1 Chronicles 8 1

1 Chronicles 8:1 kjv

Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third,

1 Chronicles 8:1 nkjv

Now Benjamin begot Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third,

1 Chronicles 8:1 niv

Benjamin was the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second son, Aharah the third,

1 Chronicles 8:1 esv

Benjamin fathered Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third,

1 Chronicles 8:1 nlt

Benjamin's first son was Bela, the second was Ashbel, the third was Aharah,

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 1 Meaning

This verse initiates a detailed genealogical record for the tribe of Benjamin. It specifically identifies Benjamin's firstborn son, Bela, and then lists two subsequent sons, Ashbel and Aharah, establishing a fundamental part of Benjamin's lineage that will be further expounded upon in the chapter. This precise identification of descendants underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on tribal continuity and identity for the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 8 1 Context

1 Chronicles 8 opens an extended and somewhat distinct genealogy for the tribe of Benjamin. This focus is notable because the preceding chapters detailed genealogies for Judah, Simeon, Reuben, Gad, Manasseh, Issachar, and Naphtali. The Chronicler's audience, largely returned exiles in the post-Babylonian period, found profound significance in these lists. They served to legitimate their claims to the land, affirm their covenant identity, and provide a continuous link to their pre-exilic heritage, particularly as many descendants of Benjamin populated Jerusalem during and after the return. Chapter 8 highlights not only Benjamin's sons but extends to detail the heads of ancestral houses and prominent figures, leading ultimately to Saul and his descendants. This specific opening verse is foundational for establishing that continuous tribal line.

1 Chronicles 8 1 Word analysis

• And (וְ): Connects this list to the previous genealogical material. In Hebrew narrative, "and" frequently marks continuation or initiation of a new section within a larger context.
• Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִן - Binyamin): "Son of the right hand" or "son of sorrow." The twelfth and youngest son of Jacob by Rachel. He is a pivotal figure in Israel's early history due to the tribe's geographic location (bordering Judah), its martial prowess (Judges 20), and its producing the first king of Israel, Saul, and later, the apostle Paul. The focus here affirms the tribe's enduring importance.
• begat / was the father of (וְלְבִנְיָמִן): The construction here uses the preposition "to" or "for" (לְ - le) followed by Benjamin's name, implying direct lineage and "belonging to" Benjamin. It functions to list Benjamin's direct male offspring.
• Bela (בֶּלַע - Bela): Meaning "swallowing" or "destruction." Consistently listed as Benjamin's firstborn in other biblical texts (Gen 46:21; Num 26:38; 1 Chr 7:6). This name suggests potential for fierceness or might.
• his firstborn (בְּכֹרוֹ - b'khoro): Emphasizes Bela's special status. The firstborn son in ancient Israelite society held significant legal, social, and religious rights and responsibilities, including a double inheritance and leadership of the family after the father's passing (Deut 21:17). This designation confirms primogeniture and structure within the lineage.
• Ashbel (אַשְׁבֵּל - Ashbel): Its meaning is uncertain but possibly related to "fire of God" or "straightforward." Ashbel is consistently listed as a son of Benjamin in parallel genealogies (Gen 46:21; Num 26:38; 1 Chr 7:6).
• the second (הַשֵּׁנִי - ha-sheyni): Designates his birth order, providing precision in the familial structure.
• and Aharah (וְאַחְרַח - v'Ach rach): This name is unique to this verse within the Bible's records of Benjamin's sons. In parallel genealogies (Gen 46:21; Num 26:38), the third son listed is often "Ahiram." This variation highlights textual complexities; it could indicate an alternative name for the same individual, a sub-lineage, or a scribal variation. Scholars suggest "Aharah" might be a corruption of "Ahiram" or a unique family branch only recorded by the Chronicler. This illustrates that genealogies could serve various purposes beyond strictly lineal descent, sometimes identifying leading families of a clan.
• the third (הַשְּׁלִישִׁי - ha-sh'lishi): Continues to emphasize precise birth order.

1 Chronicles 8 1 Bonus section

The prominence of Benjamin in Chronicles 8, especially compared to the shorter entries for some other tribes, reflects their significant role in the post-exilic community, particularly in resettling Jerusalem (Neh 11:4). This genealogical list, by naming Benjamin's primary sons, emphasizes the roots of this re-establishment. The textual variation regarding the third son, "Aharah" instead of "Ahiram," might suggest different naming conventions across generations or even different lines of family descent being highlighted at different points in Israel's history, rather than a factual contradiction. For the Chronicler, the broader purpose of affirming tribal identity and the divine preservation of God's people likely took precedence over strict word-for-word consistency with earlier records. It shows the fluid nature of such lists as they documented the community's living history.

1 Chronicles 8 1 Commentary

1 Chronicles 8:1 serves as a critical entry point into one of the most extensive and somewhat challenging genealogies in the Hebrew Bible. Its core purpose for the post-exilic community was to reaffirm the identity and legitimacy of the tribe of Benjamin. For a people returning to a desolate land, often facing internal disputes and external opposition, genealogies provided an anchoring truth: their heritage was secure, their tribal connections were valid, and their divine covenant was intact. The meticulous listing of names, even with variations seen in parallel texts, showcases the Chronicler's commitment to detail and his emphasis on the continuity of God's people. This specific verse establishes the foundation of the Benjamite line from its very head, setting the stage for tracing descendants who were instrumental in rebuilding Judah, especially in Jerusalem. It quietly asserts that despite exile and displacement, God had preserved the remnants of His people according to His promise, ready to fulfill His future purposes through them.