1 Chronicles 1 42

1 Chronicles 1:42 kjv

The sons of Ezer; Bilhan, and Zavan, and Jakan. The sons of Dishan; Uz, and Aran.

1 Chronicles 1:42 nkjv

The sons of Ezer were Bilhan, Zaavan, and Jaakan. The sons of Dishan were Uz and Aran.

1 Chronicles 1:42 niv

The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan and Akan. The sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran.

1 Chronicles 1:42 esv

The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan. The sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran.

1 Chronicles 1:42 nlt

The descendants of Ezer were Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan. The descendants of Dishan were Uz and Aran.

1 Chronicles 1 verses

1 Chronicles 1 42 Meaning

1 Chronicles 1:42 provides a concise genealogical record, listing three notable sons of Eliphaz, who was the firstborn son of Esau (also known as Edom). These sons—Jeush, Jalam, and Korah—are explicitly identified as offspring born to Esau's wife Adah. The verse serves to trace and consolidate the lineages of the Edomites, detailing specific branches of Esau's descendants within the larger historical compilation of 1 Chronicles.

1 Chronicles 1 42 Context

First Chronicles opens with extensive genealogies, tracing the lineage from Adam through various families and nations before narrowing its focus predominantly to the descendants of Abraham, specifically through Jacob (Israel). Chapter 1 systematically covers generations from Adam to the sons of Noah, Abraham's family, and then expands to include various Arabian tribes, the descendants of Esau (Edom), and eventually the kings of Edom before the monarchy of Israel. Verse 42 falls within the section (1:34-54) dedicated to the lineage of Esau (Edom). This immediate context highlights the relationship between Israel and Edom as kindred nations through Isaac, a relationship often marked by conflict but acknowledged by shared ancestry. Historically, 1 Chronicles was written in the post-exilic period, likely around 450-400 BC. Its primary purpose was to provide the returning exiles with a comprehensive account of their heritage, re-establishing national identity, legitimate priesthood, and Davidic kingship. Including the Edomite genealogies shows the chronicler's interest in the surrounding nations connected by common ancestry, contrasting their trajectories with that of Israel, or simply documenting the known historical relationships.

1 Chronicles 1 42 Word analysis

• בְּנֵ֤י (bᵊnê) - "Sons of". This is a common Hebrew plural noun indicating offspring, descendants, or members of a family/clan. Its repeated use throughout genealogies emphasizes the patriarchal and lineage-based social structure crucial for identity and continuity in ancient Israel.
• אֱלִיפָ֑ז (ʾĔlîpāz) - "Eliphaz". This proper noun refers to the firstborn son of Esau (Gen 36:4, 10). He is presented as a significant ancestor of various Edomite chiefs, reinforcing the hierarchical structure within the tribal nation.
• יְע֤וּשׁ (Yəʿûš) - "Jeush". A proper name. Like other names in genealogies, it functions primarily as a link in the lineage. The inclusion of these specific individuals helps confirm and detail the branching of the Edomite families.
• יַעְלָ֣ם (Yaʿlām) - "Jalam". Another proper name. Its presence signifies a distinct branch or chieftaincy within the Edomite tribal structure.
• קֹ֖רַח (Qōraḥ) - "Korah". This proper name is distinct from Korah, the Levite who rebelled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness (Num 16). The existence of the name in different genealogies highlights its usage in diverse families without implying a direct connection to the infamous Levite figure. Its specific mention here confirms him as one of Eliphaz's sons through Adah, signifying a line of descent.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Sons of Eliphaz: Jeush, Jalam, and Korah": This phrase succinctly identifies the specific individuals being presented, establishing their direct paternal link to Eliphaz. This detailed identification within the Edomite lineage emphasizes the meticulous nature of the chronicler's record-keeping, even for non-Israelite lines.
• "These are the sons of Esau’s wife Adah": This specifies the maternal lineage for these three sons, connecting them to a particular branch of Esau's extensive family (Esau had multiple wives, each with different lines of descent in Gen 36). It further solidifies the precise genealogical connection, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of family structures beyond simply patrilineal descent, when relevant.

1 Chronicles 1 42 Bonus section

The Chronicler’s inclusion of such specific Edomite genealogies, found extensively in Genesis 36, confirms the enduring relevance of Esau's lineage in the biblical narrative. Unlike other lists of surrounding peoples that merely state their names (like those of Ham and Japheth in 1 Chron 1:8-23), the detail given to Edom highlights their special fraternal, though often adversarial, relationship with Israel. This extended record implicitly reinforces the prophetic word that Jacob and Esau, while distinct nations, share a common heritage from Isaac, making their later conflicts an intra-familial struggle on a national scale. The detailed genealogies in Chronicles overall serve to show the faithful preservation of records, establishing Israel's claim to land and heritage upon their return from exile, while also demonstrating the historical accuracy and breadth of God's interaction with nations, even those outside the direct covenant line of Israel.

1 Chronicles 1 42 Commentary

1 Chronicles 1:42, while seemingly a dry list of names, is significant in several ways. Firstly, its presence underscores the comprehensive nature of the Chronicler's genealogical project, extending beyond the strict bounds of Israel to acknowledge related peoples like the Edomites. This reflects a post-exilic worldview where understanding ancestral ties to neighboring nations, even estranged ones, contributed to a broader historical awareness. The verse serves as a historical marker, linking the foundational Genesis account of Esau's lineage (specifically through his wife Adah, paralleling Gen 36) directly into the chronicler's work. The mention of "Korah" also serves as a crucial point to differentiate between individuals bearing the same name but belonging to entirely separate lines—a necessary clarification for accurate genealogical understanding and preventing mistaken identities among the audience. This brief mention of Eliphaz's sons from Adah demonstrates how detailed information was preserved for clarity and precision, validating their ancestral claim and origin within Edom.