1 Chronicles 1 11

1 Chronicles 1:11 kjv

And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,

1 Chronicles 1:11 nkjv

Mizraim begot Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim,

1 Chronicles 1:11 niv

Egypt was the father of the Ludites, Anamites, Lehabites, Naphtuhites,

1 Chronicles 1:11 esv

Egypt fathered Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim,

1 Chronicles 1:11 nlt

Mizraim was the ancestor of the Ludites, Anamites, Lehabites, Naphtuhites,

1 Chronicles 1 verses

1 Chronicles 1 11 Meaning

This verse continues the genealogical record of humanity, specifically tracing the descendants of Ham through his son Mizraim. It lists four direct "sons" of Mizraim: Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, and Naphtuhim. In the broader biblical context, Mizraim refers to Egypt, making these groups tribal or ethnic subdivisions historically associated with the Egyptian sphere of influence, potentially in the Nile Delta or North Africa. The listing is part of the Chronicler's larger project of demonstrating God's meticulous care in establishing the nations and subsequently preparing the lineage for His chosen people, Israel.

1 Chronicles 1 11 Context

1 Chronicles 1:11 is found within the opening chapter of the book of 1 Chronicles, which begins with an extensive genealogical record from Adam to the various families and tribes that formed ancient Israel. This particular verse is part of the "Table of Nations," an account derived primarily from Genesis 10. The Chronicler's primary goal in compiling these lists, especially for his post-exilic audience, was to affirm the continuity of God's covenant with His people and their place in His divine plan.

The historical context of the chronicler's writing (often dated to the late 5th or early 4th century BCE) is a community recently returned from Babylonian exile, seeking to re-establish its identity and connection to its heritage. Genealogies provided legitimacy, demonstrated a shared ancestry back to the beginning of creation, and showed how God had superintended the population of the entire world, not just Israel. Mizraim (Egypt) was a well-known ancient power and rival throughout Israel's history. Its inclusion here anchors its origins within the familial lines descended from Noah, highlighting that even mighty nations like Egypt trace their roots back to the common ancestry, emphasizing God's singular creation of humanity.

1 Chronicles 1 11 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve): A simple conjunctive, continuing the list of descendants from the previous verse (1 Chr 1:10), specifically within the lineage of Ham and Mizraim. It signals the enumeration of new generations.
• Mizraim (מִצְרַיִם - Miṣrayim): The Hebrew name for Egypt. This dual form is a distinctive feature of the name and could refer to the two main regions of Egypt (Upper and Lower Egypt). It signifies not merely a geographical area but a nation, a progenitor figure embodying the origin of its people. The recurrence of "Mizraim" throughout scripture highlights Egypt's pivotal role in the biblical narrative.
• begat (יָלַד - yalad): The standard Hebrew verb meaning "to bear," "to beget," or "to father." In genealogical lists, it denotes the direct descendant or the progenitor of a family, clan, or even a nation. It implies the transmission of identity and heritage. Here, it is used metaphorically as the "father" of the listed groups, meaning these groups are considered to have originated from Mizraim's general family or ethno-linguistic branch.
• Ludim (לוּדִים - Lūdim): A people group or tribe descended from Mizraim. Their exact geographical location is debated, but they are often associated with Libya or Lydians (though some scholars place the latter in Asia Minor). Within this Egyptian lineage, it most likely refers to a people associated with or on the borders of Egypt, possibly Western or North African tribes.
• Anamim (עֲנָמִים - ʿAnāmim): Another people group or tribe descended from Mizraim. Their precise location is unknown but, like Ludim, they are generally placed in North Africa, likely adjacent to Egypt, or possibly representing peoples within the Egyptian Nile Delta region.
• Lehabim (לְהָבִים - Lᵉhāḇîm): A group descended from Mizraim. Sometimes identified with the Lubim (Libyans) due to textual variants and geographical proximity to Egypt. The name can relate to "flames" or "blades," but here, it signifies a specific tribal or ethnic entity originating from the Mizraite family.
• Naphtuhim (נַפְתֻּחִים - Nap̄tuḥîm): The last group listed in this verse, also descended from Mizraim. Often associated with the people of the "Delta" region of Egypt, or possibly those from its northern or western borders. The name may connect to Egyptian words for "those of the Delta" or a similar geographical marker.

Words-group analysis:

• Mizraim begat: This phrase establishes a direct paternal link from Egypt (as an ancestral figure) to the subsequent four entities. It underscores that these are branches off the main "Egyptian" line, illustrating the formation of distinct, albeit related, peoples and tribes.
• Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim: These four names form a distinct group within the larger genealogical table. They represent distinct ethnological groups or early national subdivisions that sprung from the overarching "Egyptian" people group. Their specific mention indicates they were significant enough in the ancient world for their lineage to be carefully recorded, further delineating the post-Noahic peopling of the regions around Israel. This group highlights the ethnic diversity originating from a single ancestor (Mizraim/Egypt) and is part of the global spreading of nations God orchestrated.

1 Chronicles 1 11 Bonus section

The "begat" in these ancient genealogies should often be understood broadly to mean "was the ancestor of" or "was the progenitor of" rather than strictly indicating a direct father-son relationship for every listed individual or group. Many of the listed names, especially later ones, likely represent collective clans, tribes, or even geographic regions that originated from a shared ancestral figure. This helps account for the listing of entire populations as "sons." The Chronicler’s faithful reproduction of the Genesis 10 text for these foreign nations highlights his respect for the established historical records of his people, even before delving into the specifically Israelite lineage. It grounds Israel's identity within a universally shared human origin while meticulously documenting the diversity God brought forth from one common source.

1 Chronicles 1 11 Commentary

1 Chronicles 1:11, embedded within the extensive genealogies, serves a vital role beyond merely listing names. It affirms God's meticulous ordering of humanity's spread after the Flood, particularly through Ham's lineage which includes the powerful nation of Egypt (Mizraim) and its numerous subdivisions. This seemingly dry list assures the returning exiles of their identity by linking them back to a divinely superintended history. It underscores that even the non-Israelite nations, often seen as antagonists, have their origin in God's creative design, flowing from the single human family that descended from Noah. The verse is a concise demonstration of God's universal sovereignty, reminding that all peoples and their intricate historical connections are part of His grand design, setting the stage for the later narrative of Israel's unique covenant relationship.