1 Chronicles 1 3

1 Chronicles 1:3 kjv

Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech,

1 Chronicles 1:3 nkjv

Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech,

1 Chronicles 1:3 niv

Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah.

1 Chronicles 1:3 esv

Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech;

1 Chronicles 1:3 nlt

Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech,

1 Chronicles 1 verses

1 Chronicles 1 3 Meaning

1 Chronicles 1:3 concisely names the three sons of Noah—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—who were the progenitors of all post-Flood humanity. This verse serves as a crucial transitional point in the comprehensive genealogy presented in 1 Chronicles, connecting the pre-Flood lineage originating from Adam (1:1-2) to the entirety of the human race and, eventually, to the nation of Israel. It signifies the re-establishment of the human family through this divinely preserved line, setting the foundation for the subsequent divisions of peoples and nations across the earth.

1 Chronicles 1 3 Context

First Chronicles 1 opens with a dense, unbroken chain of genealogies, tracing human history from Adam, the first man, through Seth, to Noah (1:1-2). Verse 3 serves as a pivot point, shifting the focus to Noah's immediate family as the sole survivors of the global Flood. This chapter, indeed the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles, is primarily a historical record of genealogies, laying the foundational "who's who" for the post-exilic community of Israel.

The historical context is post-exilic Judah, where the people were grappling with questions of identity, heritage, and continuity with their past. The Chronicler, likely writing between 450 and 400 BC, meticulously details these genealogies to confirm the lineage of God's chosen people, ensuring the legitimate succession for priesthood, kingship, and tribal identities. By starting with Adam and continuing through Noah's sons, the Chronicler situates Israel's story within the grand sweep of universal history and God's sovereign plan for all humanity, while also legitimizing their unique covenant relationship. The emphasis on Noah's sons highlights the fresh start God provided after the Flood and the origins of all nations, including the Israelites' forebears, from a single family.

1 Chronicles 1 3 Word analysis

• And these are (וְאֵלֶּה - v'eleh): This is a common Hebrew conjunction-demonstrative pronoun phrase indicating continuation and introducing a new, yet related, section or list. Here, it explicitly links the current discussion of Noah's sons back to the preceding list of pre-Flood patriarchs, emphasizing continuity despite the cataclysmic event of the Flood. It signals that the following names are the source from which the rest of the lineages will branch out.
• the sons of (בְּנֵי - b'nei): A plural construct noun meaning "sons of," commonly used in Hebrew genealogies to indicate direct descendants or progenitors of a line. It establishes a patrilineal lineage, which is paramount in biblical genealogy for establishing identity, inheritance, and covenant. The use of "sons" underlines the principle of passing on life and heritage through the male line.
• Noah (נֹחַ - Noach): The patriarch divinely chosen by God to survive the Flood and restart humanity. His name means "rest" or "comfort." In this context, Noah represents the continuity of humanity despite divine judgment. He is the universal father for all peoples following the great reset. The focus on his three sons underscores the new beginning and the source from which all nations would spring.
• Shem: (שֵׁם - Shem). Meaning "name" or "renown." He is usually listed first or prominently. Biblically, Shem is presented as the ancestor of Abraham and thus the lineage through which God's chosen people, Israel, and ultimately the Messiah, would come (Gen 10:21, 1 Chron 1:17). The spiritual blessings often rested more significantly on his line.
• Ham: (חָם - Ham). Meaning "hot" or "burnt." Ham is significant as the father of nations often hostile to Israel (e.g., Egypt, Cush, Canaan, Mizraim). His descendants settled primarily in Africa and parts of the Near East. The narrative concerning him and his son Canaan (Gen 9:20-27) introduces an element of ethical choice and consequence within Noah's family.
• Japheth: (יֶפֶת - Yephet). Meaning "enlarged" or "may he enlarge." He is the ancestor of peoples typically associated with areas north and west of the ancient Near East, often referred to as "gentile" nations (e.g., those from the Greek islands and coasts). His prophetic blessing "May God enlarge Japheth, and let him dwell in the tents of Shem" (Gen 9:27) hints at a future shared habitation or blessing between his descendants and those of Shem.
• Word-Group Analysis:
  • "And these are the sons of Noah": This phrase introduces the foundational segment of post-Flood humanity. It implicitly reaffirms God's covenant with Noah to repopulate the earth and demonstrates the universal scope of God's redemptive history, starting with a single family from whom all diversity would spring. It establishes a clear lineage for every human being, indicating a common origin and thus, a common Creator.

1 Chronicles 1 3 Bonus section

The seemingly terse genealogies in 1 Chronicles 1-9, beginning with Adam and continuing through Noah's sons, carry significant theological weight for the Chronicler's post-exilic audience. By starting so broadly with universal humanity, the text reminds the returning exiles of their heritage as part of God's overarching plan that extends beyond Israel's borders. The inclusion of the non-Israelite nations derived from Shem, Ham, and Japheth—even in their brevity—serves to connect Israel's unique covenant relationship back to a common humanity. This universal scope reminds us that God's sovereignty encompasses all nations, though His redemptive focus narrows to the line of Shem and ultimately to Israel. It subtly prepares the reader for the detailed focus on the tribes of Israel, kings, and priests, demonstrating that their particular identity is divinely ordained and rooted in the very beginnings of humanity. This historical grounding provides both legitimacy and a reminder of God's faithfulness from the very start.

1 Chronicles 1 3 Commentary

First Chronicles 1:3 is more than a mere listing of names; it is a critical genealogical marker within the broader theological purpose of the book. After briefly tracing humanity from Adam to Noah, the Chronicler pivots, highlighting Noah's three sons as the unique point of repopulation after the catastrophic Flood. This conciseness assumes the audience's knowledge of the detailed Genesis narratives concerning Noah, the ark, and the repopulation, choosing instead to focus on the historical link to validate the subsequent Israelite lineages.

Theologically, this verse underscores divine continuity and sovereignty. Despite a universal judgment, God preserves a righteous remnant through whom humanity can be re-established. By listing Shem, Ham, and Japheth, the Chronicler sets the stage for the universal spread of nations, ultimately converging on the specific lineage of Shem from whom Abraham, and eventually Israel, would descend. This structure validates Israel's identity and calling, connecting their covenant history to the very beginning of human existence, affirming their place within God's grand plan for all creation. It teaches that all humanity shares a common ancestor and is ultimately accountable to the same God, while also recognizing the diverse paths and roles appointed to different peoples throughout history.