who did the work at the temple—822 men; Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah;

Nehemiah 11:5
and Maaseiah son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, a descendant of Shelah.
1 Kings 8:4
and they brought up the ark of the LORD and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. So the priests and Levites carried them up.

2 Chronicles 5:5
and they brought up the ark and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. The Levitical priests carried them up.

Exodus 25:10-22
And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. / Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. / Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. …

Numbers 4:5-6
Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it. / They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles.

1 Samuel 4:4
So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

2 Samuel 6:2
And he and all his troops set out for Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name—the name of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it.

Psalm 132:8
Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength.


Treasury of Scripture

The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

Ethni.

1 Chronicles 6:21
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son.

Jeaterai.

Zerah.

1 Chronicles 6:21
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son.

Adaiah.

1 Chronicles 6:21
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son.

Iddo.

Nehemiah 11:5
And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.

Jump to Previous
Adaiah Adai'ah Zerah
Jump to Next
Adaiah Adai'ah Zerah
1 Chronicles 6
1. The sons of Levi.
4. The line of Eleazar unto the captivity.
16. The families of Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.
49. The office of Aaron, and his line unto Ahimaaz.
54. The cities of the priests and Levites.












the son of Ethni,

Ethni belonged to the ancestral line of Asaph, one of the Levites whom David appointed to lead Israel in worship before the ark of God. Though no individual deeds of Ethni are recorded, his place in the genealogy confirms the lawful heritage behind Asaph’s ministry and the enduring faithfulness of the Levitical families.

1Ki 4:31 He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite…
1Ch 15:17-19 So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel;…
2Ch 5:12 all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun,…

the son of Zerah,

Zerah (“rising” or “dawning”) continued the line through which the descendants of Gershom served the Lord. Asaph and his sons later became prominent singers and musicians in the sanctuary, preserving a ministry of praise that supported Israel’s worship through the reigns of David and Solomon.

1Ch 2:6-8 The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol…
1Ch 9:6 From the Zerahites: Jeuel and 690 relatives.
Jos 7:1 The Israelites, however, acted unfaithfully…

the son of Adaiah,

Adaiah, meaning “Yahweh has adorned” or “Yahweh has witnessed,” stands among the generations connecting Asaph’s household to Gershom, the son of Levi. The record establishes that the men appointed for sacred music were not acting on personal ambition but served within the calling God had given to the Levites for the care and worship of His sanctuary.

1Ch 9:12 Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur,…
Neh 11:12 and their associates who did the work…
Neh 11:5 and Maaseiah son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ethni
A descendant in the Levitical line, Ethni is part of the genealogy that traces the lineage of the Levites, who were set apart for religious duties in Israel.

2. Zerah
Another figure in the Levitical genealogy, Zerah is noted as an ancestor in the priestly line, emphasizing the continuity and faithfulness of God's covenant with the Levites.

3. Adaiah
A forefather in the Levitical line, Adaiah's mention underscores the importance of heritage and the transmission of faith and duty through generations.

4. Levitical Lineage
This passage is part of a larger genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 6, which details the descendants of Levi, highlighting the importance of the priestly and musical roles in the worship of God.

5. Genealogical Records
The chronicling of genealogies in 1 Chronicles serves to establish the historical and spiritual heritage of Israel, particularly focusing on the roles of the Levites.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our faith and commitment to God's purposes. Just as the Levites were set apart for service, we too are called to serve God in our unique capacities.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The genealogies remind us of the faithfulness required to pass down spiritual truths and responsibilities. We are encouraged to be diligent in teaching and modeling faith to the next generation.

God's Sovereign Plan
The detailed genealogies reflect God's sovereign plan and purpose for His people. Recognizing God's hand in history can encourage us to trust His plan for our lives today.

Role of Worship in Community
The Levites' role in worship underscores the importance of communal worship and the need for dedicated individuals to lead and facilitate worship experiences.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 6:41?

2. How does 1 Chronicles 6:41 emphasize the importance of worship in our lives?

3. What role do the Levites play in maintaining spiritual order in 1 Chronicles 6?

4. How can we apply the dedication of the Levites to our service today?

5. How does 1 Chronicles 6:41 connect to New Testament teachings on worship?

6. What lessons on faithfulness can we learn from the Levites' responsibilities in 1 Chronicles 6?

7. What is the significance of 1 Chronicles 6:41 in the genealogy of the Levites?

8. How does 1 Chronicles 6:41 reflect the importance of worship in ancient Israel?

9. Why is the lineage of the Levites detailed in 1 Chronicles 6:41?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 6?


What Does 1 Chronicles 6:41 Mean
the son of Ethni

1 Chronicles 6:40–42 records the lineage of Asaph, one of the chief musicians David appointed “over the service of song in the house of the LORD” (1 Chronicles 6:31). The immediate phrase, “the son of Ethni,” identifies Ethni as Asaph’s grandfather.

• Though Scripture gives us no biography of Ethni, his very mention anchors Asaph’s ministry in a real family line. That detail reinforces how precisely God preserves records of those He calls, just as He had earlier preserved the priestly lines of Aaron’s sons in Exodus 6:14–25.

• This reminder of a literal ancestor fits God’s pattern of tracing faithful service through generations—compare Deuteronomy 10:8, where the whole tribe of Levi is “set apart…to minister to Him.”

• God does not forget those who stand in hidden places. Just as Ethni is known to Him, so are we (Psalm 139:1–4).


the son of Zerah

• Moving one generation further back, “the son of Zerah” shows another link in Asaph’s heritage. Zerah here is a Levite, not to be confused with Judah’s son in Genesis 38:30; still, both bear witness that God knows every branch of every family tree.

• The placement of Zerah between Ethni and Adaiah highlights continuity. Each life passes the baton of ministry to the next, echoing 2 Timothy 2:2—“the things you have heard from me…entrust to faithful men.”

• Asaph’s skillful, Spirit‐led psalms (Psalm 50; 73–83) rest on this heritage. Worship leadership is not random talent but a stewardship transmitted through obedient households (cf. Psalm 78:4–7).

• Zerah’s mention assures us the chronicler’s record is exact. What God speaks, He records without error, underscoring Proverbs 30:5: “Every word of God is flawless.”


the son of Adaiah

• Adaiah, the earliest ancestor named in this verse, appears elsewhere among Levites who returned from exile (Nehemiah 11:12), showing the family’s long‐lasting commitment to temple service.

• His inclusion in the genealogy reminds readers that God’s purposes span centuries. From Adaiah to Ethni to Asaph to the restored singers of Ezra’s day (Ezra 3:10–11), one calling persists: lead God’s people in praise.

1 Chronicles 6 as a whole drives home that worship is central to Israel’s identity. By rooting Asaph in Adaiah’s line, Scripture testifies that God sovereignly equips specific families for specific tasks (Numbers 3:5–10).

• For us, Adaiah’s name encourages faithfulness today so future generations can stand firmly where we once served (Psalm 145:4).


summary

1 Chronicles 6:41, with its simple chain “the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,” is more than a roll call. It affirms the historical accuracy of God’s Word, showcases His meticulous care for every servant, and illustrates the unbroken relay of worship leadership among the Levites. Each name whispers that our unseen faithfulness matters, because the Lord records it and weaves it into His grand design to be glorified in every generation.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
the son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Ethni,
אֶתְנִ֥י (’eṯ·nî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 867: Ethni -- an Israelite

the son
בֶן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Zerah,
זֶ֖רַח (ze·raḥ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2226: Zerah -- three Israelites, also an Edomite, also an Ethiopian

the son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Adaiah,
עֲדָיָֽה׃ (‘ă·ḏā·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5718: Adaiah -- 'Yah has ornamented Himself', the name of a number of Israelites


Additonal Resources
1 Chronicles 6:41 Blue Letter Bible
1 Chronicles 6:41 Bible Gateway
1 Chronicles 6:41 Bible.com

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1 Chronicles 6:41 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Chronicles 6:41 The son of Ethni the son (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)

1 Chronicles 6:40
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