1 Chronicles 5 24

1 Chronicles 5:24 kjv

And these were the heads of the house of their fathers, even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of the house of their fathers.

1 Chronicles 5:24 nkjv

These were the heads of their fathers' houses: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their fathers' houses.

1 Chronicles 5:24 niv

These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah and Jahdiel. They were brave warriors, famous men, and heads of their families.

1 Chronicles 5:24 esv

These were the heads of their fathers' houses: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty warriors, famous men, heads of their fathers' houses.

1 Chronicles 5:24 nlt

These were the leaders of their clans: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. These men had a great reputation as mighty warriors and leaders of their clans.

1 Chronicles 5 verses

1 Chronicles 5 24 Meaning

1 Chronicles 5:24 identifies seven key leaders of the tribe of Gad by name: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. The verse emphasizes their esteemed status by describing them as "heads of their fathers' houses," signifying their authority and prominent position within their ancestral clans. Furthermore, it highlights their personal qualities, portraying them as "mighty men of valor," indicating their strength, courage, and military prowess, and "famous men," underscoring their renown, influence, and high reputation in their society. This detailed description showcases the notable strength and standing of the tribe before its eventual spiritual decline and subsequent exile.

1 Chronicles 5 24 Context

1 Chronicles 5:24 is embedded within the lengthy genealogical records that begin the book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), specifically in the section detailing the Transjordanian tribes. Verses 1-26 of chapter 5 focus on the genealogies of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh who settled east of the Jordan River. The verses immediately preceding 5:24 (1 Chr 5:18-22) highlight the considerable strength and success of these tribes, particularly the Gadites, in their wars against the Hagrites, attributing their victories to divine help. Against this backdrop of military triumph and territorial expansion, verse 24 presents a roll call of specific prominent leaders from Gad, underscoring their human capabilities, esteemed status, and renowned influence within their society. This depiction of strength and fame serves as a crucial setup for the following verses (1 Chr 5:25-26), which recount the spiritual infidelity of these very tribes—their forsaking God and whoring after other gods—leading to their subsequent defeat and exile by the Assyrians. The Chronicler's careful documentation of their initial prowess against their ultimate downfall emphasizes the paramount importance of covenant faithfulness to the Lord.

1 Chronicles 5 24 Word analysis

• These (וְאֵלֶּה - v'eileh): This Hebrew term serves as a transitional connector, pointing directly to the specific individuals who represent the pinnacle of the previously detailed Gadite lineage and status. It introduces a summary list of outstanding figures.
• were the heads (רָאשֵׁי - rashei): Derived from rosh, meaning "head," "chief," or "leader." This term denotes primary authority, preeminence, and significant responsibility. It signifies individuals who stood as central figures in the patriarchal social structure of their tribes and clans.
• of their fathers' houses (בֵּית אֲבֹתָם - beit avotam): This phrase (bayit av) literally means "house of the father." It refers to an extended family unit, a patriarchal clan, or a significant household line. This highlights that these individuals were not just leaders, but foundational figures in the continuity and identity of their ancestral divisions, underscoring the importance of lineage in Israelite society.
• Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel: These are proper names, each potentially carrying a specific meaning:
  • Epher (עֵפֶר - 'Epher): Meaning "fawn" or "gazelle," possibly indicating quickness or grace, or "dust."
  • Ishi (יִשְׁעִי - Yish'i): Means "my salvation," often implying that God is one's salvation.
  • Eliel (אֱלִיאֵל - 'Eli'el): A common Israelite name meaning "God is my God" or "God of God," emphasizing divine connection.
  • Azriel (עַזְרִיאֵל - 'Azri'el): Meaning "God is my help."
  • Jeremiah (יִרְמְיָה - Yirm'yah): Meaning "the Lord exalts" or "the Lord founds."
  • Hodaviah (הוֹדַוְיָה - Hodavyah): Meaning "Praise Yah" or "Give thanks to Yah," an expression of worship.
  • Jahdiel (יַחְדִּיאֵל - Yaḥdi'el): Meaning "God makes joyful" or "God knows." The divine elements ("El," "Yah") in many of these names reflect a strong theological orientation within Israelite nomenclature.
• mighty men of valor (גִּבֹּרֵי חַיִל - gibborei chayil): This is a potent and layered Hebrew phrase. Gibbor refers to a "mighty one," "hero," or "warrior," signifying strength and prowess. Chayil carries a broad range of meanings including "strength," "power," "might," "wealth," "efficiency," or "excellence." Combined, the phrase denotes individuals who are exceptionally capable, courageous, militarily skilled, influential, and often possessing significant social standing or resources. They are individuals recognized for their robust capabilities and effectiveness in their sphere.
• famous men (אַנְשֵׁי שֵׁמוֹת - anshei shemot): Literally translated as "men of names." This phrase implies individuals of widespread renown, distinction, and reputation. They were publicly acknowledged and celebrated for their accomplishments, character, or influence, standing out as notable figures within their community and beyond.
• heads of their fathers' houses (רָאשֵׁי בֵּית אֲבֹתָם - rashei beit avotam): This exact phrase is a powerful repetition from the beginning of the verse. Its recurrence emphasizes and reaffirms their established and recognized position of leadership. It reinforces that their being "mighty men of valor" and "famous men" directly contributed to or legitimized their status as the principal leaders of their ancestral households, providing a symmetrical and emphatic summary of their role and standing.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "These were the heads of their fathers' houses": This initial phrase sets the scene by identifying the individuals not just by name, but by their core leadership function. It immediately places them within the structured patriarchal society of ancient Israel, where the "head of a father's house" was a critical position of authority, responsibility, and representation.
• "Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel": The listing of seven specific names provides concrete evidence and a detailed account of the Gadite leadership. This attention to detail reflects the Chronicler's emphasis on authentic lineage and established historical figures, affirming the tribe's historical existence and specific leadership structure before the exile.
• "mighty men of valor, famous men": This descriptive duo paints a vivid picture of the leaders' formidable attributes. "Mighty men of valor" emphasizes their military effectiveness, courage, and strength—qualities essential for protecting and leading the tribe. "Famous men" indicates their widespread recognition, influence, and the high regard in which they were held, pointing to their societal prominence and public impact beyond just military prowess.
• "heads of their fathers' houses": The deliberate repetition of this phrase serves as a concluding emphatic statement. It underscores that the combination of military valor and public renown led to or solidified their legitimate authority within their tribal units. It bookends the verse by reiterating the essence of their identity as powerful, well-regarded, and structurally essential leaders.

1 Chronicles 5 24 Bonus section

• The meticulous detailing of tribal lineages and specific leaders in Chronicles serves a crucial purpose for its post-exilic audience, validating their heritage and identity as the continuation of God's covenant people.
• The emphasis on "mighty men of valor" speaks to the martial ideal in ancient Israel and God's role in granting victory, as seen in previous verses (1 Chr 5:20) regarding their success against the Hagrites because God helped them. This implies that even these powerful men were empowered by the Lord, and their subsequent fall reveals the consequence of abandoning Him.
• The Chronicler's narrative structure—first highlighting great strength and then revealing unfaithfulness and exile—serves as a timeless cautionary tale against idolatry and ungodly reliance on human capability, stressing the need for spiritual obedience above all.

1 Chronicles 5 24 Commentary

1 Chronicles 5:24 encapsulates the apex of human strength, leadership, and renown within a segment of the tribe of Gad. By identifying these individuals by name and describing them with such laudatory terms as "mighty men of valor" and "famous men" who were "heads of their fathers' houses," the Chronicler meticulously records their historical importance and exceptional qualities. This description highlights that the Transjordanian tribes, particularly Gad, possessed significant human resources in terms of leadership, military strength, and societal influence. However, this verse stands as a poignant premonition within the larger narrative of 1 Chronicles 5. The subsequent verses reveal that despite this formidable human might and acclaimed reputation, these very tribes ultimately faltered in their fidelity to God, engaging in spiritual apostasy. The contrast implicitly conveys a powerful theological message: human strength and renown, though valuable, are insufficient to sustain a people or avert divine judgment when there is a fundamental departure from the covenant with the Lord. The Chronicler's intent is to demonstrate that ultimate security and enduring legacy derive not from earthly power or fame, but from unwavering faithfulness to the living God.