1 Chronicles 5 7

1 Chronicles 5:7 kjv

And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,

1 Chronicles 5:7 nkjv

And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was registered: the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,

1 Chronicles 5:7 niv

Their relatives by clans, listed according to their genealogical records: Jeiel the chief, Zechariah,

1 Chronicles 5:7 esv

And his kinsmen by their clans, when the genealogy of their generations was recorded: the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,

1 Chronicles 5:7 nlt

Beerah's relatives are listed in their genealogical records by their clans: Jeiel (the leader), Zechariah,

1 Chronicles 5 verses

1 Chronicles 5 7 Meaning

This verse specifies that certain "brethren" (relatives) within the family lines were recognized as the "chiefs" or leading men, and their elevated status was formally validated through precise genealogical records of their generations. It then traces the lineage through Abihail back through several generations to an ancestor named Shimei, thereby authenticating the prestigious position of these leaders by documenting their full hereditary claim. The meticulous record-keeping underscores the importance of tribal identity and structure within ancient Israel.

1 Chronicles 5 7 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 5 details the descendants of the tribes settled east of the Jordan River: Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. It begins by noting Reuben's loss of his birthright due to sin (v. 1), leading to the transfer of the birthright blessings to Judah (for kingship) and Joseph (for a double portion, represented by Ephraim and Manasseh). Despite this, the Chronicler diligently records Reuben's genealogy. This specific verse, 1 Chronicles 5:7, belongs to the meticulous detailing of Reuben's lineage through Joel (v. 4) and his son Shemaiah (v. 4), then specifies certain "brethren" of these leaders, whose prominence as "chiefs" is affirmed by their formal genealogical registration. The larger context of Chronicles, written post-exile, aims to affirm Israelite identity, land claims, priestly and kingly legitimacy, and the continuity of God's covenant people after the return from Babylon. Detailed genealogies like this verse served as foundational records for these claims.

1 Chronicles 5 7 Word analysis

• And his brethren: This phrase links the present verse to the immediately preceding individuals mentioned in Reuben's lineage, specifically referring to Joel and his son Shemaiah in verse 4. "Brethren" here signifies kinsmen, close relatives, or fellow members of the extended family unit. It implies a larger group related to the specified lineage who held prominence.
• by their families: (Hebrew: לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם, l'mishpekho'tâm). The term mishpachah refers to a clan, a family unit, or a subdivision of a larger tribe. This highlights the hierarchical and organized structure of Israelite society, where identity, inheritance, and civic roles were strongly tied to one's specific family branch within the tribe.
• when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned: (Hebrew: בְּהִתְיַחְשָׂם לְתוֹלְדוֹתָם, b'hityaḥsām l'tôl'dôtām).
  • b'hityaḥsām (from יָחַשׂ, yāḥaś): This verb means "to enroll oneself by genealogy," "to reckon," or "to register." It signifies a formal, official process of tracing and documenting one's lineage. It indicates that these records were not casual but systematically compiled and maintained.
  • l'tôl'dôtām (from תּוֹלְדָה, tôl'dâh): This noun refers to "generations," "family records," "descendants," or "accounts." It conveys the idea of an unbroken chain of descent, often serving as a record of origins or a history of successive generations. The phrase emphasizes the careful, official registration of their ancestry. This act of "reckoning" or recording conferred legitimacy and established their rights and status within the community.
• were the chief: (Hebrew: הָרָאשֵׁי, hārāʾshê). From the root ro'sh, meaning "head," "chief," or "leader." The definite article "ha-" ("the") before "chief" emphasizes that these individuals were the recognized, designated, or preeminent leaders within their respective family units. They were not just ordinary members, but those holding positions of authority and responsibility.
• of all the sons of Abihail: This clarifies the specific group within the Reubenite lineage from which these "chiefs" emerged. Abihail (אֲבִיחַיִל, 'Ăvîchayil) means "my father is might" or "father of might." This individual served as a pivotal ancestral figure through whom the chieftainship flowed. The "chiefs" are explicitly identified as the direct descendants (sons) of Abihail.
• the son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz, the son of Shami, the son of Gog, the son of Shimei: This lengthy chain of "son of..." directly traces the paternal lineage of Abihail. The Chronicler provides this detailed ancestry not for each "chief" individually, but for Abihail, to establish his pedigree and thus validate the authority or importance of his "sons" who became chiefs. These specific names, though otherwise unrecorded for deeds, serve to authenticate the tribal connection and historical continuity back to a foundational ancestor, Shimei, likely a significant figure earlier in Reuben's lineage. This meticulous tracing emphasizes the importance of a clear and verifiable descent for holding a leadership position.

1 Chronicles 5 7 Bonus section

• The emphasis on "reckoning" (or enrolling genealogically) in this verse underscores the professional nature of ancient record-keeping in Israel, crucial for establishing eligibility for roles in society, such as the priesthood, land ownership, and military service, particularly relevant for the post-exilic community of the Chronicler's audience.
• While Reuben lost his birthright, this verse, along with others in Chapter 5, illustrates that his tribe still maintained its distinct identity and internal leadership structures. This demonstrates God's commitment to maintaining tribal distinctions as part of the covenant arrangement, even if certain privileges (like kingship or double portion) were reassigned.
• The meticulous detailing of the long lineage points to the reliability and accuracy the Chronicler wished to convey regarding these records, aiming to prevent disputes and solidify the identity of the returning exiles. It reflects a deeper theological message of God's sovereign oversight and preservation of His chosen people throughout generations.

1 Chronicles 5 7 Commentary

1 Chronicles 5:7 is a testament to the theological significance of genealogies within the biblical narrative, especially as presented by the Chronicler. Far from being mere lists, these records were vital legal and theological documents, anchoring the identity, inheritance, and communal responsibilities of God's people. This verse, situated within the often-overlooked Reubenite lineage, precisely details how certain individuals gained status as "chiefs" – not by arbitrary selection, but by virtue of a thoroughly "reckoned genealogy." This highlights that leadership, land rights, and tribal identity in Israel were not based on subjective claims but on meticulously maintained, verifiable ancestral lines established by divine order and custom. The meticulous enumeration, even of seemingly obscure names, underscored God's faithfulness in preserving the tribal structures and demonstrating the continuity of His covenant with His people despite exile.