1 Chronicles 7 35

1 Chronicles 7:35 kjv

And the sons of his brother Helem; Zophah, and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal.

1 Chronicles 7:35 nkjv

And the sons of his brother Helem were Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal.

1 Chronicles 7:35 niv

The sons of his brother Helem: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh and Amal.

1 Chronicles 7:35 esv

The sons of Helem his brother: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal.

1 Chronicles 7:35 nlt

The sons of his brother Helem were Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal.

1 Chronicles 7 verses

1 Chronicles 7 35 Meaning

This verse acts as a summarizing commendation for the descendants of Asher whose lineage is detailed previously. It highlights their leadership, military prowess, and social standing within the tribe, designating them as significant and distinguished figures in Israelite society.

1 Chronicles 7 35 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 7 provides extensive genealogies, primarily for various tribes including Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. The Chronicler, writing for the post-exilic community, emphasized these lists to re-establish identity, validate inheritance rights, define tribal boundaries, and affirm the continuity of God's covenant with Israel. The focus is often on leadership, land, and military capacity, highlighting who among the descendants remained significant or produced valiant figures. Within this chapter, 1 Chronicles 7:30-40 details the lineage of Asher. Verse 35 serves as a concluding, summarizing statement, offering a commendation for the individuals named within Asher's line, signifying their crucial roles as prominent leaders, fierce warriors, and respected figures in Israel. This focus on strength and leadership might have also served as an encouragement to the returned exiles, assuring them of their noble heritage and their capacity for strong, effective governance and defense in their renewed national life.

1 Chronicles 7 35 Word analysis

• All these (וְאֵלֶּה, v’e’lleh): Meaning "And these" or "Now these." This connective phrase directly refers back to the descendants of Asher just listed in 1 Chronicles 7:30-34. It serves as an emphatic summary statement, indicating that the description that follows applies collectively to the distinguished individuals of this lineage.
• were sons of Asher (בְּנֵי אָשֵׁר, b’ney ’asher): Establishes their direct ancestral link to Asher, one of the twelve patriarchs, confirming their tribal identity. This linkage was fundamental for Israelite societal structure, inheritance, and religious practices, emphasizing their legitimate place within the covenant community.
• heads of fathers' houses (רָאשֵׁי בֵית אָבוֹת, ra’shey beit ’avot): This title designates them as primary leaders of extended families or clans, which were basic societal units. A "father's house" (beit av) included multiple related families and constituted a significant administrative and social entity. To be a "head" (rosh) implied significant patriarchal authority, responsibility for decisions, and oversight of their lineage's affairs.
• choice (בַּחוּר, bachur): Meaning "chosen," "picked," "select," or "young men of select fighting ability." This adjective qualifies the subsequent phrase, indicating that these "mighty men of valor" were not just any strong individuals but were specifically designated, elite, or superior among their peers, highlighting their exceptional quality.
• mighty men of valor (גִּבֹּרֵי חַיִל, gibbor’ei chayil): A composite Hebrew phrase signifying warriors of courage, strength, and effective fighting prowess.
  • gibbor (גִּבֹּר): Means "strong one," "warrior," "hero," or "valiant man." It denotes physical strength and a disposition for battle.
  • chayil (חַיִל): Means "strength," "valor," "might," "virtue," or "wealth," and can also refer to an army. In this context, it reinforces the military and courageous aspect of "mighty men," indicating those possessing demonstrated heroic and effective capabilities in battle.
• chiefs of the princes (רָאשֵׁי הַנְּשִׂיאִים, ra’shey ha-n’si’im): This title indicates the highest tier of tribal leadership and authority.
  • ra’shey (רָאשֵׁי): "Heads of" or "chiefs of," denoting pre-eminence.
  • n’si’im (נְשִׂיאִים): "Princes," "tribal leaders," or "chieftains." A nasi (nasi) was a prominent figure, a representative head of a tribe or significant family unit. To be the "chiefs of the princes" implies these individuals were the foremost and most influential among the leading figures of the tribe of Asher.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• All these were sons of Asher: This phrase provides the essential ancestral connection, linking the commended individuals to their foundational tribal identity within Israel. It sets the stage for defining who is being praised.
• heads of fathers’ houses, choice mighty men of valor, chiefs of the princes: This powerful descriptive sequence articulates the multi-faceted eminence of these individuals. It progresses from defining their familial leadership ("heads of fathers' houses"), through their military excellence and selection for exceptional prowess ("choice mighty men of valor"), to their ultimate socio-political supremacy within the tribe ("chiefs of the princes"). This portrays a complete picture of leadership encompassing familial stewardship, martial capability, and paramount administrative authority.

1 Chronicles 7 35 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's emphasis on strength and leadership through these genealogies likely served as encouragement and a template for the returning exiles. It affirmed their heritage of valiant leaders and provided a historical continuity that legitimized the re-establishment of the community in the land.
• The meticulous detailing of lineages and the special note of these qualities underscore the value placed on character, competence, and service within the tribal framework of Israel, hinting at divine blessings accompanying such attributes.
• While genealogies can appear dry, the insertion of descriptive phrases like "choice mighty men of valor" transforms them, adding human interest and demonstrating that divine records focus not only on names but also on the significant lives behind them.
• This verse provides a counter-narrative or an expansion to earlier portrayals of the tribe of Asher (e.g., in Judges) which might sometimes imply a less active or militarily engaged role for them. Chronicles highlights their strong contribution through such key individuals.

1 Chronicles 7 35 Commentary

1 Chronicles 7:35 serves as a concise yet profound encomium for a specific segment of Asher's descendants, turning a list of names into a celebration of leadership and strength. The chronicler’s inclusion of this descriptive verse highlights the enduring importance of capable individuals within Israelite society, particularly for its survival and restoration after the Babylonian exile. By calling them "heads of fathers' houses," the verse stresses their fundamental role in maintaining family and clan structures, which were vital for societal cohesion. Designating them "choice mighty men of valor" points to their military prowess and courage, essential attributes for tribal defense and national security in an often hostile ancient world. Furthermore, their identity as "chiefs of the princes" elevates them to the highest echelons of tribal governance, signifying their wisdom and authority in political and judicial matters. This detailed commendation demonstrates that the lineage of Asher, despite certain historical accounts, contributed significant figures embodying the ideal characteristics of Israelite leadership—a blend of familial rootedness, martial capability, and profound administrative authority, all ordained to uphold God's covenant with His people.