1 Chronicles 1 18

1 Chronicles 1:18 kjv

And Arphaxad begat Shelah, and Shelah begat Eber.

1 Chronicles 1:18 nkjv

Arphaxad begot Shelah, and Shelah begot Eber.

1 Chronicles 1:18 niv

Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah the father of Eber.

1 Chronicles 1:18 esv

Arpachshad fathered Shelah, and Shelah fathered Eber.

1 Chronicles 1:18 nlt

Arphaxad was the father of Shelah. Shelah was the father of Eber.

1 Chronicles 1 verses

1 Chronicles 1 18 Meaning

1 Chronicles 1:18 establishes a critical link in the post-diluvian genealogies, detailing the direct line of descent from Noah's son Shem. It records that "Arphaxad begat Shelah, and Shelah begat Eber." This verse highlights the unbroken continuity of God's covenant lineage, setting the stage for the emergence of the "Hebrews" as Eber is traditionally understood as the eponymous ancestor of this people group, marking their unique identity within humanity. The precise statement underscores God's meticulous preservation of a chosen lineage through whom His redemptive plan would unfold.

1 Chronicles 1 18 Context

First Chronicles begins with extensive genealogies (chapters 1-9), providing a foundational historical context for the returned exiles. The purpose of these genealogies was to establish continuity with their ancient heritage, confirm their rightful claims to land and identity, and underscore God's enduring covenant promises despite their national disruption. Verse 18 is nestled within the earliest part of these lists, specifically tracing the descendants of Shem, one of Noah's sons. This positions the ancestry of the people of Israel within the broad sweep of human history, demonstrating that their origins are not isolated but part of God's overarching plan from creation and the post-flood world, emphasizing that the lineage leading to Abraham and ultimately to the Messiah was meticulously preserved by divine Providence. It serves as a historical and theological anchor, connecting the present post-exilic community to God's chosen past.

1 Chronicles 1 18 Word analysis

• And: (Hebrew: וְ, ve) A simple conjunction meaning "and," indicating a continuation of the previous list or thought. In genealogies, it efficiently links successive generations.

• Arphaxad: (Hebrew: אַרְפַּכְשַׁד, Arpakhshad) Son of Shem (Gen 10:22). He is a pivotal figure in the post-diluvian generations from whom Abraham would descend. While the name's etymology is debated, it denotes a specific individual in God's preserved line. The mention here underscores his direct role in the genealogical chain, marking a link in the pre-Abrahamic ancestry.

• begat: (Hebrew: הוֹלִד, holid) This is the Hiphil form of the verb yalad, meaning "to bear, bring forth, beget." It denotes direct paternity and emphasizes a literal, verifiable chain of descent. Its repetition within the verse ("Arphaxad begat Shelah, and Shelah begat Eber") stresses the methodical and precise continuation of the family line, vital for proving claims of heritage, land, and covenant connection. This linguistic emphasis validates the unbroken nature of the lineage chosen by God.

• Shelah: (Hebrew: שֶׁלַח, Shelach) Son of Arphaxad. The name likely means "sprout" or "sending forth." He serves as the immediate generational link between Arphaxad and the more significantly named Eber, ensuring the genealogical flow.

• Eber: (Hebrew: עֵבֶר, Ever) This is the most significant name in the verse. Eber is widely recognized as the eponymous ancestor of the "Hebrews" (Hebrew: עִבְרִי, Ivri). His name means "region beyond," "the other side," or "to cross over." This could refer to Abraham "crossing over" the Euphrates from Ur, or simply distinguish this lineage as "the ones who crossed over" from idolatry or different customs. Thus, this verse implicitly establishes the foundational identity of the people of Israel long before they became a nation.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "And Arphaxad begat Shelah, and Shelah begat Eber": This recurring "X begat Y" formula is the hallmark of biblical genealogies. Its simplicity masks a profound theological statement: God’s divine plan unfolds generation by generation through human agents. This pattern guarantees the precision and integrity of the lineage that leads to the covenant nation and, ultimately, to the Messiah. The focus is on the direct, divinely sanctioned transmission of life and heritage, creating an unbreakable chain in God’s redemptive history.

1 Chronicles 1 18 Bonus section

• The Omission of Cainan: It is notable that 1 Chronicles 1:18, like the Masoretic Text of Gen 10:24 and 11:12, omits the name "Cainan" between Arphaxad and Shelah. Cainan is included in the Septuagint (the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament) and subsequently appears in the genealogy of Jesus recorded in Luke 3:36. This difference is a point of textual variation rather than theological contradiction. The Chronicler followed the traditional Hebrew text available to him, which consistently presents the lineage directly from Arphaxad to Shelah. Both genealogies (Masoretic and Septuagint) ultimately affirm the core purpose of establishing the ancestral line of the covenant people.
• Selective Genealogies: Biblical genealogies, particularly those in Chronicles, are not always exhaustive but often selective, emphasizing specific lines relevant to the Chronicler's immediate purpose—in this case, connecting the post-exilic community directly to the divinely appointed patriarchal line that preceded Abraham. The precision in this verse reinforces its importance within this theological and historical aim.

1 Chronicles 1 18 Commentary

1 Chronicles 1:18 is a concise yet foundational verse within the sweeping genealogies that open the book of Chronicles. Far from being a mere list of names, it carries significant theological weight for the post-exilic community and for understanding God's covenant purposes. By meticulously tracing the line through Arphaxad and Shelah to Eber, the Chronicler reinforces the legitimate identity of God's people. Eber, from whom the term "Hebrew" is derived, grounds the unique status of Abraham's descendants in a patriarchal figure who predates the national formation of Israel. This genealogical entry underscores God's unfailing faithfulness in preserving the designated lineage, ensuring that His promises, especially those concerning Abraham and the Davidic covenant, remained historically verifiable. It teaches that God works consistently through specific historical channels to achieve His ultimate redemptive goals, demonstrating divine order and control over human generations.