1 Chronicles 1 37

1 Chronicles 1:37 kjv

The sons of Reuel; Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.

1 Chronicles 1:37 nkjv

The sons of Reuel were Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.

1 Chronicles 1:37 niv

The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah.

1 Chronicles 1:37 esv

The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.

1 Chronicles 1:37 nlt

The descendants of Reuel were Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.

1 Chronicles 1 verses

1 Chronicles 1 37 Meaning

1 Chronicles 1:37 is a concise genealogical entry, specifically identifying the four direct male descendants of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. Reuel himself was a grandson of Esau, making these individuals part of the lineage of Esau, foundational to the nation of Edom. This verse is embedded within a comprehensive recounting of historical lineages from Adam onward, emphasizing continuity, identity, and the fulfillment of God's covenant purposes through various families, including those related to Israel.

1 Chronicles 1 37 Context

1 Chronicles 1:37 is situated within the extensive genealogical record that begins the book of 1 Chronicles. Chapters 1 through 9 are largely composed of lists of names, tracing lineages from Adam (1:1) through Seth, Noah, Abraham, and various other patriarchal figures, including a detailed account of Jacob's (Israel's) descendants by tribe. This particular verse falls within the genealogy of Esau (1:34-37), who was Jacob's twin brother. The inclusion of Esau's line, alongside Israel's, provides a broader historical backdrop, acknowledging related peoples and the fulfillment of God's earlier promises regarding their nations. For the post-exilic audience, this comprehensive genealogy served to legitimate their claims to land, priesthood, and a continuous history under God's covenant, reaffirming their identity and place within God's sovereign plan.

1 Chronicles 1 37 Word analysis

• The sons (בְּנֵי, benê): This plural construct noun indicates "sons of" or "descendants of." In ancient Near Eastern genealogies, "sons" often referred not just to direct male offspring but could encompass grandsons, clans, or even tribes stemming from an individual, emphasizing the foundational status of the progenitor. It signifies the direct and continuing line from Reuel, important for tribal identity and historical record.
• of Reuel (רְעוּאֵל, Reûʾel): Meaning "friend of God" or "shepherd of God." He is a significant figure in Esau's family, explicitly named as the son of Esau and Basemath (Gen 36:4, 10). The Chronicler's choice to include and detail this branch highlights the connection between Edom (Esau's descendants) and Israel, acknowledging a shared, albeit divided, patriarchal heritage from Abraham.
• Nahath (נַחַת, Naḥath): The first listed son. The name can mean "descent," "quietness," or "leading." In Gen 36:17, he is explicitly named as one of the "chiefs" (alluph, meaning "clan-chief" or "head") of Edom. This implies that these individuals were not just personal names but also likely represented specific tribal or territorial units within Edomite society.
• Zerah (זֶרַח, Zeraḥ): The second son. The name means "sunrise," "brightness," or "flashing forth." Like Nahath, he is also listed as a "chief" in Genesis 36:17, indicating his significant role within the emerging Edomite society. It's important to distinguish him from Zerah, son of Judah (Gen 38:30; 1 Chron 2:4).
• Shammah (שַׁמָּה, Shammah): The third son. The name means "wonder," "desolation," or "a waste." He too is named among the chiefs of Esau in Genesis 36:17. His inclusion continues the pattern of meticulously tracing Esau's significant descendants.
• and Mizzah (מִזָּה, Mizzah): The fourth and last listed son of Reuel. The meaning of this name is uncertain, possibly related to "fear" or "flattery." Consistent with his brothers, he is also noted as a "chief" in Genesis 36:17, solidifying the idea that these names represent not just individuals but tribal leadership or foundational entities of Edom.
• Word Group: "The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.": This phrasing functions as a declarative statement of direct descent and names a complete familial unit. The sequential listing highlights their sibling relationship and, in conjunction with other texts (Gen 36), implies their collective importance as foundational figures for segments of the Edomite nation. The precision of the list emphasizes accuracy and historical continuity, providing a clear reference point for the genealogy.

1 Chronicles 1 37 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of genealogical lists in Chronicles is not merely for historical record; it holds profound theological significance. It confirms Israel's unique status as the people of God while also demonstrating the interconnectedness of nations, all stemming from a common human origin (Adam). By meticulously tracing lines, even of peoples like Edom who were often adversaries of Israel, the Chronicler implicitly reinforces God's universal sovereignty and faithfulness to all His decrees. These specific names, though largely unembellished, act as markers in a historical narrative designed to strengthen the returning exiles' sense of belonging and their place in God's ongoing redemptive story. They also serve as an authenticating link to earlier biblical narratives, especially Genesis, affirming the unity and reliability of God's Word.

1 Chronicles 1 37 Commentary

1 Chronicles 1:37 serves as a minute yet essential brick in the extensive genealogical wall built by the Chronicler. Far from being a mere list, this verse underscores the meticulous attention paid to lineage in ancient Israel, which was critical for establishing identity, validating claims to land and covenant blessings, and demonstrating God's sovereign hand in history. The inclusion of Esau's descendants, alongside Israel's, acknowledges the wider sweep of patriarchal history and fulfills the promise that Esau too would become a great nation. While seemingly insignificant, each name represents a continuous thread in the tapestry of human history that ultimately points towards God's plan. This detailed record reminds the post-exilic community of their roots, connecting them not only to the immediate past but to the very beginning of humanity, assuring them of God's faithfulness across generations.