1 Chronicles 5 4

1 Chronicles 5:4 kjv

The sons of Joel; Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,

1 Chronicles 5:4 nkjv

The sons of Joel were Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,

1 Chronicles 5:4 niv

The descendants of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,

1 Chronicles 5:4 esv

The sons of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,

1 Chronicles 5:4 nlt

The descendants of Joel were Shemaiah, Gog, Shimei,

1 Chronicles 5 verses

1 Chronicles 5 4 Meaning

This verse details a specific segment of the genealogical record for the tribe of Reuben. It traces a direct line of descent through Joel, identifying his son Shemaiah, Shemaiah's son Gog, and Gog's son Shimei. Its primary purpose within Chronicles is to meticulously document and preserve the tribal lineages of Israel, thereby establishing tribal identities, historical continuity, and hereditary rights.

1 Chronicles 5 4 Context

1 Chronicles 5:4 is situated within a longer genealogical section of the book (1 Chr 2-9). Specifically, chapter 5 focuses on the tribes located east of the Jordan River: Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Verses 1-10 are dedicated to Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. Although Reuben lost his birthright, his lineage is still recorded with meticulous detail. The inclusion of this precise genealogical sequence underscores the Chronicler's deep interest in maintaining accurate records of tribal identity and land possession, particularly for the post-exilic community. These records served to affirm the people's continuity with their ancestral heritage and their claims to their God-given inheritance.

1 Chronicles 5 4 Word analysis

• The sons of Joel: Hebrew: בְּנֵי יוֹאֵל (bənê Yō’ēl).
  • בְּנֵי (bənê): Literally "sons of." In genealogical contexts, it frequently denotes "descendants" or "lineage" rather than necessarily immediate sons. Here, however, with "his son" following for each individual, it indicates direct paternal succession within this immediate segment.
  • יוֹאֵל (Yō’ēl): "Joel." A common biblical name meaning "Yahweh is God." This name reflects a theological confession, popular during the Israelite monarchy and later periods, attesting to faith in the covenant God.
• Shemaiah his son: Hebrew: שְׁמַעְיָה בְּנוֹ (Shəma‘yâ bənô).
  • שְׁמַעְיָה (Shəma‘yâ): "Shemaiah." Another common name in the Hebrew Bible, meaning "Yahweh has heard." The frequency of names like Joel and Shemaiah suggests common pietistic themes among the Israelite populace.
  • בְּנוֹ (bənô): "His son." This clearly indicates a direct patrilineal relationship, confirming Shemaiah as the immediate son of Joel within this particular recorded line.
• Gog his son: Hebrew: גּוֹג בְּנוֹ (Gōḡ bənô).
  • גּוֹג (Gōḡ): "Gog." This name's etymology is debated and appears infrequently in biblical genealogies. In this specific context, it functions solely as a personal name within a Reubinite lineage. It is distinct from the prophetic figure "Gog of Magog" mentioned in Ezekiel, which refers to a future enemy. The Chronicler’s intent here is not prophetic but historical record-keeping.
  • בְּנוֹ (bənô): "His son." Specifies a direct filial relationship between Gog and Shemaiah.
• Shimei his son: Hebrew: שִׁמְעִי בְּנוֹ (Shim‘î bənô).
  • שִׁמְעִי (Shim‘î): "Shimei." Another widely used biblical name, meaning "my renown" or "he has heard (God)." Its recurrence reflects the common naming conventions of the period.
  • בְּנוֹ (bənô): "His son." Completes the direct genealogical sequence, marking Shimei as the immediate son of Gog.
• Word-group analysis:
  • "The sons of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son": This phrasing meticulously lays out a direct, four-generational patrilineal succession. The repeated "his son" emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent, critical for authenticating lineage, land claims, and tribal identity in ancient Israel. These detailed lists were crucial for establishing who belonged to what tribe and, by extension, who had a rightful claim to land or office, especially after the return from Babylonian exile.

1 Chronicles 5 4 Bonus section

The inclusion of detailed genealogies in 1 Chronicles, as seen in this verse, highlights the deep historical consciousness and communal memory central to the Israelite faith. Unlike other ancient Near Eastern genealogies, biblical lists are not merely arbitrary lists of names; they often serve specific theological or administrative purposes. For the Chronicler, they provide continuity from creation (implicitly) to the post-exilic community, establishing legitimacy for the monarchy, priesthood, and temple worship. They also served as a legal basis for land ownership and tribal membership after the return from exile, ensuring that the covenant promises, especially regarding the land, could be properly applied. This painstaking record-keeping reflects a belief that every individual, regardless of their societal prominence, holds a significant place in God's redemptive plan for His people.

1 Chronicles 5 4 Commentary

1 Chronicles 5:4 serves as a precise link in the Reubinite genealogy, meticulously documenting a direct line of descent through Joel, Shemaiah, Gog, and Shimei. This concise verse exemplifies the Chronicler's primary goal: to provide an exhaustive and reliable account of Israel's tribal structure and lineage. Such records were vital for the post-exilic community to reaffirm their heritage, organize their society, and maintain their unique covenantal identity. By preserving these names, the Chronicler ensured that each family line knew its place within the broader history of Israel, emphasizing the faithfulness of God in sustaining His people across generations, even through challenging periods. The inclusion of even less prominent individuals reinforces the divine providential care over all generations and branches of the chosen people.