1 Chronicles 4 39

1 Chronicles 4:39 kjv

And they went to the entrance of Gedor, even unto the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks.

1 Chronicles 4:39 nkjv

So they went to the entrance of Gedor, as far as the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks.

1 Chronicles 4:39 niv

and they went to the outskirts of Gedor to the east of the valley in search of pasture for their flocks.

1 Chronicles 4:39 esv

They journeyed to the entrance of Gedor, to the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks,

1 Chronicles 4:39 nlt

and they traveled to the region of Gerar, in the east part of the valley, seeking pastureland for their flocks.

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 39 Meaning

The verse describes an expedition undertaken by certain families of the tribe of Simeon. Driven by the need for more grazing land for their burgeoning flocks, they journeyed specifically to the vicinity of Gedor and the eastern side of a particular valley. This action underscores the economic necessity of their pastoral lifestyle and sets the stage for their subsequent conquest of new territory.

1 Chronicles 4 39 Context

1 Chronicles 4:39 is situated within the lengthy genealogies presented by the Chronicler in the initial chapters of his work (1 Chr 1-9). Specifically, it falls within the account of the tribe of Simeon, which begins in verse 24. This section (1 Chr 4:24-43) details the families, towns, and expansions of Simeon. Verses 34-38 list prominent leaders of the Simeonite families. Verse 39 describes their active search for new grazing lands for their increasing flocks, prompted by insufficient territory within their inheritance. This pursuit directly sets the scene for the conflict detailed in the subsequent verses (1 Chr 4:40-43), where they successfully dispossessed Hamites and Amalekites to gain the desired fertile pasture, demonstrating both their drive and their dependence on divine aid for successful expansion. The Chronicler emphasizes continuity of lineage, God's faithfulness to His promises (even in expanding land for a struggling tribe), and the historical reality of inter-tribal and inter-ethnic struggles over resources.

1 Chronicles 4 39 Word analysis

• And they went:
  • Hebrew: וַיֵּלְכוּ (wayyēlekhû). A simple conjunction ("and") followed by a verb meaning "they went."
  • Significance: This implies a deliberate, active, and organized movement. "They" refers back to the Simeonite leaders and families listed in the preceding verses (1 Chr 4:34-38), highlighting a communal or collective effort, not just individuals. This suggests their numbers were substantial enough to require significant expansion and execute a collective journey.
• to the entrance of Gedor:
  • Hebrew: לְבוֹא גְדֹר (lĕvō' Gĕdôr). Lĕvō' means "to the entrance/approach of." Gĕdôr (Gedor) means "wall" or "fortification."
  • Significance: Gedor was likely a recognized geographical landmark or a settled area, indicating a specific, targeted destination rather than a aimless wandering. While its exact location is debated, it was generally located in the southern territory, possibly near or within Judah's tribal land, highlighting the close intertwining of Simeon's destiny with Judah, or a push further south. The name itself, "wall," might imply a boundary or a strategic location, making it a natural point of access to the adjacent region.
• even to the east side of the valley:
  • Hebrew: לַמִּזְרַח הַגַּיְא (lammizraḥ hagga'y). Lammizraḥ means "to the east." Haggay means "the valley" or "ravine."
  • Significance: This phrase provides further geographical specificity, indicating a particular direction and a specific type of terrain. Valleys were often fertile due to water runoff and protected from harsh winds, making them ideal for grazing. Specifying "the valley" suggests a known and notable valley in the region, suitable for the intended purpose of finding pasture.
• to seek pasture:
  • Hebrew: לְבַקֵּשׁ מִרְעֶה (lĕvaqqēsh mirʿeh). Lĕvaqqēsh means "to seek," "to search for," "to inquire for," "to request." Mirʿeh means "pasture," "grazing land," or "fodder."
  • Significance: This is the explicit motivation for their journey. "To seek" denotes an active and intentional effort due to a recognized need or lack. The term "pasture" signifies vital resources for their livelihoods – good grazing lands were crucial for the health and sustainability of their sheep and goats, which were the primary form of wealth and sustenance for a pastoral community. This points to a resource scarcity in their inherited land, forcing them to look elsewhere for economic viability.
• for their flocks:
  • Hebrew: לְצֹאנָם (lĕṣōʾnām). Lĕṣōʾnām means "for their flock(s)," referring specifically to sheep and goats.
  • Significance: This highlights the specific recipients of the desired pasture. Their flocks were central to their existence, representing their livelihood, their wealth, and their very means of survival. The need for the flocks dictates the need for new pasture. This detail underscores the pragmatic, earthly concerns of daily life in ancient Israel, where land and livestock were fundamental to sustenance. The increase in their flocks, implicitly leading to this scarcity, suggests prosperity but also new challenges.

Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis

• And they went... to seek pasture for their flocks: This entire phrase connects the deliberate movement with its immediate, practical motivation. It signifies an urgent and purposeful migration, not for conquest initially, but out of necessity for the very survival of their pastoral economy. The Chronicler subtly prepares the reader for the later actions by highlighting this driving need for resources.
• To the entrance of Gedor, even to the east side of the valley: This detailed geographical description not only anchors the narrative in real places but also highlights the careful planning and specific destination of the Simeonite leaders. They knew where they were going and why, suggesting a prior reconnaissance or knowledge of potential grazing areas, or possibly historical accounts from their ancestors (cf. 1 Chr 4:40 describes how Hamites occupied the valley, indicating knowledge of its fertility).

1 Chronicles 4 39 Bonus section

The chronic shortage of land for the tribe of Simeon, hinted at in this verse, is consistent with prophetic insights and historical accounts. Jacob's prophecy in Gen 49:7 foretold that Simeon would be "scattered in Jacob and dispersed in Israel," suggesting a less stable or integrated territorial inheritance compared to other tribes. Indeed, Simeon's lot was explicitly placed within Judah's vast territory (Jos 19:1, 9), rather than an independent expanse, making them inherently reliant and potentially vulnerable to resource constraints. This quest for pasture is a practical manifestation of that inherent territorial disadvantage and the perpetual need for resourcefulness among the Israelite tribes.

1 Chronicles 4 39 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:39 provides a concise yet potent snapshot into the daily life and strategic motivations of an ancient Israelite tribe. It shows the Simeonite leaders undertaking an organized journey, driven by the practical and economic necessity of finding adequate grazing land for their growing flocks. This detail, far from being trivial, serves as the immediate catalyst for the subsequent events, where the Simeonites engage in territorial expansion through conflict (1 Chr 4:40-43). The Chronicler emphasizes that even the seemingly mundane act of seeking pasture can be intertwined with a broader divine narrative of provision and the ongoing struggle for the promised inheritance. It underscores the perpetual challenges of resource management and the dynamism required of God's people to sustain their livelihoods, demonstrating a human initiative that aligns with, and is ultimately blessed by, divine favor.