1 Chronicles 2 8

1 Chronicles 2:8 kjv

And the sons of Ethan; Azariah.

1 Chronicles 2:8 nkjv

The son of Ethan was Azariah.

1 Chronicles 2:8 niv

The son of Ethan: Azariah.

1 Chronicles 2:8 esv

and Ethan's son was Azariah.

1 Chronicles 2:8 nlt

The son of Ethan was Azariah.

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 8 Meaning

The verse states that Azariah was a son of Ethan. It functions as a brief entry within the extended genealogies of Judah, specifically detailing a lineage within the family of Zerah, son of Judah. In its brevity, it marks the continuation of a specific family line and highlights an individual by name within that lineage, serving to preserve the record of descent essential for identity, heritage, and covenantal connection in ancient Israel.

1 Chronicles 2 8 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 2 opens the detailed genealogical records of the twelve tribes, with a significant emphasis on Judah, from whom the Davidic kings emerged. This verse is embedded within the list of descendants from Judah through his son Zerah. The chronicler meticulously records these lineages to establish the identity and legitimacy of the returned exiles, reconnecting them to their ancient covenantal roots and providing the foundational structure for the reorganized community in the post-exilic period. The extensive genealogies are not merely lists but serve to underscore the continuity of God's covenant, the proper order for tribal lands, and the qualifications for priestly and royal lines.

1 Chronicles 2 8 Word analysis

• The sons of:

  • Hebrew: בְּנֵי (bə·nê).
  • Meaning: A plural construct form of בֶּן (ben), meaning "son" or "offspring."
  • Significance: In genealogical lists, "sons" (bə·nê) frequently denotes not just immediate offspring but also descendants or family branches. It signifies the propagation of a family line, crucial for identity and inheritance in ancient Israel.

• Ethan:

  • Hebrew: אֵיתָן֙ (’ê·ṯān).
  • Meaning: A proper noun, literally meaning "enduring," "firm," or "perpetual."
  • Significance: Here, Ethan is identified as a son of Zerah, who was a son of Judah (1 Chr 2:6). This particular Ethan is widely associated with "Ethan the Ezrahite," known for his wisdom (1 Kgs 4:31) and possibly the author of Psalm 89. His inclusion in this genealogy links the lineage to a figure of recognized wisdom and spiritual depth, even if the primary purpose here is merely recording his place in the tribal family.

• Azariah:

  • Hebrew: עֲזַרְיָֽהוּ (Azaryahu).
  • Meaning: A common biblical name formed from עזר (azar), meaning "help," and יה (Yah), a shortened form of Yahweh. Thus, it means "Yahweh has helped" or "my help is Yahweh."
  • Significance: This name was borne by many individuals, including kings and prominent priests, reflecting a pervasive theological outlook among the Israelites. Its prominence indicates a cultural appreciation for acknowledging divine assistance in life. In the context of genealogies, such a name might subtly convey the family's faith or their experience of God's preserving hand in their lineage.

• The sons of Ethan: Azariah:

  • This phrase indicates the immediate recorded descendant of Ethan. In concise genealogies, often only one prominent or key successor is named, implying that Azariah was the principal son or the one relevant to the specific purpose of the chronicler's record. This highlights continuity within the lineage established from Judah.

1 Chronicles 2 8 Bonus section

The extreme brevity of 1 Chronicles 2:8, where only one son is named for Ethan, is characteristic of many genealogical entries in the Chronicler's work. This selective listing does not necessarily imply Ethan had only one son. Rather, it indicates that Azariah was the designated, primary, or significant successor in that specific line from the chronicler's perspective and purpose. The omission of other possible offspring highlights the focus on specific threads important for the post-exilic Israelite community's re-establishment, perhaps relating to priestly duties, tribal land allocations, or civil leadership, without the need for an exhaustive list. Such selective listing, common in biblical genealogies, often serves to create thematic or messianic emphasis by highlighting direct lines relevant to the chronicler's overarching theological narrative.

1 Chronicles 2 8 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:8, though brief, serves a vital function within the Chronicler's larger project. As part of Judah's detailed genealogy, it underscores the post-exilic community's desire for an organized return to their roots, reinforcing tribal identity and legitimate claims to land and heritage. The very act of naming Azariah as Ethan's son speaks to divine faithfulness in preserving the lines of Israel, particularly the royal tribe of Judah. The inclusion of figures like Ethan, despite his wisdom being explicitly mentioned elsewhere (1 Kgs 4:31, Ps 89), prioritizes his genealogical position, reinforcing that spiritual gifting and social status flow from, and are maintained by, one's proper place within God's ordered people. The name Azariah, meaning "Yahweh has helped," subtly embeds a theological truth: even in tracing seemingly mundane family trees, God's providential care is evident. This concise record exemplifies how every part of the divine narrative, including bare genealogies, testifies to God's sustained interaction with His covenant people. For example, similar concise genealogical entries are found throughout Ezra and Nehemiah, underscoring the necessity of confirmed lineage for rebuilding Jerusalem's community and temple services after the exile.