1 Chronicles 5 13

1 Chronicles 5:13 kjv

And their brethren of the house of their fathers were, Michael, and Meshullam, and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jachan, and Zia, and Heber, seven.

1 Chronicles 5:13 nkjv

and their brethren of their father's house: Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jachan, Zia, and Eber?seven in all.

1 Chronicles 5:13 niv

Their relatives, by families, were: Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jakan, Zia and Eber?seven in all.

1 Chronicles 5:13 esv

And their kinsmen according to their fathers' houses: Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia and Eber, seven.

1 Chronicles 5:13 nlt

Their relatives, the leaders of seven other clans, were Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber.

1 Chronicles 5 verses

1 Chronicles 5 13 Meaning

This verse lists seven specific individuals—Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jachan, Zia, and Heber—identifying them as family heads or prominent members within the tribe of Gad. They are explicitly described as "brethren of the house of their fathers," emphasizing their direct familial lineage and their established place within the extended paternal household or clan, confirming their legitimate standing in the genealogical record. This serves to meticulously preserve the lineage and tribal identity of Gad.

1 Chronicles 5 13 Context

First Chronicles is a post-exilic work, likely compiled between 400-300 BCE, aiming to re-establish the identity, legitimacy, and continuity of God's people following their return to Judah from Babylonian captivity. Genealogies play a foundational role, connecting the returnees to the rich history and promises given to Israel, demonstrating God's faithfulness despite their past transgressions.

Chapter 5 specifically focuses on the trans-Jordanian tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—detailing their genealogies, their initial prosperity, and their eventual displacement due to unfaithfulness (1 Chron 5:25-26). Verse 13 is part of the detailed genealogical record for the tribe of Gad (1 Chron 5:11-17), listing prominent family heads within this tribal section. This enumeration ensures that even these tribes, situated across the Jordan, are acknowledged as integral parts of the wider covenant community, highlighting the Chronicler's emphasis on "all Israel." It precedes the narrative of their conquests and eventual exile, providing context for the full scope of God's interaction with His people.

1 Chronicles 5 13 Word analysis

• And: A simple conjunction connecting this verse to the preceding genealogical listings, indicating a continuation of the tribal or familial record.
• their brethren: (וְאַחֵיהֶם / və’aḥêhem) This plural term for "brothers" or "kinsmen" refers to others belonging to the same lineage or clan as those mentioned previously in the Gadite genealogy, indicating shared ancestry and familial ties. It signifies relatedness rather than necessarily direct siblings.
• of the house of their fathers: (לְבֵית אֲבוֹתֵיהֶם / ləvēyṯ ’ăvôtêhem)
  • House (בֵּית / bayith): In biblical Hebrew, bayith extends beyond a physical dwelling to denote a family unit, a clan, a lineage, or a dynasty descended from a common patriarch.
  • of their fathers (אֲבוֹתֵיהֶם / ’ăvôtêhem): Refers to their patrilineal ancestors.
  • Combined, this phrase explicitly grounds these individuals within their specific paternal family lines or clans, underscoring their identity, inheritance rights, and legitimate place within the tribal structure. It stresses their authentic descent and continuity.
• were: Simple copula, stating existence and identity.
• Michael: (מִיכָאֵל / Mikha'el) Meaning "Who is like God?" A common and significant name in the Old Testament, suggesting theological reverence.
• Meshullam: (מְשֻׁלָּם / Meshullam) Meaning "Paid," "requited," or "befriended." Another name indicating either a characteristic or a state.
• Sheba: (שֶׁבַע / Shevaʿ) Meaning "oath" or "seven." Could denote the number seven or connection to a covenant/oath.
• Jorai: (יוֹרַי / Yôray) Meaning "Yah teaches" or "Yah will instruct." Reflects divine guidance or instruction.
• Jachan: (יָכָן / Yakhan) Meaning "he will order" or "he will put in order." Possibly reflects administrative skill or destiny.
• Zia: (זִיעָא / Ziya') Meaning "moving" or "trembling." Less common, possibly descriptive or alluding to an event.
• Heber: (חֶבֶר / Chever) Meaning "association," "company," or "companion." This name, though appearing in various genealogies, here functions as part of a list of family heads.
• seven: (שֶׁבַע / shevaʿ) Explicitly states the count of the preceding names. This numerical precision highlights the careful and accurate nature of the Chronicler's record-keeping, serving as a sum to confirm the enumeration and emphasize a complete unit. The number "seven" in Hebrew thought often signifies completion or perfection, possibly suggesting a full or significant enumeration of heads.

1 Chronicles 5 13 Bonus section

The precise counting of individuals, as seen in the concluding "seven," is a common feature in biblical genealogies and registers (e.g., Num 26, Ezra 2). This attention to detail emphasizes the veracity and the official nature of the record. While we know little about most of these specific individuals beyond their names, their inclusion testifies to the Chronicler's intent to provide a comprehensive view of "all Israel" even post-exile. The names themselves, particularly "Michael" ("Who is like God?"), sometimes carry an intrinsic theological statement or hope, which aligns with the Chronicler's broader theological agenda of presenting God's providential care over His people. The inclusion of the trans-Jordanian tribes, who had a somewhat separate history, highlights the Chronicler's vision of a unified Israel, encompassing all twelve tribes, pointing towards a holistic future restoration.

1 Chronicles 5 13 Commentary

1 Chronicles 5:13, as part of the broader genealogies in Chapters 1-9, underscores the Chronicler's post-exilic purpose: to reassure the remnant community of their covenant heritage and God's unwavering faithfulness. The meticulous naming of family heads within the tribe of Gad demonstrates that no part of the historic Israel—even the tribes living east of the Jordan who faced earlier exile—was forgotten in God's plan or in the sacred records. These seemingly dry lists served as vital documents, validating tribal and family identity, inheritance rights, and the legitimacy of religious and civic leadership. By preserving these names, the Chronicler affirmed continuity, demonstrating that the dispersed families retained their lineage, which was crucial for maintaining hope and national identity. It is a testament to the belief that God preserves His people and their history, emphasizing that every 'house of fathers' plays a part in the grand narrative of God's covenant. This highlights the importance of spiritual lineage and continuity for believers, reassuring that their identity in Christ is deeply rooted in God's eternal purposes.