1 Chronicles 2 30

1 Chronicles 2:30 kjv

And the sons of Nadab; Seled, and Appaim: but Seled died without children.

1 Chronicles 2:30 nkjv

The sons of Nadab were Seled and Appaim; Seled died without children.

1 Chronicles 2:30 niv

The sons of Nadab: Seled and Appaim. Seled died without children.

1 Chronicles 2:30 esv

The sons of Nadab: Seled and Appaim; and Seled died childless.

1 Chronicles 2:30 nlt

The sons of Nadab were Seled and Appaim. Seled died without children,

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 30 Meaning

1 Chronicles 2:30 states: "The sons of Ishi were Zoheth and Ben-zoheth." This verse is a segment of the meticulous genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. It serves to precisely document the lineage within the extensive family tree of Israel, identifying two immediate descendants of a man named Ishi, thereby preserving their place within the historical and covenantal memory of the people. It signifies the Chronicler's commitment to recording every significant familial connection for the post-exilic community, establishing identity, tribal affiliation, and continuity.

1 Chronicles 2 30 Context

1 Chronicles Chapter 2 is a significant and detailed genealogical account of the descendants of Judah, focusing heavily on the lineage from which King David would emerge, as well as other prominent families within the tribe. This chapter serves as the backbone for establishing tribal identity, land ownership, and historical continuity for the returning exiles. It carefully lists names, parents, and often siblings or key descendants, painting a picture of the tribal structure. Within this elaborate framework, verse 30 specifically names two individuals, Zoheth and Ben-zoheth, as the sons of Ishi. These verses underscore the Chronicler's aim to meticulously trace every familial line, reinforcing the idea that God's covenant with Israel endures through their physical and documented heritage. The entire book of 1 Chronicles emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises, particularly through the Davidic line and the establishment of the Temple, and these genealogies provide the necessary foundational evidence of that continuity for the post-exilic community who sought to re-establish themselves according to God's design.

1 Chronicles 2 30 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve-): A simple conjunctive particle. It seamlessly links this new piece of information (the sons of Ishi) to the preceding genealogical entry, maintaining the continuous flow of the record without emphasizing any dramatic shift.

• the sons (בְּנֵי - b'nei): This is the construct plural form of ben (בֵּן), meaning "son." In biblical Hebrew, "sons of" is the standard idiomatic way to denote male descendants, not necessarily implying only direct offspring, but often also including grandsons or broader male descendants in a lineage. Here, it signifies direct male offspring.

• of Ishi (יִשְׁעִי - Yish'i): The Hebrew name Yish'i means "My Salvation" or "My Help." It is a relatively common biblical name. This particular Ishi is mentioned only here in this specific genealogical context, suggesting his significance lies in his contribution to the family line rather than any recorded actions or deeds. The presence of his name indicates that God meticulously preserves even seemingly minor figures within His people's history.

• were: This verb is implied in the Hebrew text. Hebrew often omits the verb "to be" when stating simple equative clauses (e.g., "A, sons of B").

• Zoheth (זוֹחֵת - Zohet): This is a less common Hebrew name, the precise meaning of which is debated but may relate to "bender" or "shoving aside." Its uniqueness emphasizes the particularity and detail of the Chronicler's record. Like Ishi, Zoheth is mentioned only here, highlighting that every individual name holds a place in God's ordered record.

• and (וּ - u-): Another simple conjunction, linking Zoheth to his brother or co-descendant.

• Ben-zoheth (וּבֶן־זוֹחֵת - u'ven-Zohet): This is an intriguing name structure. Literally, Ben-zoheth means "Son of Zoheth." This is rare for a primary personal name in biblical genealogies. It could suggest:

  • A Patron-named Child: One of Ishi's sons was explicitly named "Son of Zoheth," perhaps to emphasize a connection to or dependence on a lineage represented by Zoheth (who could be his brother or a more significant ancestor from whom this sub-lineage diverged).
  • Genealogical Abbreviation: It might represent a sub-branch or a prominent individual from the lineage of Zoheth rather than necessarily a direct child of Ishi who was also named Zoheth and then had a child also listed here. This form could simplify the recording of a direct branch from Zoheth's family, implying Zoheth's prominence in his own right, warranting the mention of "his son" alongside himself. It also may refer to a family group or clan tracing its descent from Zoheth.

• Words-Group Analysis:

  • "The sons of Ishi were Zoheth and Ben-zoheth": This phrase functions as a direct patriarchal record. The deliberate listing of "Ben-zoheth" alongside Zoheth (his literal father's name) signifies the unique structure of this particular line within Ishi's descendants. It draws attention to the fact that even within direct filiation, different naming conventions or methods of representing a familial unit might be employed, reflecting the detailed nature of these ancient records and the nuances of specific familial relationships. It emphasizes that both branches were important enough to be specifically identified from Ishi's family.

1 Chronicles 2 30 Bonus section

The genealogies in Chronicles, including this verse, provided immense assurance and a sense of belonging to the returned exiles. After generations of displacement, they needed to affirm their legitimate identity as God's people. These lists functioned as a "who's who" for determining:

• Membership in the Israelite Community: Proof of descent.
• Land Ownership: Rights to inherited tribal lands were tied to family lineage.
• Privileges and Duties: Especially for priests and Levites, an unblemished genealogy was mandatory.
• Messianic Hope: The sustained, detailed record-keeping implicitly affirmed the integrity of the Davidic line, from which the Messiah would eventually come.This verse, though small, contributed to a grand work of re-establishing national and spiritual identity, demonstrating that every thread, no matter how seemingly small, was integral to God's continuous work with His chosen people.

1 Chronicles 2 30 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:30 is a microcosm of the meticulous genealogical record-keeping prevalent in the Chronicler's work. While brief, this verse encapsulates several significant biblical themes. Firstly, it underlines the extraordinary detail and care God places on every individual within His covenant people. Even seemingly obscure names like Ishi, Zoheth, and Ben-zoheth are not lost to oblivion but are purposefully preserved within the sacred text. This signifies that every life, every lineage, holds a place in God's divine tapestry and serves a purpose in the unfolding of His plan.

The genealogies were vital for the post-exilic community, offering proof of identity, establishing land rights, confirming tribal affiliations for sacred duties (like the priesthood), and crucially, tracing the path toward the promised Messiah. The specific mention of "Ben-zoheth" (Son of Zoheth) is intriguing, hinting at a potential sub-branch or a particularly prominent individual or family group associated with Zoheth's name. It demonstrates the flexible and sometimes abbreviating nature of these lists, designed for clarity within specific ancestral lines. This verse, like countless others in Chronicles, attests to God's ordered nature, His remembrance of His people, and the continuity of His covenant promises through generations, irrespective of the passing of kingdoms or periods of exile.