1 Chronicles 4 7

1 Chronicles 4:7 kjv

And the sons of Helah were, Zereth, and Jezoar, and Ethnan.

1 Chronicles 4:7 nkjv

The sons of Helah were Zereth, Zohar, and Ethnan;

1 Chronicles 4:7 niv

The sons of Helah: Zereth, Zohar, Ethnan,

1 Chronicles 4:7 esv

The sons of Helah: Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan.

1 Chronicles 4:7 nlt

Helah gave birth to Zereth, Izhar, Ethnan,

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 7 Meaning

This verse identifies Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan as the three sons born to Helah. It is part of the extensive genealogies recorded in the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically detailing the lineage within the tribe of Judah, establishing a precise family line.

1 Chronicles 4 7 Context

1 Chronicles 4:7 is nestled within the intricate genealogies of the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing the family of Ashhur, the father of Tekoa. Chapter 4 provides a deep dive into the various sub-families and their descendants within Judah, highlighting individuals like Jabez, the sons of Shimon, and the line of Kenaz. This verse, along with others in the chapter, meticulously records the continuity of family lines, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Israel and to establish their identity through specific ancestral connections. The larger context of 1 Chronicles is to validate the heritage of the returning exiles by connecting them to Israel's storied past, establishing their right to the land, their legitimate worship in the temple, and their place within the covenant line that eventually leads to the Messiah. It underscores God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their history.

1 Chronicles 4 7 Word analysis

• The sons of Helah: (בְּנֵי הֵלָה, b'nê Hēlāh) - The term b'nê (sons of) indicates offspring. Helah (הֵלָה, Hela) is specifically identified in 1 Chron 4:5 as one of Ashhur's two wives. The mention of Helah as a mother, rather than simply listing male descendants from a patriarch, is noteworthy as it highlights a female's role in the genealogy. This is relatively rare in the Old Testament's male-focused lineages, suggesting Helah's particular significance in this family branch, perhaps related to the prominence of her children or specific land ownership through her line. It indicates a deliberate choice by the Chronicler to record her motherhood.

• were Zereth: (צֶרֶת, Tseret) - A personal name. The meaning is not definitively known but could be related to "splendor," "brightness," or "compress/distress." In the context of genealogies, it simply designates one of the individuals in Helah's progeny.

• Izhar: (יִצְחָר, Yitshar) - A personal name, potentially meaning "oil," "one who shines," or "oil-producer." This name implies prosperity or a smooth, anointed nature. It is distinct from the more famous Izhar from the tribe of Levi (father of Korah), affirming its unique place within the Judahite lineage.

• and Ethnan: (אֶתְנָן, Ethnan) - A personal name. Its meaning might be derived from "gift," "hire," or "reward." This name completes the list of Helah's identified sons, further detailing this branch of Judah.

• "The sons of Helah were Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan": This phrase serves to clearly delineate the offspring of Helah, highlighting her contribution to the continuation of the Judahite lineage. The Chronicler's precision in naming each son, even when their individual stories are not elaborated, underscores the importance of specific individuals within the broader tribal and national narrative. This meticulous record-keeping preserved identity, validated land claims, and affirmed covenant membership for the generations returning from exile.

1 Chronicles 4 7 Bonus section

The inclusion of Helah, a specific wife/mother, in a generally patrilineal genealogy (where descent is traced primarily through male lines) is a subtle but important detail in Chronicles. It indicates that in some instances, the mother's role or lineage branch was sufficiently significant to be explicitly recorded. This specificity helped maintain the precise lineage record for each family, ensuring accuracy and accountability within the tribal structure of Israel. It emphasizes that even seemingly obscure individuals played their part in God's overarching plan for His people.

1 Chronicles 4 7 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:7 is a terse yet significant entry within the extensive Judahite genealogies. It provides an explicit account of Helah's sons, Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan, as part of the lineage stemming from Ashhur. This verse serves not merely as a list of names but as an essential link in the genealogical chain, confirming the continuity of God's people. The Chronicler's diligent inclusion of these names underscores the divine faithfulness in preserving Israel's identity through centuries, even during times of hardship and exile. It also implicitly highlights the foundational role of family units in maintaining tribal and national integrity. For the original audience, particularly those returning from Babylonian captivity, such precise genealogical records were vital for establishing their legitimate claim to land, their tribal inheritance, and their participation in Israel's renewed covenant life, all pointing to the ultimate faithfulness of God.