1 Chronicles 7 31

1 Chronicles 7:31 kjv

And the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel, who is the father of Birzavith.

1 Chronicles 7:31 nkjv

The sons of Beriah were Heber and Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith.

1 Chronicles 7:31 niv

The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malkiel, who was the father of Birzaith.

1 Chronicles 7:31 esv

The sons of Beriah: Heber, and Malchiel, who fathered Birzaith.

1 Chronicles 7:31 nlt

The sons of Beriah were Heber and Malkiel (the father of Birzaith).

1 Chronicles 7 verses

1 Chronicles 7 31 Meaning

This verse precisely details a specific lineage within the tribe of Manasseh, identifying Ulam and Bedan as descendants tracing their line through Gilead and Machir to their progenitor, Manasseh. It underscores the continuation and clarity of family lines, establishing their precise position and identity within the larger tribal structure, particularly the significant clan located in the region of Gilead.

1 Chronicles 7 31 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 7 is primarily dedicated to providing detailed genealogies of several Israelite tribes: Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. These lists were critical for the post-exilic community in Judah, helping them re-establish their identity, assert their tribal inheritance rights, and understand their shared history and lineage within God's covenant people. Verse 31 specifically belongs to the lineage of Manasseh (1 Chron 7:14-19). This section emphasizes the continuity of specific family lines, tracing descendants from their tribal founders down to individuals, often noting their numbers and military capabilities (though not directly in verse 31). The precise record of Ulam and Bedan within the line of Manasseh through Gilead and Machir highlights the integrity of their tribal structure and assures the reader of the continuous existence and legitimate claims of the people of Israel, reinforcing their foundation as a unified nation under God.

1 Chronicles 7 31 Word analysis

• And (וְ 've): This common Hebrew conjunction serves as a linking element, indicating a continuation of the previously detailed genealogical line within Manasseh, particularly focusing on the direct descent.
• Ulam (אוּלָם 'Ulam): A personal name. While the word "ulam" can mean "porch" or "vestibule" in Hebrew, in this context, it functions solely as a proper noun identifying a male descendant of Gilead. Its presence in the record affirms the specific and meticulous tracking of every branch of the tribal lineage.
• his son (בְּנוֹ bəno): This possessive phrase unequivocally defines the direct, father-to-son relationship. It is crucial in establishing the generational sequence and validating the purity of the family line, a central concern in ancient Israelite genealogies for matters of inheritance and tribal identity.
• Bedan (בְּדָן Bedan): A personal name. Its exact etymology is uncertain, possibly related to a word meaning "to judge" or "to separate." Its listing here identifies Bedan as Ulam's son, continuing this specific branch of the Manassite family tree. While a judge named Bedan is mentioned in 1 Samuel 12:11, the context and period indicate this Bedan in Chronicles is a distinct individual, a specific link in this Manassite lineage.
• These were (אֵלֶּה 'elleh): This demonstrative pronoun serves as a summary and clarifier. It collectively refers to Ulam and Bedan (and implicitly, their preceding ancestors) as part of a specific group, leading into their precise familial and tribal identification.
• the sons of Gilead (בְּנֵי גִּלְעָד bənê Gil‘ad): This phrase specifies Ulam and Bedan's immediate patrilineal clan. Gilead was a foundational ancestor within the half-tribe of Manasseh, whose descendants inherited and gave their name to the important Transjordan region of Gilead. This connection confirms their association with a significant geographic and familial unit.
• the son of Machir (בֶּן־מָכִיר ben-Mākhîr): This further defines Gilead's lineage, connecting him to Machir, the only son of Manasseh, who held a prominent status and had children born on Joseph's knees (Gen 50:23). Machir's descendants, including Gilead, were a dominant force within Manasseh and received significant inheritance.
• the son of Manasseh (בֶּן־מְנַשֶּׁה ben-Mənašše): This climactic identification grounds the entire lineage within the major Israelite tribe of Manasseh, the elder son of Joseph. It completes the tracing of this specific family branch back to its ultimate tribal patriarch, thus validating their full Israelite identity and place within the divinely appointed covenant community.

• "Ulam his son; and Bedan his son": This concise repetition underscores the directness and unbroken nature of the lineage. It highlights the granular level of detail preserved in the genealogical records, which was essential for maintaining order, inheritance rights, and tribal structure in ancient Israel. This sequential naming ensures accurate tracing of identity and claims.
• "These were the sons of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh": This comprehensive summary phrase explicitly situates the individual names within the broader tribal hierarchy. It anchors Ulam and Bedan securely to their influential forebears—Gilead (eponymous ancestor of a significant half-tribe and region), Machir (prominent son of Manasseh), and ultimately Manasseh (the tribal progenitor). This robust identification served to affirm their legitimate place, lineage, and connection to the sacred history of Israel, reassuring the post-exilic community of their rightful heritage and continuity in God's plan.

1 Chronicles 7 31 Bonus section

The Chronicler's decision to include such detailed genealogies for tribes beyond Judah (even the tribes of Israel, often forgotten after the northern kingdom's fall) reflects a vision of a unified Israel. While David and Judah remain central, the emphasis on comprehensive tribal records underscores the hope of restoration for all twelve tribes. The importance of the region of Gilead, with its fertile land east of the Jordan, often made it a strategic but vulnerable territory. Identifying a prominent Manassite family within Gilead further legitimizes their claims and highlights their enduring presence in this significant geographical area. The absence of accompanying narratives for these individuals implies that their mere listing, establishing their rightful place in the national lineage, was sufficient for the Chronicler's purpose.

1 Chronicles 7 31 Commentary

1 Chronicles 7:31 serves as a foundational building block in the meticulous genealogical record of Israel, specifically focusing on the lineage within the tribe of Manasseh. By tracing Ulam and Bedan through Gilead and Machir to Manasseh, the verse demonstrates the Chronicler's deep commitment to preserving Israel's identity and historical continuity. This precision, even for individuals like Ulam and Bedan who are not central biblical figures, emphasizes the importance of every family within God's covenant people. For the post-exilic audience, these genealogies were not mere lists; they were living documents validating land claims, tribal inheritances, priestly roles, and, crucially, confirming that God's covenant promises remained secure across generations despite exile and dispersion. It assured them of their heritage and their place in God's unfolding redemptive plan.