1 Chronicles 4 18

1 Chronicles 4:18 kjv

And his wife Jehudijah bare Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Socho, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. And these are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered took.

1 Chronicles 4:18 nkjv

(His wife Jehudijah bore Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Sochoh, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah.) And these were the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered took.

1 Chronicles 4:18 niv

(His wife from the tribe of Judah gave birth to Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soko, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah.) These were the children of Pharaoh's daughter Bithiah, whom Mered had married.

1 Chronicles 4:18 esv

And his Judahite wife bore Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah.

1 Chronicles 4:18 nlt

He married a woman from Judah, who became the mother of Jered (the father of Gedor), Heber (the father of Soco), and Jekuthiel (the father of Zanoah). Mered also married Bithia, a daughter of Pharaoh, and she bore him children.

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 18 Meaning

1 Chronicles 4:18 details aspects of the lineage of Mered, a descendant of Judah. The verse presents him having at least two wives, one named Hodiah, and another, Bithiah, identified as the daughter of Pharaoh. It specifies the offspring born to each woman and the geographic affiliations that emerged from these unions, such as Keilah and Eshtemoa. This genealogical record highlights the intermingling of Israelite and non-Israelite populations within the tribe of Judah and underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on detailed tribal records and the notable individuals within them.

1 Chronicles 4 18 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 4 primarily presents a detailed genealogy of the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent tribe from whom King David descended and through whom the Messiah was promised. This chapter, typical of the Chronicler's focus, meticulously records lineages, territories, and notable figures. Verse 18 is part of a complex sequence detailing descendants of Caleb (son of Hezron, from Judah). The precise insertion of Mered's marriages—one to a woman possibly named "the Jewess" (Hodiah/Yahudiah) and another to an Egyptian royal, "the daughter of Pharaoh"—within a list of names and places highlights an unusual and significant event within this otherwise straightforward genealogy. It reveals the complex social realities, including intermarriage, within ancient Israel, contrasting with strict injunctions against foreign marriages yet showcasing specific instances that became integral to the national fabric. The focus remains on how these individuals contribute to the identity and heritage of Judah.

1 Chronicles 4 18 Word analysis

• And his wife Hodiah: Hodiah (הוֹדִיָּה, Hôwḍiyyâ) can be read as Yehudiyah (יְהוּדִיָּה, Yehūḏiyyāh), meaning "the Jewess" or "a Judean woman." If "the Jewess," it might be a descriptor rather than a proper name, specifically contrasting her with the non-Israelite Bithiah, indicating Mered had a wife from his own people.
• the sister of Naham: This detail provides specific familial context for Hodiah, linking her to another known individual or family group. The Chronicler's genealogies often provide such detailed familial links, anchoring the individuals within a wider tribal structure.
• was the mother of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maacathite: These names signify prominent towns and regions. Keilah (קְעִילָה, Qe‘îlâ) was a walled city in Judah, known from events involving King David (1 Sam 23:7-8). Eshtemoa (אֶשְׁתְּמֹעַ, ’Eshtemōa‘) was a Levitical city in Judah (Josh 21:14). "Garmite" and "Maacathite" describe geographical or clan affiliations, connecting these lineages to specific locales within Judah and illustrating the territorial reach and population of the tribe.
• And Mered's wife was Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh: Mered (מֶרֶד, Mereḍ) means "rebellion" or "bitterness," a name that forms an interesting contrast with the apparent devotion of his wife. Bithiah (בִּתְיָה, Biṯyāh) translates to "Daughter of Yahweh" or "Daughter of God." This is profoundly significant: a princess of Pharaoh (פַּרְעֹה, Par‘ōh), the king of pagan Egypt, bore a name explicitly identifying her with the God of Israel, implying a genuine conversion or profound commitment to Yahweh. This makes her a remarkable proselyte integrated into the covenant community.
• whom Mered took: This phrase indicates a formal act of marriage or acquisition, signifying a legitimate and binding union, despite the ethnic and cultural disparities.
• and she bore Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah, the father of Eshtemoa: Miriam (מִרְיָם, Miryām) means "bitterness" or "rebellion" or "beloved." Shammai (שַׁמַּי, Šammay) means "my name" or "desolation." Ishbah (יִשְׁבָּה, Yišbâ) may mean "man of praise" or "man of rest." The mention of Ishbah as "the father of Eshtemoa" links Bithiah's lineage to the family producing the important Judean city/family of Eshtemoa. This might imply two distinct Eshtemoas descending from Mered (one from Hodiah, one a grandson via Bithiah), illustrating the complex, interwoven nature of biblical genealogies.

• "His wife Hodiah…and Mered’s wife Bithiah…": This phrasing points to Mered having two distinct wives mentioned sequentially, showcasing two parallel lineages contributing to his posterity. The inclusion of a Judean woman alongside an Egyptian princess demonstrates the varied compositions within Judah's tribal identity.
• "daughter of Pharaoh" contrasted with "Daughter of Yahweh": This is a powerful rhetorical juxtaposition. Her original title indicates worldly power and pagan roots, while her adopted name signifies spiritual allegiance to the one true God, highlighting her remarkable transformation and commitment. This implies that spiritual adoption transcended national origins for her.
• Names with spiritual meanings (Bithiah) within genealogy: The deliberate inclusion of a name like "Daughter of Yahweh" for a pagan princess in a sacred lineage implies divine providence and the inclusion of those from all nations who turn to God. This foreshadows the broader reach of God's covenant and His desire for all peoples.

1 Chronicles 4 18 Bonus section

The potential interpretation of "Hodiah" as "Yahudiyah" (the Jewess) carries significant weight. If "Hodiah" is indeed a descriptor for "the Jewess," then the verse explicitly presents Mered with two contrasting wives: one definitively of Judahite heritage and the other a converted Egyptian royal. This serves to emphasize the dramatic juxtaposition and the extent of Mered's varied descendants. Furthermore, the recurrent name "Eshtemoa" from both wives' lines, either as two separate individuals or an influential town originating from distinct family branches, speaks to the overlapping and deeply interconnected nature of the families and territories within the tribe of Judah, all under the providential hand of God.

1 Chronicles 4 18 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:18 offers a captivating glimpse into the intricate and sometimes unexpected composition of Judah's lineage. It highlights Mered's multiple marriages, specifically emphasizing his union with Bithiah, the "daughter of Pharaoh." The profound significance lies in Bithiah's name, "Daughter of Yahweh," strongly implying her conversion and acceptance of the God of Israel. This detail disrupts any simplistic understanding of Israelite lineage as ethnically pure, demonstrating divine inclusivity even at an early stage. It resonates with biblical examples like Rahab and Ruth, foreign women who, through faith, became integral to the sacred history leading to the Messiah. The verse subtly conveys that divine favor and a place within God's people are granted not solely based on birth but on heartfelt commitment to the Lord.