1 Chronicles 4 3

1 Chronicles 4:3 kjv

And these were of the father of Etam; Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash: and the name of their sister was Hazelelponi:

1 Chronicles 4:3 nkjv

These were the sons of the father of Etam: Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash; and the name of their sister was Hazelelponi;

1 Chronicles 4:3 niv

These were the sons of Etam: Jezreel, Ishma and Idbash. Their sister was named Hazzelelponi.

1 Chronicles 4:3 esv

These were the sons of Etam: Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash; and the name of their sister was Hazzelelponi,

1 Chronicles 4:3 nlt

The descendants of Etam were Jezreel, Ishma, Idbash, their sister Hazzelelponi,

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 3 Meaning

This verse continues the genealogical record of the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing certain descendants within one of its major branches. It names four individuals – Avietam (often rendered "the father of Etam" or interpreted as a personal name like Abietam), Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash – who are presented as brothers or as heads of families connected to the locality of Etam. Their sister is explicitly named as Hazelelponi. The verse underscores the chronicler's meticulous preservation of tribal lineages, reflecting the identity and heritage of the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 4 3 Context

The book of 1 Chronicles was written after the Babylonian exile, likely by Ezra or a contemporary prophet, primarily for the Jewish community that had returned to Judah. Its purpose was to re-establish a sense of identity, heritage, and continuity with God's covenant promises, especially concerning the Davidic monarchy and the temple worship. Chapters 1-9 are dedicated almost entirely to genealogies, beginning from Adam, through the patriarchs, and then focusing on the tribes of Israel, particularly Judah, Levi, and Benjamin, due to their significance for the returning exiles. This detailed record aimed to provide legitimacy for land claims, tribal identity, priestly succession, and the enduring hope in the Davidic line. Verse 4:3 falls within the genealogy of Judah, a tribe chosen by God to bear the line of kings leading to David and, ultimately, to the Messiah. The inclusion of specific, sometimes obscure, family lines emphasizes God's faithfulness in preserving His people and the intricate tapestry of their history, ensuring their future and demonstrating His overarching plan. Etam, possibly the location linked to these families, was a town in Judah, adding geographical anchoring to the genealogical details.

1 Chronicles 4 3 Word analysis

• And these were: This introductory phrase (`וְאֵלֶּה` - və’êl-leh) connects this list directly to the preceding genealogical lines, indicating continuity within the tribe of Judah. It sets the stage for naming a specific family unit or set of prominent individuals.
• the father of Etam: (`אֲבִי עֵיטָם` - ’ăḇî ‘êṭām). This phrase is subject to two main interpretations.
  • Personal Name: Many scholars and translations consider "Avietam" (A-vi-eh-tam) as a proper personal name, parallel to Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash. In this interpretation, `אֲבִי` (’ăḇî) acts as a component of the name, rather than the standalone word "father." This would mean Avietam is one of the four sons/brothers whose sister is Hazelelponi. This interpretation fits the structure of a direct listing of names.
  • Relational Phrase: The King James Version (KJV) renders it as "the father of Etam," suggesting a literal paternal relationship or connection to a place called Etam. If Etam is a town (cf. Judg 15:8 for a town Etam in Judah), then "the father of Etam" could mean "the founder of Etam" or "the leading man/family of Etam." This phrasing might encompass a group of people connected to this specific location or progenitor. However, contextually with the subsequent names being individuals, "Avietam" as a name for a specific person is more likely here.
• Jezreel: (`יִזְרְעֶאל` - Yizrə‘el). Meaning "God sows" or "God plants." This name holds dual significance as both a personal name and a prominent place name (the Valley of Jezreel). Here, it refers to an individual within this lineage, reflecting themes of divine providence and blessing upon descendants.
• Ishma: (`יִשְׁמָא` - Yišmā’). Likely meaning "he hears" or "may he hear." It suggests responsiveness, attention, or God's listening ear, emphasizing divine interaction within the human sphere.
• Idbash: (`וְיִדְבָּשׁ` - vəYiḏbāš). The name possibly means "honey" or "sweetness." Such names could reflect a quality of the person or hope for their prosperity and pleasantness, contrasting with hardship.
• and the name of their sister was: This phrase (`וְשֵׁם אֲחוֹתָם הָיָה` - vəšêm ’ăḥōwṯām hāyâ) explicitly introduces a female figure, which is notable in genealogies often dominated by male names. It highlights her significance, whether due to her character, her descendants, or her role within the family or tribe.
• Hazelelponi: (`חַצְלֵלְפּוֹנִי` - Ḥaṣlēl-pōwnî). A unique name meaning "shade has come upon me," or "the shadow that protects me" or "protection has come to me" (from `צל` - tsel meaning "shadow/shade" and `פנה` - panah meaning "to turn," or `פן` - pen for "face"). This name evokes a sense of divine covering, shelter, and security, possibly hinting at divine providence or an event surrounding her birth.

• Avietam, Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash: and their sister Hazelelponi: This group of names forms a clear familial unit. Their listing underscores the chronicler's intent to record distinct family lines within Judah. The specific mention of their sister suggests her particular noteworthiness within this family, perhaps indicating that her descendants were significant, or she held a position of influence, or her existence was important for some family claim or identity marker. The meticulous listing of names, even seemingly obscure ones, conveys the faithfulness of God in preserving even the least known among His covenant people.

1 Chronicles 4 3 Bonus section

• The locality of Etam: While "Avietam" is often interpreted as a personal name, the existence of a significant town called Etam in Judah (Judg 15:8; 2 Chron 11:6) suggests a strong possibility that this family or group of families was associated with this area. Chronicles often intertwines personal names with geographical designations to define family settlements and claims within the land. King Rehoboam fortified Etam, indicating its strategic importance.
• Significance of female names in genealogies: The Bible's patriarchal emphasis means women are less frequently named in genealogical lists unless they are exceptionally prominent (e.g., matriarchs) or play a pivotal role in the lineage. Hazelelponi's specific mention might imply her own significance (e.g., her beauty, wisdom, wealth, or having notable descendants through a specific marriage) that was recognized within the chronicler's historical memory. In later biblical genealogies (e.g., Matthew 1), women are listed if their role relates directly to the messianic line or a specific theological point. While Hazelelponi is not in the Messianic line directly, her listing signifies that the chronicler deemed her inclusion important for the complete understanding of Judah's heritage, potentially indicating female leadership or a crucial link in a lineage that bore other notable figures mentioned elsewhere, like Hur and his descendants who were involved in crafting and administration for the Tabernacle (Exod 31:2).
• Chronicler's selective purpose: The extensive genealogies in Chronicles are not simply dry lists; they serve a theological and practical purpose for the post-exilic community. They confirm rightful claim to land, define tribal and family identity, legitimate priestly and levitical roles, and assure the exiles of God's covenant faithfulness through preserving the Davidic line. Every name, even the seemingly insignificant ones in 1 Chronicles 4, contributed to this reassurance.

1 Chronicles 4 3 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:3 contributes to the foundational genealogies of Judah, establishing tribal and familial identities for the post-exilic community. While the individuals named may not appear elsewhere in significant historical narratives, their inclusion affirms God's ongoing preservation of His chosen people, down to the minutest detail. The list, interpreted as four brothers (Avietam, Jezreel, Ishma, Idbash) and their sister Hazelelponi, emphasizes continuity and the sacred nature of lineage within Israel. The uncommon mention of a sister, Hazelelponi, among predominantly male names, subtly highlights her unique importance, possibly hinting at her progeny or a memorable event associated with her life. This verse serves as a quiet testament to God's attention to every individual, and to the importance of each family's role, however seemingly small, in the unfolding of His divine plan for salvation and restoration. It is a reminder that even "minor" characters contribute to the larger narrative of faith.