1 Chronicles 4 37

1 Chronicles 4:37 kjv

And Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah;

1 Chronicles 4:37 nkjv

Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah?

1 Chronicles 4:37 niv

and Ziza son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah.

1 Chronicles 4:37 esv

Ziza the son of Shiphi, son of Allon, son of Jedaiah, son of Shimri, son of Shemaiah ?

1 Chronicles 4:37 nlt

and Ziza son of Shiphi, son of Allon, son of Jedaiah, son of Shimri, son of Shemaiah.

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 37 Meaning

1 Chronicles 4:37 records a segment of a genealogical lineage within the tribe of Simeon. It identifies Ziza as the son of Shiphi, who was the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, and the son of Shemaiah. This verse, like the surrounding genealogies in Chronicles, serves to document and preserve the tribal identity and ancestry of specific families within Israel, particularly post-exile. It affirms God's faithfulness in maintaining the lineages of His people, thereby upholding the covenants made with Abraham and his descendants. It underlines the Chronicler's emphasis on a comprehensive and historical understanding of God's interaction with Israel.

1 Chronicles 4 37 Context

1 Chronicles 4:37 is situated within the extensive genealogical records that open the book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9). This specific verse is part of the genealogy of the tribe of Simeon (1 Chr 4:24-43). The Chronicler meticulously records these lineages for several key reasons following the Babylonian exile: to establish Israelite identity and tribal claims after returning to their land, to highlight the continuity of God's covenant promises, particularly concerning the land and a numerous progeny, and to underscore the historical foundation of their national and religious heritage. The Simeonites' genealogy, including Ziza and his ancestors, details their growth and movements, showing how this tribe, often overshadowed by Judah, still existed and even sought new territories, affirming their place within God's ongoing plan for Israel.

1 Chronicles 4 37 Word analysis

• and: (Hebrew: וְוָּ) we- – A simple conjunction, connecting this specific lineage to the preceding list of Simeon's sons and clans (1 Chr 4:24-36), emphasizing its continuation within the broader tribal record.
• Ziza: (Hebrew: זִיזָא) Ziyza' – The name may mean "Shining, Brightness, Splendor" from the root zûz ("to move, flutter, flow forth"). The mere listing of his name highlights God's particular knowledge of and attention to each individual within His covenant people, even if their lives are not detailed further.
• the son of Shiphi: (Hebrew: שִׁפְעִי) Shiyf'i – The name likely means "my bareness, baldness." The phrase "son of" emphasizes direct paternal lineage, crucial for tribal identity and the transfer of inheritances and responsibilities within the patriarchal society.
• the son of Allon: (Hebrew: אַלּוֹן) Allown – The name means "oak" or "strong tree." While the name's meaning itself may not bear specific theological weight here, the repetition of "the son of" establishes a generational chain, solidifying the historical accuracy and continuity of the family line over multiple generations.
• the son of Jedaiah: (Hebrew: יְדַעְיָה) Yeda'yah – The name means "Yahweh knows" or "Praise Yahweh." This Theophoric name (containing "Yah," a shortened form of Yahweh) signifies a relationship with God. "Yahweh knows" implicitly speaks of divine omniscience and care, affirming that this family, and indeed all of Israel, lived under the watchful eye of their God.
• the son of Shimri: (Hebrew: שִׁמְרִי) Shimri – The name means "my watch/guard" or "vigilant." It speaks to potential characteristics or a family's role within the tribe. Like other names, its presence signifies a concrete individual in God's historical preservation of His people.
• the son of Shemaiah: (Hebrew: שְׁמַעְיָה) Shema'yah – A common Theophoric name meaning "Heard by Yahweh" or "Yahweh hears." This name is highly significant as it points to God's attentiveness and responsiveness. In a genealogical context, it serves as a subtle reminder of God's ongoing relationship with and hearing of the prayers and needs of His people through successive generations, tying this lineage directly to God's providence.

Words-group analysis:

• "and Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah": This chain of "the son of" statements provides a multi-generational lineage, tracing a direct paternal line. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the Chronicler's primary goal: to reaffirm the unbroken continuity of God's people and His covenant promises across time, despite exile and dispersal. The careful recording of these specific generations highlights the detailed knowledge God has of His people and their history. It stands as a testament to the divine hand guiding and preserving the specific family structures of Israel, providing a bedrock for post-exilic identity and land claims for Simeon.

1 Chronicles 4 37 Bonus section

The genealogical chapters (1-9) in Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 4:37, serve a liturgical and theological function, more than just a historical one. They were likely recited in post-exilic Israel to re-establish a sense of communal belonging and heritage rooted in divine providence. The focus on preserving tribal lines, even those seemingly minor like parts of Simeon, was crucial because it reaffirmed that the blessings and promises tied to these lineages (e.g., land inheritance, divine election) remained valid and active for the returning exiles. This emphasis highlights the biblical understanding that individuals find their identity and purpose not merely as isolated beings but within the grand narrative of God's covenant community and His overarching plan for humanity. The Chronicler reminds his audience that God's plan is not thwarted by adversity; rather, His covenant promises extend through precise historical and generational lines, ultimately pointing towards a complete restoration and fulfillment in the Messiah, the ultimate seed of the Abrahamic covenant.

1 Chronicles 4 37 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:37, nestled within the seemingly mundane genealogical records of the Book of Chronicles, offers profound theological insights. While merely a list of names—Ziza and five preceding generations—its significance lies in its context. The Chronicler's primary purpose was to reconnect the post-exilic community with their rich, divine history. By meticulously detailing lineages, including the tribe of Simeon, the Chronicler affirmed that Israel's identity and their covenant relationship with Yahweh were continuous and unbroken, spanning generations, even through the disruption of exile. This specific line of descent underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a "remnant" of His people, upholding His promises despite human failings. The presence of Theophoric names like "Jedaiah" (Yahweh knows) and "Shemaiah" (Yahweh hears) within the lineage serves as subtle theological markers, testifying to God's active involvement, knowledge, and attentiveness to His people, even to individuals within seemingly anonymous family lines. It also reinforced the historical basis for tribal land claims and communal identity crucial for rebuilding Judah.