1 Chronicles 7:9 kjv
And the number of them, after their genealogy by their generations, heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valor, was twenty thousand and two hundred.
1 Chronicles 7:9 nkjv
And they were recorded by genealogy according to their generations, heads of their fathers' houses, twenty thousand two hundred mighty men of valor.
1 Chronicles 7:9 niv
Their genealogical record listed the heads of families and 20,200 fighting men.
1 Chronicles 7:9 esv
And their enrollment by genealogies, according to their generations, as heads of their fathers' houses, mighty warriors, was 20,200.
1 Chronicles 7:9 nlt
Each of them was the leader of an ancestral clan. The total number of mighty warriors and leaders from these clans was 20,200, as listed in their genealogical records.
1 Chronicles 7 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 1:2-3 | "Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families... all who are able to go to war..." | Census for military readiness |
| Gen 46:21 | "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard." | Ancestor of Jediael (Benjamin) listed here. |
| 1 Chr 7:6 | "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael..." | Direct context, listing Jediael's place. |
| Judg 6:12 | "The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!" | Title for capable/courageous individual. |
| 2 Sam 23:8-39 | "These are the names of the mighty men whom David had..." | Example of a specific group of elite warriors. |
| 1 Kgs 11:28 | "Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor..." | "Mighty man of valor" implies capability and influence. |
| 2 Chr 17:16 | "And with him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to the Lord; and with him were two hundred thousand mighty men of valor." | Another large count of "mighty men of valor." |
| 2 Chr 25:5 | "Then Amaziah gathered Judah together and arranged them by their fathers' houses... of those twenty years and older, able to go to war..." | Example of an organized military muster. |
| Ps 144:1 | "Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle." | Divine enablement for warfare. |
| Isa 42:13 | "The Lord will go forth like a mighty man; He will stir up His zeal like a man of war." | God as the ultimate "man of war." |
| Joel 3:9-10 | "Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, 'I am a mighty man.'" | Call for martial readiness for a divine purpose. |
| 1 Chr 5:18 | "The sons of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh—valiant men, men who carried shield and sword, who drew the bow..." | Describing military prowess. |
| 1 Chr 27:1 | "Now this is the number of the children of Israel, the heads of fathers’ households... captains of thousands and hundreds..." | Detailed military organization and counting. |
| Josh 1:14 | "You shall go over armed before your brethren, all your mighty men of valor..." | Charge for war-ready men. |
| Judg 20:15-17 | "The sons of Benjamin numbered from their cities twenty-six thousand men who drew the sword, besides the inhabitants of Gibeah... And of Israel, besides Benjamin, there were numbered four hundred thousand men who drew the sword..." | Another significant census of Benjamite warriors. |
| Gen 13:16 | "And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered." | Promise of numerical multiplication. |
| Ezra 2:59 | "And these were the ones who came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but they could not identify their father's house or their lineage..." | Contrast with need for clear lineage. |
| Neh 7:64 | "These sought their listing among those who were registered by genealogy, but they were not found..." | Importance of documented ancestry post-exile. |
| Matt 1:1 | "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham." | New Testament focus on messianic genealogy. |
| Rev 3:5 | "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life..." | Divine reckoning/recording of spiritual lineage. |
| Rev 20:12 | "And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life." | Ultimate divine registry. |
1 Chronicles 7 verses
1 Chronicles 7 9 Meaning
This verse specifies the military strength and numerical size of the descendants of Jediael from the tribe of Benjamin. It indicates that all of his sons were powerful and capable warriors, amounting to seventeen thousand two hundred men ready and qualified for warfare. It is a precise record affirming their significant contribution to the tribal and national defense.
1 Chronicles 7 9 Context
The Book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, addressing the returning Jewish community. Its purpose was to reaffirm Israel's identity, provide a continuous history from creation through the Davidic monarchy, and emphasize the importance of lineage, temple worship, and the covenant with David. Chapter 7 continues the extensive genealogical lists from the preceding chapters. These genealogies were crucial for the returned exiles to establish tribal affiliations, land rights, inheritance claims, and qualifications for priestly and service roles. This particular verse focuses on a segment of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically the descendants of Jediael, highlighting their impressive military numerical strength and preparedness. Such details reinforced a sense of identity, heritage, and continuity for the post-exilic nation.
1 Chronicles 7 9 Word analysis
- All these: Refers directly to the male descendants of Jediael mentioned in the preceding verses (1 Chr 7:6-8). It underscores the comprehensive scope of the assessment, indicating that the count applies to the entire group described.
- the sons of Jediael: In Hebrew, b'nei Ye·dî·'ā·’ēl. "Sons" here signifies male descendants or offspring from the ancestral head, Jediael, whose name means "Known of God" or "God knows." This specifies a particular lineage within the larger tribe of Benjamin. This meticulous tracing of lineage was fundamental for establishing identity and roles in ancient Israel, especially in the post-exilic period when the Chronicles were compiled.
- according to their heads: In Hebrew, l'rō'shēy-hem, literally "by their heads" or "per head." This phrase indicates a precise, individual headcount, a common method for military censuses or tribal registrations. It signifies an accurate, man-by-man enumeration rather than a general estimation. This emphasis on exact numbering demonstrates careful record-keeping and highlights the organized nature of Israelite society, often under divine instruction (Num 1).
- were mighty men of valor: In Hebrew, gibbôrê chayil. This is a highly significant epithet. Gibbôr means "mighty," "strong," or "hero." Chayil denotes "strength," "ability," "wealth," or "virtue." Combined, gibbôrê chayil often describes courageous, capable, and formidable warriors who possess not only physical prowess but also moral fortitude and leadership qualities. This term is used frequently throughout the Old Testament to describe elite soldiers (e.g., David's mighty men) or influential, respected individuals (e.g., Ruth 2:1, Boaz). In this military context, it explicitly highlights their martial skill and bravery.
- seventeen thousand two hundred: A specific, large numerical figure (17,200). Such precise numbers in genealogies and military registers underscore the divine order and vastness of God's people. For the post-exilic community, these numbers served as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying Israel, despite their exile and perceived diminishment. It affirmed their collective strength and heritage.
- fit for war: In Hebrew, yō·tz'ê tza·vā’, meaning literally "those going out to the army" or "ready to serve in the host." This phrase confirms their active readiness, training, and qualification for military service. It denotes individuals who are of age, physically capable, and prepared to engage in battle. This military aptitude was essential for tribal and national security in the ancient Near East.
1 Chronicles 7 9 Bonus section
The inclusion of detailed genealogies with specific military counts in Chronicles might serve as a foundation for military organization or for future land distributions for the returning exiles. It could also provide a sense of security and encouragement, knowing their ancestors were so numerous and capable warriors. The tribe of Benjamin itself has a unique history, nearly being wiped out in the Judges period (Judges 20-21) before being replenished. This strong numerical presence recorded in Chronicles speaks to the divine restoration and resilience of the tribe. The Chronicler's emphasis on such figures reflects a concern with the strength and readiness of the restored community, hinting at the challenges of rebuilding a nation in a volatile world.
1 Chronicles 7 9 Commentary
This verse is a crucial genealogical entry highlighting the substantial military strength of one specific Benjamite family, Jediael's descendants. It served multiple purposes for the post-exilic community of Israel. Firstly, it reinforced identity and heritage, connecting them to their tribal roots and a legacy of strength. Secondly, the detailed enumeration of "mighty men of valor" showcased the continued vitality and potential of Israel, a powerful message for a people returning from exile to rebuild their land and society. It demonstrated God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying His covenant people, even down to specific family lines, assuring them of His ongoing presence and provision.