1 Chronicles 5 12

1 Chronicles 5:12 kjv

Joel the chief, and Shapham the next, and Jaanai, and Shaphat in Bashan.

1 Chronicles 5:12 nkjv

Joel was the chief, Shapham the next, then Jaanai and Shaphat in Bashan,

1 Chronicles 5:12 niv

Joel was the chief, Shapham the second, then Janai and Shaphat, in Bashan.

1 Chronicles 5:12 esv

Joel the chief, Shapham the second, Janai, and Shaphat in Bashan.

1 Chronicles 5:12 nlt

Joel was the leader in the land of Bashan, and Shapham was second-in-command, followed by Janai and Shaphat.

1 Chronicles 5 verses

1 Chronicles 5 12 Meaning

This verse is part of a detailed genealogy within the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically listing prominent men of the tribe of Gad. It identifies four key individuals – Joel, Shapham, Janai, and Shaphat – noting their leadership roles, particularly Joel as the "chief" and Shapham as "the next," and specifies their settlement in the region of Bashan. This meticulous record serves to preserve tribal identity, lineage, and territorial association, underscoring the ordered structure within the Israelite tribes.

1 Chronicles 5 12 Context

This verse is found in 1 Chronicles chapter 5, which continues the detailed genealogies of the tribes of Israel, focusing here on the Transjordanian tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. After discussing Reuben's loss of his birthright, the chapter dedicates significant attention to the tribe of Gad, enumerating their heads of families and territories, emphasizing their might and eventual exile. The book of 1 Chronicles itself, written likely after the Babylonian exile, provides an extensive genealogical record of "all Israel" from Adam, tracing lineages primarily for the post-exilic community to reaffirm their identity, their connection to God's covenant with David, and the importance of a purified temple and legitimate priesthood. By meticulously recording these lineages and settlements, even for tribes like Gad who were among the first to be taken into exile, the Chronicler aimed to foster continuity, hope, and an understanding of God's sovereign hand in Israel's history, preparing the community for restoration. The specific mention of Bashan situates these leaders geographically within the rich plains east of the Jordan, underscoring their historical reality and the extent of Israel's promised land.

1 Chronicles 5 12 Word analysis

• Joel: Hebrew: יוֹאֵל (Yo'el). This is a common biblical name meaning "Yahweh is God" or "The Lord is God." The name itself is a short confession of faith, signifying devotion to God. In this context, it identifies a historical individual, prominent as a leader among the Gadites, likely a foundational figure or patriarch of a specific family group. His name highlights God's sovereignty.
• the chief: Hebrew: רֹאשׁ (ro'sh). This word literally means "head" and denotes the leader, principal, or highest in rank. In a tribal society, the "chief" held significant authority, making decisions for the clan, leading in times of peace, and perhaps war, and representing the family in wider tribal councils. It indicates Joel's pre-eminent position among those listed.
• Shapham: Hebrew: שָׁפָם (Shafam). A proper name. Its etymology is uncertain, but it likely serves purely as an identifier of a distinct individual within the tribal genealogy. Its inclusion underscores the Chronicler's precision in detailing prominent family heads, reinforcing the historical reality of these tribal records.
• the next: Hebrew: מִשְׁנֶה (mishneh). This word literally means "second," "double," or "copy." Here, it signifies the individual who holds the second most important position or authority after the chief. Shapham was thus a significant deputy or co-leader, implying a structured hierarchy within the tribal administration, ensuring order and shared responsibility.
• Janai: Hebrew: יַעְנַי (Ya'nay). Also transliterated as "Jaanai." A proper name whose precise meaning is not definitive, possibly related to "he will answer." Its listing as a distinct individual continues the genealogical detail, acknowledging further important families or branches within the Gadite tribe settled in Bashan.
• Shaphat: Hebrew: שָׁפָט (Shafat). This proper name means "He has judged" or "Judge." While it may hint at a role in legal or administrative affairs for the family line, primarily it serves to identify another key person within the Gadite families. His name aligns with a broader theme of justice in biblical naming conventions.
• in Bashan: Hebrew: בָּשָׁן (Bashan). A fertile, geographically significant region east of the Jordan River. It was known for its rich pasture lands, mighty oaks, and strong cattle. Mentioning "Bashan" grounds these individuals in a specific, well-known geographical area, confirming the tribal settlement and their dominion over these lands as part of their God-given inheritance. It anchors the genealogical record in a real historical and geographical context.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Joel the chief, Shapham the next": This phrase clearly establishes a leadership hierarchy within the Gadite tribe. Joel held the primary authority (chief), and Shapham was his designated deputy or second in command (next). This structure points to organized leadership crucial for the administration, defense, and well-being of the clan or tribal segment. It implies an established social order necessary for survival and prosperity in the Transjordanian territories.
• "Janai and Shaphat in Bashan": This group continues the list of significant figures and directly links all four mentioned individuals to their specific geographic residence. Bashan was a well-known, fertile region, and specifying "in Bashan" grounds these family heads in a tangible, historical territory. It connects the individuals to the land promised by God, highlighting their portion within the Israelite inheritance. The meticulous record emphasizes tribal settlement and the occupation of their allocated territories.

1 Chronicles 5 12 Bonus section

The Chronicler’s attention to genealogies, especially for the Transjordanian tribes who were early targets of Assyrian conquest and deportation (2 Kgs 15:29), is significant. It underlines the belief that despite their geographical separation from Jerusalem and early exile, these tribes remained part of "all Israel" and God’s ongoing plan. This served as an important message of hope and inclusion for the post-exilic community, reaffirming that the scattered remnant of Israel was still part of God's covenant people. The detailed naming and specification of leadership indicate a focus on proper order and structure within the community, reinforcing the values of disciplined leadership necessary for any national or religious revival.

1 Chronicles 5 12 Commentary

1 Chronicles 5:12, nestled within the broader genealogies, offers more than just a list of names; it serves as a snapshot of leadership and settlement within the tribe of Gad. For the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, this meticulous record was vital for re-establishing national identity and demonstrating God's faithful preservation of His covenant people. By listing "Joel the chief" and "Shapham the next," the text reveals an organized societal structure among the Gadites, highlighting the importance of designated leadership in maintaining order and cohesion. The inclusion of additional prominent names like Janai and Shaphat further emphasizes the detailed knowledge of tribal lineage. Pinpointing their location "in Bashan" affirms the tribe's historical territory, connecting individual family heads to their inheritance. This seemingly mundane listing speaks to the divine providence in apportioning the land, remembering His people even when they faced scattering or were amongst the first to go into exile. It underlines the enduring truth that God remembers every part of His people, regardless of their immediate circumstance, fostering hope and continuity for the returning exiles. It silently admonishes faithfulness, as even such mighty leaders could not prevent the consequences of national disobedience (1 Chr 5:25-26).