1 Chronicles 1 51

1 Chronicles 1:51 kjv

Hadad died also. And the dukes of Edom were; duke Timnah, duke Aliah, duke Jetheth,

1 Chronicles 1:51 nkjv

Hadad died also. And the chiefs of Edom were Chief Timnah, Chief Aliah, Chief Jetheth,

1 Chronicles 1:51 niv

Hadad also died. The chiefs of Edom were: Timna, Alvah, Jetheth,

1 Chronicles 1:51 esv

And Hadad died. The chiefs of Edom were: chiefs Timna, Alvah, Jetheth,

1 Chronicles 1:51 nlt

Then Hadad died. The clan leaders of Edom were Timna, Alvah, Jetheth,

1 Chronicles 1 verses

1 Chronicles 1 51 Meaning

This verse concludes the comprehensive genealogical account of Edom within 1 Chronicles. It lists eleven distinct leaders identified as "chiefs" or "dukes," following a preceding list of Edomite kings. The repeated phrase emphasizes that these individuals represented the headship and leadership within the various clans or regions of Edom. This meticulous detailing provides insight into Edom's administrative and tribal structure, possibly indicating a post-monarchical phase or a concurrent form of leadership alongside kingship.

1 Chronicles 1 51 Context

1 Chronicles 1:51 is the culminating verse in the Chronicler's genealogy of Edom. Chapter 1 systematically traces human lineage from Adam through Abraham, highlighting key descendants, including Ishmael, Keturah's children, and finally, the comprehensive details of Esau's (Edom's) descendants. The immediate preceding verses (1 Chr 1:43-50) meticulously list the kings who reigned in Edom before any king reigned over Israel. Verse 51 then presents an additional category of leadership within Edom: the "chiefs." Historically, Edom was a neighboring nation to Israel, frequently engaged in conflict or diplomatic relations. This meticulous detailing of their lineage and leadership structure underscores the Chronicler's interest in comprehensively mapping Israel's historical environment and lineage, serving to solidify post-exilic Israel's identity by documenting both their own past and that of their ancient "brother" nation.

1 Chronicles 1 51 Word analysis

• These: Refers directly to the list of proper nouns immediately following, connecting them to the prior subject of Edomite leadership.
• were the chiefs: (Hebrew: הָאַלּוּפִים ha'alluphim - related to אָלּוּף alluph, often translated "duke" or "chief"). This term signifies a leader, head of a clan or division, or a general. Its use distinguishes these individuals from the "kings" listed earlier in the chapter. In Genesis 36, alluphim is used alongside or after kings, potentially indicating different roles (tribal leaders vs. central monarch) or a shift in Edom's political structure. It highlights a system of governance rooted in family or tribal headship.
• of Edom: Designates the specific people and territory associated with Esau, twin brother of Jacob. Edom’s identity is significant in biblical history due to its long and complex relationship with Israel, often characterized by rivalry.
• Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, Magdiel, Iram: These are proper nouns, representing the names of the specific chiefs, or potentially the names of clans/territories associated with them. Most of these names (or closely related forms) appear in the Edomite genealogies in Genesis 36, demonstrating the Chronicler's reliance on and organization of earlier biblical tradition. For instance, Teman is both a grandson of Esau and a significant region/city within Edom (often linked with wisdom). Oholibamah is also mentioned as a wife of Esau and a clan name, suggesting complex dynastic naming. The name Kenaz also connects to an Edomite clan, and intriguingly, to the Kenizzite tribe from which Othniel (the first judge of Israel) hailed, indicating some interwoven ancestry or parallel naming conventions between these historically intertwined nations.
• These were the chiefs of Edom: This phrase repeats the initial part of the verse, acting as an inclusio. This literary device emphasizes the conclusion of the Edomite section and definitively reiterates the subject of the list, providing a clear ending to this segment of the genealogy before transitioning to the next. It reinforces the authority and completeness of the provided information about Edomite leaders.

1 Chronicles 1 51 Bonus section

The extensive Edomite genealogies in 1 Chronicles, drawing heavily from Genesis 36, reflect a theological purpose beyond mere historical record. For the Chronicler, writing in the post-exilic period, detailed lineage validated communal identity, rightful claims to land, priestly and Levitical service, and a connection to the covenant. By presenting a complete picture of Edom's rulers, both kings and chiefs, it implicitly reinforces Israel's own historical trajectory and divine election by contrast. Edom, the descendant of Esau, served as a perpetual counterpoint to Jacob (Israel) throughout biblical history, demonstrating a distinct lineage and destiny that nonetheless was intricately known and accounted for in God's broader plan for humanity. The precise cataloging also underscores the meticulous care with which God oversees the affairs of all nations, even those outside the direct line of covenantal promise to Israel.

1 Chronicles 1 51 Commentary

1 Chronicles 1:51 completes the extensive account of Edom's lineage, providing a meticulous list of their "chiefs." This level of detail, following a list of their kings, showcases the Chronicler's primary goal: establishing clear genealogies to define the identity and heritage of post-exilic Israel. By documenting Edom's internal structures—whether a transition from kingship to chieftaincy, or a co-existing system of central monarchy with regional tribal leadership—the Chronicler underscores the thoroughness of divine record-keeping and highlights Israel's unique covenant standing against the backdrop of their fraternal yet rival nation. The meticulous naming signifies an understanding of the geo-political landscape surrounding Israel and emphasizes that even nations outside the immediate covenant had their histories documented by divine providence. This particular list acts as a final authoritative statement on Edom's administrative form, solidifying the historical framework that God's people were meant to understand.