1 Chronicles 4 25

1 Chronicles 4:25 kjv

Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son.

1 Chronicles 4:25 nkjv

Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, and Mishma his son.

1 Chronicles 4:25 niv

Shallum was Shaul's son, Mibsam his son and Mishma his son.

1 Chronicles 4:25 esv

Shallum was his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son.

1 Chronicles 4:25 nlt

The descendants of Shaul were Shallum, Mibsam, and Mishma.

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 25 Meaning

1 Chronicles 4:25 details a brief, direct patrilineal succession within the lineage of the tribe of Simeon, listing three immediate generations: Shallum, his son Mibsam, and his son Mishma. This verse is part of an extensive genealogical record, emphasizing the preservation and continuity of tribal identities and divine faithfulness to the covenant promises through specific families, even those seemingly less prominent.

1 Chronicles 4 25 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 4 primarily lists the descendants of Judah (1 Chron 4:1-23) and Simeon (1 Chron 4:24-43). The chapter begins with the prominent tribe of Judah, leading into King David's line, and then transitions to Simeon, one of the smaller and historically less influential tribes, whose territory was eventually subsumed within Judah. This verse, 1 Chronicles 4:25, is nestled within the section detailing the sons of Simeon and their various family branches and settlements. The Chronicler’s meticulous record-keeping underscores the divine intention to preserve the integrity of the tribes, their claims to land, and their participation in Israel's history, even during and after the exile. It assures the returning exiles of their legitimate heritage and identity as the covenant people of God, demonstrating God’s unwavering commitment to His people, even to the less visible lineages.

1 Chronicles 4 25 Word analysis

• Shallum: (שַׁלּוּם, Shallûm). Meaning "repayment," "requital," or "retribution." This name appears multiple times in the Bible, borne by various individuals, emphasizing common naming practices of the era rather than specific etymological significance unique to this Shallum. Its presence here simply denotes an individual within the Simeonite lineage.
• his son: A straightforward genealogical term, "his son" explicitly indicates a direct patrilineal descendant, ensuring no break in the recorded line. This repeated phrase is foundational to biblical genealogies, validating claims to ancestry and inheritance, particularly crucial for the post-exilic community.
• Mibsam: (מִבְשָׂם, Mibsâm). Meaning "fragrant" or "sweet-smelling." Like Shallum, the specific meaning of this individual's name is less important than its function in preserving the unbroken family record of Simeon's descendants. It's one of the names confirming the lineage's continuity.
• his son: Reaffirms direct father-to-son succession. In Chronicles, these chains demonstrate the enduring presence and distinctness of tribal identity throughout Israel's history.
• Mishma: (מִשְׁמָע, Mishmā‘). Meaning "a hearing" or "obedience." This name also appears in Gen 25:14 and 1 Chron 1:30 as one of Ishmael's sons. Its repetition in different lines is common in biblical genealogies and again, primarily serves to fill out the genealogical chain for the Simeonites.
• his son: Final instance of "his son" in this specific verse, reinforcing the meticulous tracking of generations within this branch of Simeon.

1 Chronicles 4 25 Bonus section

The inclusion of the tribe of Simeon, despite its unique historical trajectory of being absorbed into Judah's territory (Joshua 19:1-9) and suffering a numerical decline (Numbers 1:23 vs. 26:14), in the detailed genealogies of Chronicles is notable. It reflects the Chronicler's comprehensive vision to acknowledge all of Jacob's sons and their descendants as part of God's ongoing covenant family. This ensures that even the smaller, less prominent, or historically dispersed branches of Israel are not omitted from God's grand narrative of faithfulness. It implies that God cares about the lineage and heritage of every single family and individual within His covenant people, regardless of their historical visibility or power. This also sets a foundation for understanding the future full restoration of all twelve tribes as promised in prophetic literature (e.g., Ezekiel 48:24-25 regarding Simeon's restoration in new temple vision).

1 Chronicles 4 25 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:25, a seemingly mundane string of names, holds profound theological and historical significance. It is part of the Chronicler's broader project to reaffirm the identity, heritage, and continuity of the covenant people of God following the Babylonian exile. By meticulously listing genealogies, even for tribes like Simeon whose historical presence sometimes seems less distinct than Judah or Levi, the Chronicler emphasizes God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His covenant promises through specific families. This verse assures the reader that God's detailed record of His people is unwavering. It also underpins the validity of claims to tribal lands and community standing, reinforcing the idea that no part of God's people is forgotten. The mere recording of names, otherwise obscure, highlights divine sovereignty over human history and the individual lives within it.