Lexical Summary Ethni: Ethni Original Word: אֶתְנִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ethni Perhaps from 'ethnah; munificence; Ethni, an Israelite -- Ethni. see HEBREW 'ethnah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition an Isr. NASB Translation Ethni (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֶתְנִי proper name, masculine an ancestor of Asaph 1 Chronicles 6:26 apparently identical with יְאָֽתְרַי v.1 Chronicles 6:6. אֶתְנַן see II. תנן. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Ethni is named once in the Old Testament, in the genealogical register of Levi: “son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah” (1 Chronicles 6:41). Genealogical Context The Chronicle lists three interwoven genealogies of Levitical singers—Heman (Kohathite), Asaph (Gershonite), and Ethan/Jeduthun (Merarite). Ethni stands in the Gershonite line that culminates in Asaph, the chief musician whose psalms accent proper worship in Israel (for example, Psalm 50; Psalm 73–83). The line runs: Levi → Gershon → Jahath → … → Ethni → Zerah → Adaiah → Ethan → Zimmah → Shimei → Jahath → Gershom → Levi (cf. 1 Chronicles 6:39–43). By inserting Ethni’s name, the Chronicler underscores an unbroken succession of divinely appointed ministry stretching from the wilderness tabernacle (Numbers 3:21-24) to the organized temple choirs of David’s reign (1 Chronicles 25:1-6). Levitical Duties and Worship Ministry As a Gershonite, Ethni would have belonged to the clan entrusted with the tabernacle’s fabrics, curtains, and coverings (Numbers 3:25-26). Although no personal deeds are preserved, his placement in the line of temple musicians implies that his descendants were set apart “to minister with music before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting” (1 Chronicles 6:32). Scripture presents such service as a sacred trust. David, speaking of the sons of Asaph, stated, “for their duties they kept the charge of the LORD” (1 Chronicles 23:30-32). Ethni therefore represents the anonymous but essential Levite whose faithfulness enabled corporate worship to flourish. Historical Significance 1 Chronicles was compiled after the Babylonian exile, when Israel needed assurance that the covenant promises and worship structures had survived judgment. By recording otherwise obscure servants like Ethni, the Chronicler anchored post-exilic worship in an ancient, authoritative lineage. This genealogy validated the ministry of contemporary Levites who were restoring temple music under leaders such as Zerubbabel and Ezra (Ezra 3:10-11; Nehemiah 12:44-47). Thus Ethni’s brief mention contributes to a larger apologetic for continuity between Mosaic, Davidic, and Second-Temple worship. Theological Reflections 1. God remembers every faithful servant. Though Ethni’s works are hidden, his name is preserved in Scripture, illustrating that “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Lessons for Today • Heritage of faith matters. Families and churches should cultivate environments where children can inherit and advance godly service. Related Scriptures Numbers 3:21-26; 1 Chronicles 6:32-43; 1 Chronicles 23:30-32; Ezra 3:10-11; Nehemiah 12:44-47; 1 Corinthians 15:58. Forms and Transliterations אֶתְנִ֥י אתני ’eṯ·nî ’eṯnî etNiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 6:41 HEB: בֶּן־ אֶתְנִ֥י בֶן־ זֶ֖רַח NAS: the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, KJV: The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, INT: the son of Ethni the son of Zerah |
    |