1 Chronicles 1 26

1 Chronicles 1:26 kjv

Serug, Nahor, Terah,

1 Chronicles 1:26 nkjv

Serug, Nahor, Terah,

1 Chronicles 1:26 niv

Serug, Nahor, Terah

1 Chronicles 1:26 esv

Serug, Nahor, Terah;

1 Chronicles 1:26 nlt

Serug, Nahor, Terah,

1 Chronicles 1 verses

1 Chronicles 1 26 Meaning

The verse presents a direct succession of five patriarchs: Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, and Terah. It functions as a concise link within the grand genealogy presented by the Chronicler, tracing the lineage from the post-Flood era, specifically from Eber, down to Terah, who is the father of Abraham. This sequence underscores the unbroken thread of a chosen family line through whom God's purposes for humanity would progress, ultimately leading to the promised seed.

1 Chronicles 1 26 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 1 opens with a monumental genealogy spanning from Adam to the time of David and beyond, ultimately serving to connect the post-exilic community of Israel to their historical and covenantal roots. The Chronicler's primary purpose is to emphasize continuity, identity, and the fulfillment of God's promises through a preserved lineage, particularly that leading to David and the kings. Verse 26, specifically, is part of the "Shemitic line" or "line of Shem," which follows the flood narrative and culminates in Abraham. This section (1 Chr 1:17-27) is nearly identical to Genesis 10-11, showing the Chronicler's reliance on and careful preservation of earlier sacred texts. It grounds the contemporary audience in a divine history, reminding them that they are part of a divinely ordered plan that stretches back to creation itself, providing hope and purpose for their identity as God's chosen people.

1 Chronicles 1 26 Word analysis

• Pelegh (פֶּלֶג, Peleg): This Hebrew name means "division" or "split." It is significant because Genesis 10:25 states, "for in his days the earth was divided," which scholars interpret variously as a literal division of continents, a linguistic division at Babel, or a political division of humanity into nations. The Chronicler includes him to link the patriarchal line to this momentous event in early human history, implying that God's plan continued even amidst such great dispersals.
• Reu (רְעוּ, Re'u): The name possibly means "friend" or "shepherd." Its inclusion simply serves as the next direct link in the chain of descendants.
• Serug (שְׂרוּג, Serug): This name might mean "branch" or "interwoven." It continues the linear progression, demonstrating the methodical and deliberate preservation of the lineage.
• Nahor (נָחוֹר, Nachor): Meaning potentially "snorting" or "sizzling." There are two Nahors in Abraham's immediate family: Abraham's grandfather (mentioned here) and Abraham's brother (mentioned in 1 Chr 1:27). The clear distinction between generations ensures precise genealogical record-keeping and highlights the careful attention to detail in tracing the chosen line.
• Terah (תֶּרַח, Terach): Meaning possibly "delay" or "station." Terah is of immense significance as the father of Abraham (originally Abram), Nahor, and Haran. He marks the critical generation immediately preceding the foundational patriarch of Israel. While Genesis notes that he did not complete the journey to Canaan himself, stopping in Haran, his decision to depart Ur of the Chaldeans (Josh 24:2) was a crucial step in the divine plan leading to Abraham's call.
• Words-group analysis (The simple list of names): The simple, successive listing of names (Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah) is typical of biblical genealogies. It emphasizes unbroken lineage and continuity rather than narrative elaboration. This structure conveys a powerful message of divine oversight and the deliberate preservation of a specific line through generations, culminating in the establishment of Israel. It serves as an anchor for the community, assuring them of their historical and theological rootedness in God's faithfulness from the dawn of humanity.

1 Chronicles 1 26 Bonus section

The brevity of these genealogical entries belies their theological weight. For the original post-exilic audience, seeing their lineage traced back through these figures affirmed their direct connection to the pre-Abrahamic, even pre-national, promises of God. It asserted that the covenant and the blessings promised to their forefathers were not isolated events but part of a continuous, divinely maintained historical trajectory. This meticulous detailing of the family tree reinforced their sense of belonging and divine purpose at a time when their identity might have felt fractured after exile. The inclusion of names like Peleg, linked to a moment of significant global change (Gen 10:25), also subtly teaches that even in the midst of global disruption, God preserves His chosen line for His specific redemptive plans.

1 Chronicles 1 26 Commentary

1 Chronicles 1:26, though a seemingly simple list of names, is a vital piece in the Chronicler's larger tapestry of redemptive history. It continues the tracing of the chosen line through which God's promises would unfold. Following the "division" associated with Peleg, this sequence demonstrates God's persistent commitment to a specific lineage, despite the dispersion of nations or the passage of time. These individuals are not presented with biographical details here, yet their inclusion underscores their historical reality and their place in the divinely orchestrated procession leading to Abraham, the patriarch through whom salvation history pivots. The Chronicler’s faithful replication of this list from Genesis testifies to the immutable truth of their heritage for the post-exilic Israelites, reassuring them that their identity and future are deeply rooted in God’s past covenant faithfulness.