1 Chronicles 4 6

1 Chronicles 4:6 kjv

And Naarah bare him Ahuzam, and Hepher, and Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah.

1 Chronicles 4:6 nkjv

Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah.

1 Chronicles 4:6 niv

Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni and Haahashtari. These were the descendants of Naarah.

1 Chronicles 4:6 esv

Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah.

1 Chronicles 4:6 nlt

Naarah gave birth to Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari.

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 6 Meaning

First Chronicles 4:6 lists the sons born to Ashhur, the father of Tekoa, through his wife Naarah. These sons are identified as Ahuzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. This verse primarily functions as a precise genealogical record, documenting a specific branch within the tribe of Judah.

1 Chronicles 4 6 Context

This verse is situated within the lengthy genealogies presented in the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, specifically focusing on the tribe of Judah (Chapters 2-4). After a general review of Adam's descendants and the sons of Israel in chapters 1-2, the Chronicler devotes significant attention to Judah's lineage. This reflects Judah's paramount importance as the tribe from which David and the royal line emerged, and ultimately, the Messiah. Chapter 4 continues this detailed account, specifically introducing Ashhur, a Judahite, and his two wives, Helah and Naarah, detailing their respective offspring. This verse specifically enumerates the children of Naarah, demonstrating the meticulous record-keeping designed to establish legitimate lines for inheritance, tribal affiliation, and to reinforce the identity of the post-exilic community.

Historically and culturally, genealogies were critical for establishing identity, rights to land, and eligibility for priestly or civic roles in ancient Israel. The book of Chronicles, written after the Babylonian exile, served to reassure the returned exiles of their continuity with God's covenant people, reminding them of their heritage and God's faithfulness through these preserved records.

1 Chronicles 4 6 Word analysis

• And Naarah: (Hebrew: וְנַעֲרָה - ve-na'arah)

  • And: Connects this lineage with the preceding statement about Ashhur having two wives.
  • Naarah: From the Hebrew word na‘arah (נַעֲרָה) meaning "young woman" or "girl". Her name describes her. She is one of Ashhur's wives, and this verse details her progeny within Judah's tribal record. Her listing signifies her role as a progenitor of this specific family line.

• bare him: (Hebrew: תֵּלֶד לוֹ - teled lo)

  • bare: "She gave birth." The Hebrew verb yalad (יָלַד) emphasizes the act of birth and begetting, central to the purpose of genealogical records—to track descendants.
  • him: Refers to Ashhur, establishing paternity and ensuring the lineage correctly follows from the stated father.

• Ahuzam: (Hebrew: אֲחוּזָם - 'Aḥuzam)

  • A personal name, likely meaning "their possession." As with many ancient names, it may have reflected a family circumstance, a desired quality, or a memorial. His inclusion marks him as a direct descendant of Naarah and Ashhur, thus a member of the tribe of Judah.

• and Hepher: (Hebrew: וְחֵפֶר - ve-chepher)

  • Hepher: A personal name meaning "a pit" or "a well." This name also appears in other genealogies, indicating it might have been a common name or potentially associated with specific geographical features or industries. His listing extends the genealogical line.

• and Temeni: (Hebrew: וְתֵימְנִי - ve-teimni)

  • Temeni: A personal name derived from Teman (תֵּימָן), which means "South" or refers to a region in Edom (Job 2:11, Jer 49:7). This suggests a possible association with the southern regions, or perhaps the person himself hailed from or was known in relation to Teman. Its meaning points to a geographical connection or characteristic.

• and Haahashtari: (Hebrew: וְהָאַחַשְׁתָּרִי - ve-ha'achaštari)

  • Haahashtari: The definite article 'ha-' (הָ) implies "the Ahashtarite" or "of Ahashtar," suggesting this might be a clan name, a patronymic, or a professional designation (possibly related to "mule" or "stableman" from its root 'ahashdar). The unique form indicates a distinctive identity or perhaps a prominent lineage within the family unit.

• These were the sons of Naarah: (Hebrew: אֵלֶּה בְּנֵי נַעֲרָה - eleh benei na'arah)

  • A concluding statement for the verse, explicitly confirming the immediate maternal link to Naarah for the listed individuals. This clarifies the familial structure, particularly important when a father has multiple wives, ensuring no confusion regarding the mother of these specific children. It neatly packages this sub-lineage within the broader genealogy.

1 Chronicles 4 6 Bonus section

The detailed genealogical lists in 1 Chronicles, including specific verses like 4:6, serve as a divine affirmation of Israel's past and future. They attest to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding countless descendants. The very act of preserving these names, however brief the descriptions, reflects God's meticulous care for His covenant people. For the exiles returning to the land, these genealogies were not just historical records but crucial documents for re-establishing land claims, family ties, and legitimate standing within the restored community. The seemingly dry enumeration of names speaks volumes about the value placed on identity and heritage, connecting individuals to the grand narrative of salvation history orchestrated by God Himself.

1 Chronicles 4 6 Commentary

First Chronicles 4:6 serves a primary function of record-keeping within the overarching narrative of 1 Chronicles. While brief and seemingly lacking immediate narrative excitement, its importance lies in its contribution to the meticulous genealogy of the tribe of Judah. For the post-exilic community for whom Chronicles was written, such precise documentation reaffirmed their identity as the continuing people of God, preserving the intricate tapestry of their heritage. This verse highlights the practice of polygamy in Old Testament times, acknowledging the existence of multi-wife families like Ashhur's, where different lines branched from a common father through separate mothers. Though many individuals listed in these genealogies remain obscure to modern readers, their very inclusion demonstrates God's sovereignty over history and His detailed remembrance of every family, ensuring the accurate preservation of the lineage that would ultimately lead to the Messiah (as seen in the genealogies of Matthew and Luke). This underscores God's faithfulness in upholding His covenant promises through generations, even those not prominent in grand historical narratives.