1 Chronicles 7:17 kjv
And the sons of Ulam; Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh.
1 Chronicles 7:17 nkjv
The son of Ulam was Bedan.) These were the descendants of Gilead the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh.
1 Chronicles 7:17 niv
The son of Ulam: Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead son of Makir, the son of Manasseh.
1 Chronicles 7:17 esv
The son of Ulam: Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead the son of Machir, son of Manasseh.
1 Chronicles 7:17 nlt
The son of Ulam was Bedan. All these were considered Gileadites, descendants of Makir son of Manasseh.
1 Chronicles 7 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 5:1-32 | This is the book of the generations of Adam... | Detailed early human genealogies |
| Gen 10:1-32 | These are the generations of the sons of Noah... | Table of Nations, human dispersion |
| Num 1:1-47 | Record the names...by their clans and their fathers' houses... | Census for tribal organization and military |
| Num 26:1-65 | Take a census of the whole Israelite community... | Census for land division and inheritance |
| Ruth 4:18-22 | These are the generations of Perez...Boaz begot Obed...Jesse begot David. | Shows Messianic line through seemingly obscure |
| 1 Sam 16:1 | Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse... | Emphasizes importance of lineage for kingship |
| 1 Chr 1:1-2:2 | Adam, Seth, Enosh...These are the sons of Israel... | Comprehensive summary of biblical genealogies |
| 1 Chr 4:9-10 | Jabez was more honorable than his brothers... | Genealogies with specific biographical notes |
| 1 Chr 9:1-2 | All Israel was enrolled by genealogies and written in the Book of the Kings | Reinforces the post-exilic importance of records |
| Neh 7:5-64 | My God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles...for a registry. | Returnees' need for genealogical validation |
| Matt 1:1-17 | The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ... | Demonstrates Christ's legitimate human lineage |
| Luke 3:23-38 | Jesus...being the son, as was supposed, of Joseph...the son of Adam. | Traces Christ's lineage back to Adam |
| Isa 6:13 | a tenth will remain...like the stump of an oak, the holy seed is its stump | Theme of remnant and continuous lineage |
| Psa 78:5-7 | He established a testimony in Jacob...that the next generation might know them | Command to pass down heritage and faith |
| Mal 3:6 | "I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." | God's unchanging faithfulness to covenant |
| Heb 7:3 | Without father or mother, without genealogy... | Contrast, highlighting human genealogies' limits |
| 1 Tim 1:4 | Nor devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies... | Caution against speculative, unedifying genealogies |
| Titus 3:9 | But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies... | Guidance against divisive and unprofitable debates |
| John 1:13 | Born...not of natural descent, nor of human decision...but of God. | Spiritual rebirth transcends physical lineage |
| Eph 2:19 | You are no longer strangers...but fellow citizens with the saints... | Inclusion in God's family beyond physical lineage |
| Gal 3:7 | Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. | Spiritual inheritance broadens the covenant |
1 Chronicles 7 verses
1 Chronicles 7 17 Meaning
This verse continues the genealogical record of the tribe of Manasseh, specifically tracing a sub-lineage through Asahel. It states that Asahel had sons named Zabad and, based on the provided text, Arana. Following this, it records the direct descendants of Zabad as Ephlal and Obed. The primary purpose of such genealogical entries in Chronicles is to affirm tribal identity, ensure land inheritance, and maintain the continuity of the covenant community, especially significant for those returning from exile in reaffirming their place within Israel.
1 Chronicles 7 17 Context
1 Chronicles 7 is part of a comprehensive genealogical section (1 Chr 1-9) that serves as the foundation for the Chronicler's history of Israel. Chapters 2-8 provide detailed tribal lineages after a universal and patriarchal genealogy in Chapter 1. Specifically, Chapter 7 details the genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. These lists affirm the identity of God's people, particularly after the Babylonian exile, ensuring proper land tenure, tribal roles, and continuation of the covenant. Verse 17 itself is nested within the list of descendants for the half-tribe of Manasseh beyond the Jordan (east bank), a distinct section (1 Chr 7:14-19) often characterized by complexities due to Manasseh's widespread nature and mixed lineages. The overall historical context is post-exilic, where validating identity and belonging was crucial for reconstituting the community.
1 Chronicles 7 17 Word analysis
- And: Hebrew: Waw (וּ). A simple conjunction indicating continuation, linking this specific lineage to the broader Manasseh genealogy. It connects this detail seamlessly to the ongoing flow of tribal records.
- the sons of: Hebrew: benē (בְּנֵי). Plural construct of ben (בֵּן), meaning "son." Denotes descendants, offspring, or even a branch of a family. It signifies direct paternal lineage and familial relationship.
- Asahel: Hebrew: ʻĀśāh-’ēl (עֲשָׂהאֵל). Meaning "God has made" or "God acts." This name points to the divine activity in an individual's life, a common practice in Israelite naming conventions that reflect piety or hope. Asahel is likely a descendant of Manasseh mentioned earlier in the chapter.
- Zabad: Hebrew: Zāḇāḏ (זָבָד). Meaning "He has given" or "bestowed." This name can express gratitude for God's provision or refer to God as the giver of life and blessings.
- and: Hebrew: wə (וְ). Another simple conjunction, linking Zabad and Arana as co-descendants of Asahel.
- Arana his sons: Hebrew: In most standard Hebrew texts, the name here is ʼArām (אֲרָם), indicating another son of Asahel. If "Arana" (אָרָנָה) is the precise form, it is less common for this specific context, but a literal translation would follow. Given "his sons" follows "Arana," the most common textual interpretation, fitting the flow of genealogies, is that Asahel had two sons, Zabad and Aram (Arana in this phrasing). The "his sons" at the end of this phrase ("Arana his sons") is a unique construction, possibly an archaic or variant textual representation to collectively refer to "Zabad and Arana (who are) his sons." However, the following clause makes it clear the line traces from Zabad. It is worth noting that standard texts have "Aram," a common biblical name often linked to "high," "elevated," or a region like Aram (Syria).
- and Zabad's sons: Hebrew: wə-ḇenē Zāḇāḏ (וּבְנֵי זָבָד). This explicitly shifts the focus of the lineage, now detailing the descendants directly from Zabad, excluding any further detail for Arana (or Aram) here.
- were Ephlal: Hebrew: ’Eplāl (אֶפְלָל). Possibly related to the root pālal (פָּלַל), "to judge, intercede, pray." The name might reflect a hope or a characteristic related to prayer or legal action.
- and Obed: Hebrew: ʻÔḇēḏ (עוֹבֵד). Meaning "serving," "worshiper," or "worker." This name is well-known through Obed, the father of Jesse and grandfather of King David (Ruth 4:21-22), although this is a different Obed and line in the Manassite tribe. Its meaning underscores the value of service or worship in Israelite society.
1 Chronicles 7 17 Bonus section
The inclusion of precise genealogies in Chronicles reflects a profound theological commitment: God is faithful to His covenant promises across generations. Even seemingly obscure individuals within long lists are important because they are part of God's overarching plan for His people. This highlights that God sees and values every part of His chosen community, affirming the lineage for both tangible (land) and intangible (identity, covenant heritage) blessings. This extensive genealogical effort suggests a practical and spiritual motivation for those rebuilding their lives in Judah after the return from Babylonian exile; it offered reassurance of continuity with their ancestors and their sacred history.
1 Chronicles 7 17 Commentary
1 Chronicles 7:17, though seemingly a dry list of names, is significant within the Chronicler's larger purpose. It demonstrates the meticulous preservation of Israelite identity through family lines, especially crucial for the post-exilic community. These genealogies confirmed who belonged to which tribe, ensuring proper land inheritance and roles within the reconstituted nation. For the Manasseh tribe, which had territories on both sides of the Jordan, these precise records maintained connection and identity. The specific names, while not famous, serve as evidence of God's faithfulness in sustaining generations according to His covenant. While genealogies themselves are foundational for Israel's identity and ultimately the Messianic hope, the New Testament offers a perspective on their ultimate spiritual fulfillment in Christ (Gal 3:28; Eph 2:19), cautioning against endless or speculative genealogies that distract from core doctrine (1 Tim 1:4).