1 Chronicles 7:11 kjv
All these the sons of Jediael, by the heads of their fathers, mighty men of valor, were seventeen thousand and two hundred soldiers, fit to go out for war and battle.
1 Chronicles 7:11 nkjv
All these sons of Jediael were heads of their fathers' houses; there were seventeen thousand two hundred mighty men of valor fit to go out for war and battle.
1 Chronicles 7:11 niv
All these sons of Jediael were heads of families. There were 17,200 fighting men ready to go out to war.
1 Chronicles 7:11 esv
All these were the sons of Jediael according to the heads of their fathers' houses, mighty warriors, 17,200, able to go to war.
1 Chronicles 7:11 nlt
Each of them was the leader of an ancestral clan. From these clans the total number of mighty warriors ready for war was 17,200.
1 Chronicles 7 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 46:21 | The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel... Jediael, and Anathoth, and Alameth... | Mentions Jediael as a son of Benjamin. |
| Num 1:2 | “Take a census of all the congregation of the people of Israel, by clans, by fathers' houses, according to the number of names... | Illustrates the standard method of tribal census by fathers' houses. |
| Num 26:38-41 | The sons of Benjamin by their clans: Bela, of whom came the clan of the Belaites... | Lists Benjamin's clans and male descendants for census purposes, although Jediael is often a secondary line. |
| 1 Sam 14:52 | There was hard fighting against the Philistines all the days of Saul... | Reflects constant need for "mighty men" in Israel's history. |
| 2 Sam 2:4-7 | And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king... But David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-Gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the Lord... | David honoring "mighty men" (or acts of valor). |
| Judg 6:12 | And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” | Definition and significance of a "mighty man of valor." |
| 1 Ki 11:28 | The man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. And when Solomon saw that he was industrious he gave him charge... | "Mighty man of valor" can denote ability and influence beyond just military. |
| 2 Ki 5:1 | Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man... a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. | Further insight into the status of a "mighty man of valor." |
| 1 Chron 5:18 | The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, mighty men of valor, able to bear shield and sword... | Parallel description of military strength in another tribal genealogy in Chronicles. |
| 1 Chron 7:40 | All these were the sons of Asher, heads of fathers' houses, chosen men, mighty men of valor... | Another example from Chronicles emphasizing "mighty men of valor" in genealogies. |
| 1 Chron 8:40 | The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, bowmen, and had many sons and grandsons, 150 of them. All these were of the sons of Benjamin. | Repeats the theme of military strength for Benjamin, specifically, highlighting archery. |
| 1 Chron 12:8 | From the Gadites there went over to David at the stronghold in the wilderness mighty men of valor... | Highlights loyalty and valor of specific individuals or groups. |
| 1 Chron 27:1 | This is the list of the people of Israel, the heads of fathers' houses, the commanders of thousands... | Shows continued importance of tribal structure and military organization. |
| Neh 11:14 | And their kinsmen, mighty men of valor, 128. And their overseer was Zabdiel the son of Haggdolim. | Reflects continued valuing of "mighty men of valor" in the post-exilic period. |
| Psa 45:3 | Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and your majesty! | Divine warrior language echoing human valor. |
| Jer 32:27 | “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?” | Underlying divine sovereignty despite human might and numbers. |
| Eph 6:10 | Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. | Spiritual parallel to human military strength. |
| Rom 9:6-8 | For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel... It is not the children of the flesh who are children of God... | Distinguishes between physical and spiritual lineage. |
| Gal 3:29 | And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. | New Covenant emphasis on spiritual "sons" and heirs, fulfilling broader promise of Israel. |
| Heb 7:5 | And those among the sons of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment... to take tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brothers... | Acknowledges physical tribal identity in relation to ancient laws. |
1 Chronicles 7 verses
1 Chronicles 7 11 Meaning
First Chronicles 7:11 enumerates the male descendants of Jediael, highlighting their tribal organization through the patriarchal "heads of fathers' houses." It then emphasizes their impressive military capability, specifying them as "mighty men of valor" and providing an exact count of seventeen thousand two hundred who were prepared and engaged in warfare, underscoring the tribe's strength and readiness for battle.
1 Chronicles 7 11 Context
First Chronicles chapter 7, like much of the book, is dedicated to listing the genealogies of the tribes of Israel, particularly those beyond Judah, Levi, and Benjamin, to underscore the unity of "all Israel." This specific verse details a segment of Benjamin's lineage through Jediael. The broader context of Chronicles, written for a post-exilic Jewish audience, aimed to reconnect the returning exiles to their heritage, God's covenant, and the unbroken chain of descent. By meticulously tracing lineages, including mentions of their military strength, the Chronicler sought to inspire hope for the reestablishment of the nation and to emphasize the importance of order, heritage, and the potential for future defense and prosperity, reinforcing God's faithfulness to His promises despite their past failures and dispersion. The detailing of military strength highlights a readiness to restore and defend their national identity, providing a sense of security and continuity from their revered past.
1 Chronicles 7 11 Word analysis
- All these: Refers back to the individuals and their offspring mentioned in the preceding verses (1 Chron 7:6-10) who are explicitly identified as the sons of Benjamin, with Jediael being a primary branch among them, showcasing the completeness of this particular enumeration within that lineage.
- were sons of Jediael: Establishes the specific lineage under consideration. Jediael (Hebrew: יְדִיעֲאֵל, Yedi`a'el) means "known of God" or "God knows." He is typically listed as a son of Benjamin (Gen 46:21) or an alternate lineage of Bela, emphasizing his foundational role in this segment of the tribal accounting. The genealogical record underlines the Israelite emphasis on descent, continuity, and identity rooted in specific family lines.
- according to the heads of their fathers' houses: This phrase (`lə-rā’šê bêt-’ăḇōṯām`) is a fundamental organizational principle in ancient Israelite society, especially for tribal censuses and land allocations (Num 1:2; Josh 19:51). It signifies a structured, patriarchal system where identity and status flowed from the ancestral head, indicating ordered community and the recording of lineage for societal and religious purposes.
- mighty men of valor: (Hebrew: גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל, gibborē ḥayil). This recurring phrase in the Old Testament describes individuals not only of great physical strength and military prowess but often also of wealth, standing, and influence within their community (e.g., Judg 6:12; 1 Sam 16:18; 2 Ki 5:1). Here, it stresses the elite military capacity of Jediael's descendants, signifying their fitness for battle and leadership. It points to a legacy of capability crucial for national defense and survival.
- 17,200: This specific number is a precise military enumeration, indicating a significant and formidable fighting force from just this one lineage branch of Benjamin. It reflects the meticulous record-keeping of the Chronicler and reinforces the actual numerical strength associated with being "mighty men of valor," conveying an impression of powerful and ready martial potential.
- ready for battle, who went forth to war: These phrases emphasize their preparedness and active participation in military engagements. It's not merely a nominal count but identifies men actively engaged in the defense or campaigns of Israel, highlighting a key function of these family lines in the history of the nation. It illustrates a vital practical purpose for the recording of such genealogies.
1 Chronicles 7 11 Bonus section
The Chronicler's intense focus on genealogies, often overlooked in rapid readings of the Bible, serves a critical theological and historical purpose. Beyond mere lists of names, they link the post-exilic community back to the foundational covenants made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and through them, to David and the promises of a perpetual kingdom. The inclusion of numerical details for military capacity, as seen in 1 Chronicles 7:11, is a deliberate choice by the Chronicler to highlight a particular kind of strength and order. This wasn't simply about tracing family trees but about reaffirming identity, God's election of Israel, the promise of offspring (seed), and the practical preparedness needed for a people to re-establish themselves in the Promised Land under divine guidance and protection. It reinforces the idea that every part of Israel contributed to its overall strength and resilience.
1 Chronicles 7 11 Commentary
First Chronicles 7:11 serves as a snapshot within the larger genealogical record, particularly for the tribe of Benjamin. Its brevity belies a deep significance for the post-exilic community. By detailing the "sons of Jediael" and explicitly calling them "mighty men of valor" and providing a precise military count, the verse underscores the strength, organization, and martial capability inherent within the Israelite tribes, even for branches that might not always be center stage. This emphasis on readiness for battle was vital for a nation needing to rebuild and defend itself. The precise enumeration and description not only affirm their historical role and identity but also instill confidence and provide a basis for hope for renewed strength and defense for the present and future generations of returning exiles. It implicitly testifies to God's enduring faithfulness in maintaining a people, even those from scattered lineages, who possess the strength to fulfill His purposes.