1 Chronicles 4 12

1 Chronicles 4:12 kjv

And Eshton begat Bethrapha, and Paseah, and Tehinnah the father of Irnahash. These are the men of Rechah.

1 Chronicles 4:12 nkjv

And Eshton begot Beth-Rapha, Paseah, and Tehinnah the father of Ir-Nahash. These were the men of Rechah.

1 Chronicles 4:12 niv

Eshton was the father of Beth Rapha, Paseah and Tehinnah the father of Ir Nahash. These were the men of Rekah.

1 Chronicles 4:12 esv

Eshton fathered Beth-rapha, Paseah, and Tehinnah, the father of Ir-nahash. These are the men of Recah.

1 Chronicles 4:12 nlt

Eshton was the father of Beth-rapha, Paseah, and Tehinnah. Tehinnah was the father of Ir-nahash. These were the descendants of Recah.

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 12 Meaning

1 Chronicles 4:12 is a genealogical record detailing a specific lineage within the tribe of Judah. It states that Betrapha, Paseah, and Tehinnah were sons of Eshton, and identifies Tehinnah as the father of Irnahash. The verse concludes by stating, "These were the men of Recah." As part of extensive genealogies, this verse meticulously preserves tribal identity, territorial claims, and continuity of lineage, underscoring God's faithfulness in upholding His covenant promises through generations, even through individuals whose lives are only preserved as names.

1 Chronicles 4 12 Context

1 Chronicles 4:12 is situated within the lengthy genealogical record of chapters 1-9 in 1 Chronicles. This section primarily serves to trace the lineage of Israel, from Adam to the post-exilic community, highlighting their identity and rightful place as God's covenant people. Specifically, Chapter 4 focuses on the descendants of Judah, the tribe from which kings (like David) and ultimately the Messiah would come.

The verses directly preceding 4:12 describe other families within Judah. Notably, verses 9-10 recount the special interlude of Jabez's prayer, a sudden spiritual highlight amidst the long list of names, which emphasizes a life transformed by seeking God. Verse 12 immediately follows this, returning to the more typical format of genealogical listing. This juxtaposition might serve to show that even in the mundane or purely factual listings, every life is part of God's overarching plan. The purpose for the Chronicler, writing for the returning exiles, was to affirm their heritage, connect them to their historical roots, legitimize the priesthood and monarchy, and reassure them of God's continued covenant faithfulness despite their past failures and present challenges. The meticulous detail provides a sense of ordered providence.

1 Chronicles 4 12 Word analysis

• These: (אֵלֶּה, ʼelleh) - A demonstrative pronoun, simply indicating the subjects of the preceding statement, serving to introduce the following names as descendants.
• were: (הָיוּ, hāyû) - Form of the verb "to be," indicating existence or relationship. It's standard for genealogical lists to denote family ties.
• the sons of Eshton: (בְּנֵי אֶשְׁתּוֹן, bᵉnēy ʼEshṭown) - "Sons of Eshton." 'Eshṭown' is a personal name, not directly known for specific meaning in this context. The phrase "sons of" signifies direct descendants or members of the same clan. Genealogies consistently establish paternal lines and familial connections to preserve the lineage and identity of clans and tribes.
• Betrapha: (בֵּית־רָפָא, Bêth-rāphāʼ) - A personal name. "Bêth" means "house" and "rāphāʼ" relates to "healing" or "healer." Thus, the name could suggest "House of healing" or "House of a healer." While we know nothing more about him, such a name might point to a family or individual known for ministering health or a place associated with healing, signifying God's ability to bring wholeness, even when simply named.
• Paseah: (פָּסֵחַ, Pâseach) - A personal name. It means "lame" or "limping." The inclusion of such a name might subtly indicate that even individuals with physical impairments were part of the recognized lineage of God's people, showcasing God's work through diverse individuals, not just the outwardly strong or prominent. This resonates with the broader biblical theme of God using the weak.
• and Tehinnah: (וּתְחִנָּה, ûTachinnah) - A personal name. "Tehinnah" means "supplication" or "entreaty" or "prayer." This name is deeply significant as it implies a life characterized by prayer or born in answer to prayer. It suggests an individual or a family associated with deep reliance on God and earnest pleading, subtly underscoring the spiritual importance of communication with the Divine amidst the "dry" lists.
• the father of Irnahash: (אֲבִי עִיר־נָחָשׁ, ʼăvı̂y ʻIr-nāchāsh) - "Father of Irnahash." This identifies Tehinnah as the progenitor of a place or a clan associated with "Irnahash." This is important for establishing family heads and territorial connections.
• Irnahash: (עִיר נָחָשׁ, ʻIr-nāchāsh) - A place name or clan name. "ʻIr" means "city" or "town," and "nāchāsh" means "serpent" or "dragon." So, "City of serpents." The significance of this name is debated. It could literally refer to a place known for snakes, a dangerous or idolatrous site that was conquered or settled, or even a symbolic reference to spiritual conflict (like the serpent in Genesis). Its inclusion shows a connection of this family branch to a specific location, perhaps reflecting overcoming hostile elements by God's people.
• These: (אֵלֶּה, ʼelleh) - Reiterates the focus on the people being named.
• were the men of Recah: (אַנְשֵׁי רֵכָה, ʼanshêy Rēkāh) - "Men of Recah." "ʼanshêy" refers to men, indicating these individuals or their descendants were associated with a locality named "Recah." "Recah" is an obscure place name, the meaning of which is uncertain, possibly "emptiness" or "dryness." This ties the family group to a specific region, important for understanding tribal distribution and identity within the territory of Judah. The reference solidifies the geographical link of the families listed.

1 Chronicles 4 12 Bonus section

The seemingly mundane nature of the genealogies in 1 Chronicles (and throughout the Bible) serves a critical theological function often overlooked. For the Chronicler's audience—those returning from Babylonian exile—these lists were not just about ancestry; they were about:

• Re-establishing Identity: After generations in exile, the purity of Israelite identity, tribal affiliations, and rightful land claims needed clear documentation. Genealogies served as legal and historical proof of their right to rebuild and inhabit the promised land.
• Legitimizing Leadership: The meticulous tracing of priestly and kingly lines (especially through Judah and Levi) was crucial for authenticating the authority of their leaders in the re-established community.
• Affirming Divine Faithfulness: Despite Israel's failures and the trauma of exile, God's promise to Abraham and David endured. The unbroken chain of names underscored God's steadfastness and His commitment to His covenants, offering hope for their future.
• Anticipating Messiah: While not explicit in 4:12, the entire genealogical project ultimately paves the way for the Messiah, particularly through the Judahite line of David. Every name listed is a witness to the unfolding of God's sovereign plan leading to Christ. The inclusion of even obscure names or those with potentially challenging meanings (like "lame" or "city of serpents") reflects the reality that God works through all circumstances and types of people, ultimately fulfilling His purposes.

1 Chronicles 4 12 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:12, embedded within the extensive genealogies of Chronicles, might initially appear as a mere recitation of names, yet it carries profound theological significance. The Chronicler meticulously preserved these lineages, not for a dry historical record, but to reaffirm the identity, heritage, and continuity of God's covenant people, especially for the post-exilic community. This verse contributes to the meticulous demonstration of how God maintained the lines of Judah, from which David and, eventually, the Messiah would come, underscoring divine faithfulness over centuries.

The individual names within the verse, though often overlooked, can offer glimpses into the spiritual realities or challenges of these individuals and their clans. "Betrapha" (House of healing), "Paseah" (lame), and "Tehinnah" (supplication) may subtly indicate reliance on divine healing, God's use of the seemingly weak, and the centrality of prayer within the family's legacy. "Irnahash" (City of serpents) could speak to conquering or inhabiting challenging, perhaps hostile, territories under divine guidance, reflecting the dominion given to God's people even in places of adversity. The men of "Recah" ties them to a specific land claim, reminding the reader of God's promise to Israel regarding their inheritance.

Even without a narrative, these verses demonstrate that God's plan involves every generation and seemingly ordinary individuals. Just as a single brick is essential to a magnificent building, each name represents a thread in the intricate tapestry of salvation history, meticulously woven by God's sovereign hand, preparing for the fullness of time.

• Example 1 (Faithfulness): Consider how God keeps meticulous records in the Bible, affirming that no one is forgotten in His grand narrative of redemption, even in these long lists.
• Example 2 (Divine Providence): The specific names suggest that people experienced God's healing, faced challenges, and prayed earnestly, illustrating that the divine plan unfolds through real human lives and their daily realities.
• Example 3 (Identity): Just as these ancient Israelites could trace their heritage, believers today can find their identity rooted in God's eternal purposes, adopted into His family.