1 Chronicles 4 20

1 Chronicles 4:20 kjv

And the sons of Shimon were, Amnon, and Rinnah, Benhanan, and Tilon. And the sons of Ishi were, Zoheth, and Benzoheth.

1 Chronicles 4:20 nkjv

And the sons of Shimon were Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-Hanan, and Tilon. And the sons of Ishi were Zoheth and Ben-Zoheth.

1 Chronicles 4:20 niv

The sons of Shimon: Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-Hanan and Tilon. The descendants of Ishi: Zoheth and Ben-Zoheth.

1 Chronicles 4:20 esv

The sons of Shimon: Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon. The sons of Ishi: Zoheth and Ben-zoheth.

1 Chronicles 4:20 nlt

The sons of Shimon were Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon. The descendants of Ishi were Zoheth and Ben-zoheth.

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 20 Meaning

1 Chronicles 4:20 lists specific individuals who were descendants within the tribe of Judah, specifically through Shimon and Ishi. This verse, like many others in the early chapters of Chronicles, serves to record the family lines and genealogies of the people of Israel. It emphasizes the historical continuity and precise lineage, reinforcing tribal identity, inheritance claims, and the divine faithfulness to preserve a chosen people even through obscure lines. The inclusion of these names underscores God's meticulous attention to every individual within His covenant community, no matter how minor they might seem to human eyes.

1 Chronicles 4 20 Context

First Chronicles 4:20 is situated within the lengthy genealogies that commence the book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9). This particular verse is part of the extensive listing of the descendants of Judah, the tribe from which King David would emerge, and subsequently, the Messiah. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community, meticulously details these genealogies to reaffirm the identity of the repatriated Israelites, connect them to their tribal roots, establish claims to inherited land, and provide a sense of continuity with the historical nation and its covenants with God. Specifically, Chapter 4 focuses on the family of Judah, emphasizing its numerous branches and leadership role. The detailed, though often unembellished, listing of names underscores a crucial truth: every individual, no matter how seemingly obscure, holds a place in God's historical tapestry and plays a part in His larger redemptive plan. The inclusion of figures like Shimon, Ishi, and their descendants validates their place within the covenant community and the inheritance promised to their forefathers. There are no direct polemics here, but the emphasis on pure lineage inherently stands in contrast to the intermarriage that sometimes blurred Israelite identity and devotion in the post-exilic period, subtly affirming the importance of maintaining tribal purity for those returned from exile.

1 Chronicles 4 20 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew waw (וְ). A simple conjunction indicating continuation, linking this verse to the preceding genealogical record. It suggests that these names are part of the larger family tree being enumerated.
• the sons: Hebrew benim (בָּנִים), plural of ben (בֶּן). This denotes direct male offspring or descendants in a broader sense. In genealogies, "sons of" signifies belonging to a lineage. Its repeated use emphasizes the perpetuation of the family line.
• of Shimon: Hebrew Shim'ôn (שִׁימוֹן). A personal name, likely derived from shama (שָׁמַע), meaning "to hear" or "listening." The name Shimon is rare and distinct from Simeon, the son of Jacob, suggesting a different branch within the extensive tribe of Judah. Its meaning hints at attentiveness, though this is not explicitly commented upon by the Chronicler.
• were: Implied verb, typical of Hebrew genealogical lists where the copula "were" is often omitted.
• Amnon: Hebrew ’Amnôn (אַמְנוֹן). A personal name, potentially related to 'aman (אָמַן), meaning "faithful," "firm," or "reliable." This is a significant meaning, although the individual Amnon here is distinct from David's infamous son Amnon. The recurrence of names often reflects common family naming practices, sometimes with renewed hope for the child.
• and Rinnah: Hebrew Rinnâh (רִנָּה). A personal name, meaning "joy," "singing," or "shout of joy." This is a unique and positive name, possibly indicating a circumstance of birth or a hope for the child's life.
• Ben-hanan: Hebrew Ben-Ḥānān (בֶּן־חָנָן). A compound name meaning "son of grace" or "son of one who shows favor." This name carries a strong theological overtone, acknowledging divine favor or perhaps reflecting a gracious character in the father or the son.
• and Tilon: Hebrew Tîlôn (תִילוֹן). A rare personal name, its etymology is uncertain, but it might relate to "gift" or possibly "whisperings."
• The sons of Ishi: Hebrew benê Yish'î (בְּנֵי יִשְׁעִי). Ishi (יִשְׁעִי) means "my salvation" or "man of my salvation" (from yesha' – salvation). This name suggests a spiritual inclination or a recognition of God as source of help. Its significance, though not detailed, resonates with broader biblical themes of deliverance and trust in God.
• were Zoheth: Hebrew Zôḥet (זוֹחֵת). A personal name whose meaning is debated; possibilities include "slippery," "revolving," or "strong."
• and Ben-zoheth: Hebrew Ben-Zôḥet (בֶּן־זוֹחֵת). Meaning "son of Zoheth," indicating direct paternal lineage.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• And the sons of Shimon were Amnon and Rinnah, Ben-hanan and Tilon: This phrase presents a distinct branch of Shimon's descendants, enumerating four specific individuals. The use of multiple "and" (waw) conjunctions creates a simple additive list, typical of genealogies, focusing on the sheer count and identity of each member.
• And the sons of Ishi were Zoheth and Ben-zoheth: This phrase introduces a second distinct line of descent, from Ishi. The specific naming convention of "Zoheth and Ben-zoheth" highlights the continuation of the father's name, common in some patriarchal societies to denote the immediate progeny and maintain the name's prominence within the family branch. It signals an immediate and direct succession.

1 Chronicles 4 20 Bonus section

The seemingly exhaustive yet selective nature of the Chronicler's genealogies highlights his theological agenda. By meticulously listing such names, even minor ones like those in 1 Chr 4:20, he connects the returning exiles to the unified and divinely-chosen pre-exilic nation of Israel. This reinforced their legitimate claim to the land and reminded them of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The focus on Judah's extensive lineage further emphasized its centrality in God's plan, culminating in the Davidic dynasty and the promise of a future king from that line. Such detailed record-keeping by divine providence ensured the precise tracking necessary for the later manifestation of the Messiah, proving the continuity of promises given from Genesis.

1 Chronicles 4 20 Commentary

First Chronicles 4:20 serves as a succinct record of individuals within the extensive tribal network of Judah. It demonstrates the meticulous detail of the Chronicler in preserving the family lines of Israel, particularly post-exile, underscoring the vital importance of lineage for identity, inheritance, and the restoration of the covenant community. Far from being a mere dry list of names, this verse, like others in these genealogical chapters, represents God's faithful remembrance of every person within His plan. It signifies that God is intimately aware of His people's heritage and preserves their continuity, often through seemingly ordinary individuals, so that His overarching purposes, including the Messianic line, can unfold. The names themselves, like "Ben-hanan" (son of grace) and "Ishi" (my salvation), subtly echo themes of divine favor and reliance on God, even without explicit theological commentary, showing that spiritual undertones can exist in unexpected places within scripture.