1 Chronicles 7 5

1 Chronicles 7:5 kjv

And their brethren among all the families of Issachar were valiant men of might, reckoned in all by their genealogies fourscore and seven thousand.

1 Chronicles 7:5 nkjv

Now their brethren among all the families of Issachar were mighty men of valor, listed by their genealogies, eighty-seven thousand in all.

1 Chronicles 7:5 niv

The relatives who were fighting men belonging to all the clans of Issachar, as listed in their genealogy, were 87,000 in all.

1 Chronicles 7:5 esv

Their kinsmen belonging to all the clans of Issachar were in all 87,000 mighty warriors, enrolled by genealogy.

1 Chronicles 7:5 nlt

The total number of mighty warriors from all the clans of the tribe of Issachar was 87,000. All of them were listed in their genealogical records.

1 Chronicles 7 verses

1 Chronicles 7 5 Meaning

This verse details the significant military strength within the tribe of Issachar, specifying that their kinsmen were powerful warriors. It provides a precise census figure of eighty-seven thousand men from Issachar who were recorded genealogically as being capable of military service, emphasizing their numbers and lineage as a testament to their strength and organized structure within ancient Israel.

1 Chronicles 7 5 Context

This verse is embedded within 1 Chronicles chapters 2-9, which are largely dedicated to genealogical lists of the tribes of Israel, tracing lineages primarily from Adam to the post-exilic community. Chapter 7 specifically outlines the descendants and military strength of several northern tribes: Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Asher, and Dan. For the original audience, predominantly Jews who had returned from Babylonian exile, these meticulous genealogies served as crucial documentation to re-establish their identity, validate land claims, organize religious services (for priests and Levites), and understand their continuity with their ancestral heritage and God's covenant promises. The specific mention of "mighty men of valor" and the high numbers for Issachar were not merely historical records; they affirmed the enduring physical and military potential of Israel, assuring the post-exilic community of God's continued faithfulness and their capacity to rebuild and defend the land effectively. This served as a powerful reminder of their identity and viability as a distinct nation, contrasting sharply with their previous state of exile and subjugation.

1 Chronicles 7 5 Word analysis

• and their brethren (וְאֲחֵיהֶם - və'aḥêhem):
  • aḥ (brother/kinsman): This term extends beyond direct siblings to include wider tribal relatives, fellow clansmen, or even fellow countrymen.
  • Significance: It indicates that the count encompasses the collective military capacity of the entire tribal kin-group, not just a select few immediate descendants. This emphasizes broad communal strength and solidarity.
• among all the families (לְכֹל מִשְׁפְּחוֹת - ləḵol mišpəḥôṯ):
  • kol (all): Denotes completeness, ensuring that every significant subdivision within the tribe of Issachar is included in the count.
  • mišpaḥâ (family/clan): Refers to the major family divisions or sub-clans within a larger tribe.
  • Significance: This phrase highlights the systematic and comprehensive nature of the enumeration, affirming the organized structure of Issachar's military strength across its constituent parts.
• of Issachar (יִשָּׂשכָר - Yiśśāśkār):
  • One of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose name means "there is reward" or "man of reward."
  • Known from Gen 49:14-15 as "a strong ass couching between the burdens," suggesting strength, endurance, and perhaps industriousness. 1 Chr 12:32 notes their "understanding of the times."
  • Significance: This verse adds military prowess to the tribe's noted characteristics, contributing to a fuller picture of their tribal identity and contribution to Israel.
• were mighty men of valor (גִּבֹּרֵי חַיִל - gibborê ḥayil):
  • gibbôr (mighty man, hero, warrior): Refers to individuals of great strength, power, and often military courage.
  • ḥayil (valor, strength, wealth, ability, army): When paired with gibbôr, it primarily denotes military might, courage, and effective fighting capability.
  • Significance: This epithet emphasizes the physical and martial readiness of these men. They were not merely numerous but capable warriors, representing a significant military asset for Israel.
• reckoned (הִתְיַחְשָׂם - hityyaḥšām):
  • Derived from the root yāḥaš, meaning "to enroll genealogically" or "to be counted."
  • Significance: This term highlights that the enumeration was based on formal, official genealogical records, not casual estimates. It implies a structured administrative process, crucial for confirming tribal identity, eligibility for service, and inheritance rights.
• in all by their genealogies (לְכָל בְּיַחְשָׁם - ləḵōl bəyaḥšām):
  • This phrase reinforces the basis of the count using the same root (yāḥaš) for emphasis.
  • Significance: It stresses the precision and authenticity of the figures. The numbers were not arbitrary but were officially recorded and verified according to the highly valued system of Israelite family records, thereby validating their historical and social claims.
• eighty-seven thousand (שִׁבְעָה וּשְׁמֹנִים אֶלֶף - šivʿâ ūšmōnîm ʾelep̄):
  • Significance: This specific, high number quantifies the remarkable military potential of Issachar. It notably exceeds the earlier census figures for Issachar found in the Book of Numbers (e.g., Num 1:29: 54,400; Num 26:25: 64,300). This discrepancy may reflect different census periods, varying criteria for inclusion (e.g., peak fighting age, or a wider definition of those fit for service), or simply the Chronicler's unique historical source or particular emphasis on a robust Israel. It demonstrates the Chronicler's interest in the numerical strength of the tribes.

Words-Group analysis

• "and their brethren among all the families of Issachar": This group of words precisely defines the scope of the count. It signals that the reported military strength originates from the entire collective body of the tribe of Issachar, including all its sub-clans and extended kin. It emphasizes a widespread and inclusive military capability rather than one localized to a particular subgroup or prominent family, reinforcing the tribe's unified potential.
• "were mighty men of valor, reckoned in all by their genealogies": This phrase links the inherent quality of the men (their valor and strength) with the organized and verifiable method by which they were counted (through formal genealogical records). It underscores that Issachar's military power was not anecdotal but systematically documented, affirming the authenticity and reliability of the census. It depicts an army of documented, capable warriors ready for deployment or defense.

1 Chronicles 7 5 Bonus section

The Chronicler's consistent emphasis on "mighty men of valor" and the vast numbers across various tribes throughout these genealogical chapters (1 Chronicles 7, especially) serves a vital theological and practical purpose. It provided encouragement and reassurance to the post-exilic community that despite their current perceived weakness, their ancestors (and by extension, they) were part of a mighty, divinely sustained nation. These specific military rolls suggested a clear, organized structure for defense and a vibrant potential for future prosperity. The slight differences in tribal numbers across various biblical accounts (e.g., Chronicles vs. Numbers) are a feature that prompts careful study, suggesting diverse sources, specific criteria for a given census (e.g., all men vs. men specifically drafted), or perhaps a selective emphasis to fit the Chronicler's overarching message of hope and restoration. The meticulous detailing of who belonged to which family, and their associated strengths, served as an essential "membership roster" for re-establishing national identity and function.

1 Chronicles 7 5 Commentary

1 Chronicles 7:5 powerfully highlights the significant military strength of the tribe of Issachar, noting their 87,000 "mighty men of valor" accurately documented by their genealogies. For the post-exilic community, this detailed numerical accounting served as a profound assurance of Israel's enduring strength and God's covenant faithfulness, despite their past exile. The meticulous record-keeping based on "genealogies" was paramount, reinforcing legitimate tribal identities, land inheritance, and the foundational order of the renewed nation. The higher numerical figure compared to earlier biblical censuses in Numbers likely reflects the Chronicler's unique sources or a specific intent to emphasize the maximum military potential or a specific prosperous period of the tribe, thus encouraging a remnant people to rebuild with confidence in their continued capacity, sustained by divine blessing. This verse portrays Issachar not just as industrious or discerning, but as a robust and organized military force within Israel.