1 Chronicles 7 38

1 Chronicles 7:38 kjv

And the sons of Jether; Jephunneh, and Pispah, and Ara.

1 Chronicles 7:38 nkjv

The sons of Jether were Jephunneh, Pispah, and Ara.

1 Chronicles 7:38 niv

The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, Pispah and Ara.

1 Chronicles 7:38 esv

The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara.

1 Chronicles 7:38 nlt

The sons of Jether were Jephunneh, Pispah, and Ara.

1 Chronicles 7 verses

1 Chronicles 7 38 Meaning

1 Chronicles 7:38 lists three sons of Jether: Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara. This verse is part of a broader genealogical record of the tribe of Asher within the post-exilic historical account of 1 Chronicles. It serves to meticulously document and preserve the lineage of the Israelite tribes, particularly relevant for the returning exiles seeking to re-establish their identity and tribal affiliations.

1 Chronicles 7 38 Context

1 Chronicles 7 is part of the extensive genealogical sections that begin the book of Chronicles (chapters 1-9). This specific chapter enumerates the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. The primary purpose of these detailed lists, particularly for the post-exilic community to whom Chronicles was written, was to re-establish the identity, tribal affiliations, and ancestral land claims of the returned exiles. It demonstrated continuity with ancient Israel and highlighted God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people despite the trauma of exile. Verses 30-40 focus specifically on the tribe of Asher, known for its fertile land allocation and proximity to the sea, fulfilling earlier prophetic blessings.

Historically, after the Babylonian exile, many records were lost, and a crisis of identity emerged. Genealogies served as vital records for maintaining order, proving priestly descent, establishing land inheritance rights, and affirming one's place within the restored community of Israel. They linked the present community directly to the patriarchs and the Mosaic covenant, emphasizing God's enduring promises to Abraham and David through successive generations.

1 Chronicles 7 38 Word analysis

• The sons of: Hebrew: b'nei (בְּנֵי). Signifies direct male lineage, which was crucial for establishing tribal and family identity in ancient Israel. This phrase forms the bedrock of biblical genealogies, tracing descent and upholding covenant continuity through generations.
• Jether: Hebrew: Yeter (יֶתֶר). This is a name, a son of Asher (1 Chr 7:30). The name means "abundance," "remainder," or "superiority." While its meaning here might simply be descriptive, it could subtly underscore the fertility or flourishing of Asher's lineage or its eventual survival and increase despite exile. Jether had a numerous progeny as shown here, reflecting the growth promised to Israel.
• Jephunneh: Hebrew: Y'phunneh (יְפֻנֶּה). A specific personal name. While a prominent Caleb was also a "son of Jephunneh" (Num 13:6), this is clearly a different individual within the tribe of Asher. The name implies "he will be given a path" or "he will be made ready," perhaps alluding to divine guidance or preparation, although in a genealogical list, the focus is on the individual's existence and lineage rather than a personal prophecy.
• Pispa: Hebrew: Pispah (פִּסְפָּה). This name is rare in biblical texts. Its precise meaning is uncertain, but some scholarly suggestions relate it to "diminished" or "delicate" (from a root possibly related to "thin"). Its inclusion attests to the meticulousness of the record-keeping, noting even individuals whose names may not be immediately familiar from other contexts.
• and Ara: Hebrew: Ara (אָרָא). Also a rare name. Its meaning is debated; possibilities include connections to "lion" (as in aryeh) or "way/road." Like Pispa, its inclusion demonstrates the completeness of the family register for Jether's line.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "The sons of Jether": This phrase meticulously isolates a specific family unit within the larger tribe of Asher. It highlights the structured nature of ancient Israelite society, where identity was deeply rooted in one's familial and tribal affiliations. The continuity of such records across generations provided a legal and social framework for the covenant community.
• "Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara": This is a direct enumeration of Jether's children. The listing format is typical of genealogies, prioritizing the raw fact of descent over narratives or descriptive details of the individuals. It underscores the precision and purpose of these records: to account for every significant family head within the tribe. Each name, though briefly mentioned, represents a continuation of the tribal heritage, a link in the unbroken chain of Israel's people, sustained by divine promise.

1 Chronicles 7 38 Bonus section

The seemingly dry genealogical lists in Chronicles, including verses like 1 Chronicles 7:38, were crucial for the administrative and religious life of post-exilic Judah. They functioned as:

• Census Records: Establishing who belonged to which tribe, which had implications for land allocation, military service, and Temple duties.
• Land Claims: Providing proof of inheritance rights based on the original tribal distributions under Joshua.
• Identity Restoration: Offering a concrete link to their pre-exilic heritage, helping the returning community rebuild their sense of national and spiritual identity after generations in a foreign land.
• Proof of Legitimacy: Especially for priestly and Levitical families, strict genealogical proof was necessary to serve in the newly rebuilt Temple.
• Demonstration of God's Faithfulness: The mere existence of such detailed lists, stretching from Adam through to the returning exiles, was a testament to God's enduring covenant and His preservation of a faithful remnant against all odds. It underscored that God's plan would ultimately unfold through specific individuals and families He sustained.

1 Chronicles 7 38 Commentary

1 Chronicles 7:38 is a simple, straightforward list of names, yet it carries significant weight within the broader biblical narrative. Appearing in the exhaustive genealogies of Chronicles, this verse serves a critical post-exilic purpose: to re-establish the identity of a community that had experienced profound disruption. Each name, including those of Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara, represents a thread in the unbroken tapestry of God's covenant people. It affirms that despite generations passing and the trauma of exile, God remained faithful to His promise to maintain a remnant and build His nation.

The meticulous listing demonstrates the deep value placed on lineage in Israel, not merely for social status or inheritance, but as proof of participation in the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants. It quietly declares God's steadfastness; even obscure names from the tribe of Asher are not forgotten in His overarching plan. For the Chronicler's original audience, these lists were anchors, reminding them of who they were and their place in God's redemptive history.

Today, while we do not depend on physical genealogies for salvation (faith in Christ is key), these biblical records remind us of God's sovereign work across generations, His attention to detail, and His unwavering commitment to His people and His promises. It also emphasizes that every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned in history, matters in God's grand design.