1 Chronicles 7 20

1 Chronicles 7:20 kjv

And the sons of Ephraim; Shuthelah, and Bered his son, and Tahath his son, and Eladah his son, and Tahath his son,

1 Chronicles 7:20 nkjv

The sons of Ephraim were Shuthelah, Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eladah his son, Tahath his son,

1 Chronicles 7:20 niv

The descendants of Ephraim: Shuthelah, Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son,

1 Chronicles 7:20 esv

The sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah, and Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son,

1 Chronicles 7:20 nlt

The descendants of Ephraim were Shuthelah, Bered, Tahath, Eleadah, Tahath,

1 Chronicles 7 verses

1 Chronicles 7 20 Meaning

This verse lists a portion of the lineage of Ephraim through his son Shuthelah, tracing several generations: Shuthelah, Bered, Eladah, and Tahath (appearing twice in the list). It functions as a meticulous genealogical record, primarily establishing identity, tribal affiliation, and continuity within the tribe of Ephraim.

1 Chronicles 7 20 Context

1 Chronicles 7 is part of the extensive genealogical sections that dominate the initial chapters of the book of Chronicles (chapters 1-9). This particular chapter meticulously records the descendants of four prominent tribes of Israel: Issachar (vv. 1-5), Benjamin (vv. 6-12), Naphtali (v. 13), Manasseh (vv. 14-19), Ephraim (vv. 20-29), and Asher (vv. 30-40). The Chronicler's primary purpose for compiling these exhaustive genealogies for the post-exilic community was multifaceted: to establish the legitimate continuity of the Israelite people, affirm their tribal identities, confirm their claims to the Promised Land, and trace the lineages of the priestly and royal houses. This record reassured the returning exiles of their heritage and their place in God's covenant plan, emphasizing the enduring nature of the promises despite the exile. Specifically for Ephraim, its inclusion here acknowledges its significant past role, often representing the entire Northern Kingdom, and ensures its line is recorded among those who remain God's people.

1 Chronicles 7 20 Word analysis

• וּבְנֵ֣י (ūḇə·nê): "And the sons of" / "The sons of".
  • Significance: This introductory particle "and" links the lineage of Ephraim directly to the preceding genealogies, underscoring the continuous and comprehensive nature of the Chronicler's record. "Bᵊnê" (sons of) emphasizes the patrilineal descent, which was paramount in ancient Israelite society for determining tribal identity, inheritance rights, and social status. This is a common and vital connective phrase throughout biblical genealogies.
• אֶפְרָ֗יִם (’ep̄·rā·yim): "Ephraim".
  • Meaning: "Double fruitfulness" or "fruitful land."
  • Significance: Ephraim was one of the two sons of Joseph and was blessed by Jacob with the birthright blessing over his elder brother Manasseh (Gen 48). As a tribe, Ephraim became incredibly prominent, often serving as a synecdoche for the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel (e.g., in prophetic literature like Isaiah and Hosea). Its inclusion here underlines the Chronicler's effort to encompass all of Israel's tribes, even those of the fractured Northern Kingdom, reinforcing the vision of a united people of God.
• שׁוּתֶ֥לַח (šū·ṯe·laḥ): "Shuthelah".
  • Significance: A direct son of Ephraim. He appears in other genealogies (Num 26:35), solidifying the link to prior traditions. His lineage is central to Ephraim's enumeration in Numbers, reinforcing the authenticity of the Chronicler's sources.
• בְּנ֖וֹ (bə·nōw): "his son".
  • Significance: The repetition of "his son" explicitly confirms direct, immediate, and legitimate descent. This meticulous detail establishes the father-to-son sequence without any break, essential for the legal and historical claims supported by these genealogies. It eliminates ambiguity regarding lineage.
• בֶּ֣רֶד (be·reḏ): "Bered".
  • Significance: One of Shuthelah's descendants. This name continues the sequential listing of direct male lineage within the tribal unit. The precision of naming each "son" reflects the societal importance of tracking individual names within a family tree for identity and inheritance.
• תַּ֥חַת (ta·ḥaṯ): "Tahath". (Appears twice in this verse)
  • Significance: This repetition of the name "Tahath" (appearing as a son of Bered, and later as a son of Eladah) is notable. While it could potentially indicate a textual variant or scribal repetition, it more commonly represents a distinct individual bearing the same name further down the lineage. This was not uncommon in ancient Near Eastern naming conventions, where names might be reused within generations. It suggests a thoroughness in recording every named individual, even if it leads to identical names appearing in different branches or further down the same branch of a family tree.
• אֶלְעָדָ֥ה (’el·‘ā·ḏāh): "Eladah".
  • Significance: Another individual in the descending line. The consistent flow of names underscores the generational progression.
• בְנוֹ׃ (ḇə·nōw): "his son." (Used repeatedly).
  • Significance: Consistent reiteration of "his son" at the end of each listed name confirms direct paternal lineage, which is the foundational basis of these records. This formula ensures clarity in tracing the line of succession for the purpose of tribal identity, land inheritance, and validating ancestral claims among the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 7 20 Commentary

1 Chronicles 7:20 is a straightforward genealogical entry, yet its inclusion carries significant weight within the Chronicler's overall message. It serves to meticulously record and validate the continuous lineage of Ephraim, a powerful tribe central to Israel's history. For the returning exiles, these precise lists were not mere dry facts; they were living proof of their heritage, their identity as God's chosen people, and their right to the land promised to their ancestors. The emphasis on "his son" in each link in the chain highlights the direct patrilineal descent, which was critical for confirming claims to tribal membership, land apportionment, and establishing the purity of Israelite lineage in a time of restored national identity. Even the repetition of "Tahath" speaks to the exhaustive, perhaps sometimes enigmatic, nature of these ancient records, aimed at presenting a complete picture for a community rebuilding its past to forge its future.

Bonus Section

The Chronicler's emphasis on genealogies like 1 Chronicles 7:20 reveals a theological understanding that God's covenant promises (especially regarding land and progeny) are inextricably linked to specific family lines. This meticulous record-keeping is not merely historical documentation; it is theological affirmation that God's plan unfolds through specific human instruments, whose identities are precisely preserved. Furthermore, these lists indirectly address potential anxieties among the post-exilic community regarding their "Israelite-ness." By connecting them through names like those found here to pre-exilic tribal structures, the Chronicler offered a tangible sense of belonging and continuity, contrasting with foreign influences and mixed populations that might have blurred traditional Israelite identities. The exact dates and lives of individuals like Shuthelah, Bered, and Tahath are not detailed, their significance lying purely in their place within the ancestral chain.