1 Chronicles 6:21
New International Version
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son and Jeatherai his son.

New Living Translation
Joah, Iddo, Zerah, and Jeatherai.

English Standard Version
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.

Berean Standard Bible
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son.

Berean Literal Bible
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.

King James Bible
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son.

New King James Version
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son.

New American Standard Bible
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son.

NASB 1995
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.

NASB 1977
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.

Legacy Standard Bible
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.

Amplified Bible
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.

Berean Annotated Bible
Joah (YHWH is brother) his son, Iddo (His witness) his son, Zerah (rising) his son, and Jeatherai (whom YHWH leads) his son.

Christian Standard Bible
his son Joah, his son Iddo, his son Zerah, and his son Jeatherai.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
his son Joah, his son Iddo, his son Zerah, and his son Jeatherai.

American Standard Version
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.

English Revised Version
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Zimmah's son was Joah. Joah's son was Iddo. Iddo's son was Zerah. Zerah's son was Jeatherai.

Good News Translation
Joah, Iddo, Zerah, Jeatherai.

International Standard Version
his son Joah, his son Iddo, his son Zerah, and his son Jeatherai.

NET Bible
his son Joah, his son Iddo, his son Zerah, and his son Jeatherai.

New Heart English Bible
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.

Webster's Bible Translation
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son.

World English Bible
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son.

Berean Literal Bible
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.

Young's Literal Translation
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son.

Smith's Literal Translation
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Joah his son, Addo his son, Zara his son, Jethrai his son.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.

New American Bible
whose son was Joah, whose son was Iddo, whose son was Zerah, whose son was Jetherai.

New Revised Standard Version
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Jathor his son.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Yuwakh his son, Adu his son, Yatur his son
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Joab his son, Addi his son, Zara his son, Jethri his son.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Descendants of Levi
20Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, 21Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son. 22The descendants of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,…

Cross References
Joah his son,

1 Chronicles 26:4
And Obed-edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth,

2 Chronicles 29:12
Then the Levites set to work: Mahath son of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah from the Kohathites; Kish son of Abdi and Azariah son of Jehallelel from the Merarites; Joah son of Zimmah and Eden son of Joah from the Gershonites;

2 Kings 18:18
Then they called for the king. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them.
Iddo his son,

Zechariah 1:1
In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying:

Ezra 5:1
Later, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them.

2 Chronicles 13:22
Now the rest of the acts of Abijah, along with his ways and his words, are written in the Treatise of the Prophet Iddo.
Zerah his son,

Genesis 38:30
Then his brother came out with the scarlet thread around his wrist, and he was named Zerah.

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.

1 Chronicles 2:6
The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—five in all.
and Jeatherai his son.

1 Chronicles 23:6-7
Then David divided the Levites into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. / The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.

Numbers 3:17-18
These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. / These were the names of the sons of Gershon by their clans: Libni and Shimei.

Exodus 6:16-17
These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years. / The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei, by their clans.
1 Chronicles 6:31-32
These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. / They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them.

1 Chronicles 15:16-22
David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals. / 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. …

1 Chronicles 25:1-6
Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: / From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. / From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. …

2 Chronicles 29:25-30
Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. / The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. / And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. …


Treasury of Scripture

Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son.

Joah.

1 Chronicles 6:42
The son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,

Ethan.

1 Chronicles 6:41
The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

Adaiah.

1 Chronicles 6:41
The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

Ethni.

Jump to Previous
Iddo Joah Jo'ah Zerah
Jump to Next
Iddo Joah Jo'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.












Joah his son
Joah is a name that appears multiple times in the Bible, often associated with individuals who served in various capacities within Israel. The name means "Yahweh is his brother" or "Yahweh is his kin." In the context of 1 Chronicles 6, Joah is part of the genealogical record of the Levites, specifically the descendants of Levi through Gershom. This lineage emphasizes the importance of the Levitical priesthood and their role in worship and temple service. The mention of Joah here connects to the broader narrative of the Levites' responsibilities in maintaining the spiritual life of Israel.

Iddo his son
Iddo is another name that appears in various contexts in the Old Testament. In this genealogical listing, Iddo is noted as a descendant of Levi, continuing the line of Levitical priests. The name Iddo means "timely" or "appointed," which may reflect the divine appointment of the Levitical line to their sacred duties. This lineage underscores the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, as the Levites were chosen to serve in the tabernacle and later the temple, facilitating the people's worship and adherence to the Law.

Zerah his son
Zerah, meaning "rising" or "dawning," is a name that appears in several genealogies in the Bible. In this context, Zerah is part of the Levitical genealogy, highlighting the ongoing legacy of the priestly line. The mention of Zerah in this lineage serves to reinforce the idea of a divinely ordained order within the tribes of Israel, particularly the tribe of Levi, which was set apart for religious duties. This continuity is crucial for understanding the structure and function of Israelite society, where the Levites played a central role in spiritual leadership.

Jeatherai his son
Jeatherai, whose name means "remnant" or "survivor," concludes this particular segment of the genealogy. The inclusion of Jeatherai in the Levitical line emphasizes the preservation of the priestly lineage through generations. This preservation is significant in the biblical narrative, as it reflects God's faithfulness in maintaining a remnant of His people who are dedicated to His service. The genealogical record serves as a testament to the enduring nature of God's promises and the importance of the Levitical priesthood in the history of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joah
A descendant in the Levitical line, Joah is part of the genealogy that traces the priestly lineage. His name means "Yahweh is brother" in Hebrew, indicating a close relationship with God.

2. Iddo
Another member of the Levitical genealogy, Iddo's name means "His witness" or "timely" in Hebrew. This name may reflect the role of the Levites as witnesses to God's covenant and law.

3. Zerah
Zerah, meaning "rising" or "dawning" in Hebrew, is part of the lineage that emphasizes the continuity of the priestly line.

4. Jeatherai
The final name in this verse, Jeatherai, means "remnant" or "survivor" in Hebrew, possibly symbolizing the enduring nature of God's promises through the Levitical line.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible, such as in 1 Chronicles 6, underscore the faithfulness of God in maintaining His covenant promises through specific families and lineages.

The Role of the Levites
The Levites were set apart for service to God, reminding us of the importance of dedicating our lives to His service and the unique roles we each play in His kingdom.

Continuity of God's Promises
The names listed in genealogies, each with significant meanings, reflect the enduring nature of God's promises and His faithfulness across generations.

Identity and Heritage in Christ
Just as the Levites had a distinct identity and purpose, believers today have a spiritual heritage and identity in Christ, called to be a royal priesthood.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The genealogies remind us of the impact of faithfulness across generations, encouraging us to live in a way that honors God and influences future generations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 6:21?

2. How does 1 Chronicles 6:21 highlight the importance of genealogy in faith history?

3. What role do the descendants in 1 Chronicles 6:21 play in God's plan?

4. How can understanding genealogies deepen our appreciation for God's faithfulness throughout Scripture?

5. How does 1 Chronicles 6:21 encourage us to value our spiritual heritage today?

6. What lessons from 1 Chronicles 6:21 can we apply to our family life?

7. What is the significance of the genealogy listed in 1 Chronicles 6:21?

8. How does 1 Chronicles 6:21 contribute to understanding Israel's tribal history?

9. Why is the lineage of Levi important in 1 Chronicles 6:21?

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

11. Why does 1 Chronicles 6:16-30 list names that differ from other biblical genealogies (compare Exodus 6:16-19), and how can these discrepancies be reconciled?

12. 1 Chronicles 20:5: Why does this text say Elhanan killed Goliath's brother, whereas 2 Samuel 21:19 seems to conflict about who killed Goliath?

13. How can the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 6:1-15 be historically reliable if external archaeological sources do not confirm these priestly generations?

14. Why does 1 Chronicles 16 differ from 2 Samuel 6 in describing the Ark's journey and the people's offerings?
What Does 1 Chronicles 6:21 Mean
Joah his son

“Joah his son” (1 Chronicles 6:21) marks the fifth generation from Gershom through Libni, Jahath, and Zimmah (6:17–20).

• By preserving this name, the Spirit underlines that every Levite mattered in God’s plan for worship (cf. Numbers 3:21–26 for Gershonite duties).

• Another Joah, a Gershonite in Hezekiah’s day, helped cleanse the temple (2 Chron 29:12), showing how this branch kept serving centuries later.

• Together with the surrounding verses (1 Chron 6:33–38), the line culminates in Asaph, the psalm-writer, reminding us that faithful ancestors pave the way for future ministry.


Iddo his son

Iddo follows Joah, sustaining the chain.

• Ezra later calls on “Iddo and his brothers” for temple servants (Ezra 8:17), and Nehemiah lists a priestly family “of Iddo” (Nehemiah 12:4, 16). These parallels suggest the name remained honored among Levites who guarded true worship after the exile.

• The steady mention of fathers and sons reinforces God’s design for generational faithfulness (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).


Zerah his son

Zerah continues the succession.

• Though better known as a Judahite name (Genesis 38:30), here it identifies a Levite, proving that God redeems and reuses names in different tribes for His purposes.

• His placement just before Jeatherai keeps the seven-name span from Gershom intact (Libni → Jahath → Zimmah → Joah → Iddo → Zerah → Jeatherai), a pattern often linked with completeness (cf. Exodus 31:15; Revelation 1:12–13).


Jeatherai his son

Jeatherai closes this particular list.

• The very fact that Scripture records even the “last-in-line” declares that no servant of God is forgotten (Malachi 3:16).

• From Jeatherai, the genealogy turns to other branches (1 Chron 6:22ff.), showing how God weaves many family threads into one worshiping nation.


summary

1 Chronicles 6:21 is more than a roll call; it is a testimony that God tracks every generation of His servants. Joah, Iddo, Zerah, and Jeatherai stand as links in an unbroken chain of Levites who guarded the tabernacle, the temple, and later the songs of praise. Their quiet faithfulness illustrates how the Lord values ordinary obedience, preserves family legacies, and completes His purposes through people whose names may appear only once—yet whose lives echo through Scripture and history.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Joah
יוֹאָ֤ח (yō·w·’āḥ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3098: Joah -- 'the LORD is brother', the name of several Israelites

his son,
בְּנוֹ֙ (bə·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

Iddo
עִדּ֣וֹ (‘id·dōw)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5714: Iddo -- 'timely', the name of several Israelites

his son,
בְנ֔וֹ (ḇə·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

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

his son,
בְּנ֖וֹ (bə·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

[and] Jeatherai
יְאָתְרַ֥י (yə·’ā·ṯə·ray)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2979: Jeatherai -- an ancestor of Asaph

his son.
בְּנֽוֹ׃ (bə·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 6:21 Joah his son Iddo his son Zerah (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 6:20
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