1 Chronicles 8 14

1 Chronicles 8:14 kjv

And Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth,

1 Chronicles 8:14 nkjv

Ahio, Shashak, Jeremoth,

1 Chronicles 8:14 niv

Ahio, Shashak, Jeremoth,

1 Chronicles 8:14 esv

and Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth.

1 Chronicles 8:14 nlt

Ahio, Shashak, Jeremoth,

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 14 Meaning

1 Chronicles 8:14 lists three more individuals—Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth—as descendants of Benjamin. This verse continues the detailed genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically focusing on those who dwelt in Jerusalem or its environs. It records their names to establish the continuity of the tribal lineage and to demonstrate the preserved identity of the families who inhabited the land after the return from exile, underscoring God's faithfulness in maintaining His people.

1 Chronicles 8 14 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 8 is dedicated entirely to the extensive genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. Unlike other tribal genealogies, which are often more concise, the Chronicler devotes significant attention to Benjamin, detailing their sons, family heads, and dwelling places, particularly those living in Jerusalem and Gibeon. This focus is notable because, post-exile, Judah and Benjamin formed the primary remnant returning to the land and rebuilding Jerusalem. Benjamin's territory surrounded Jerusalem, making its tribal identity and lineage crucial for territorial claims, social structure, and religious identity. Verse 14 falls within a list of prominent family heads dwelling in Jerusalem, establishing their pedigree and rightful place within the reconstructed community after the Babylonian exile. The overall aim of these genealogies in Chronicles is to link the post-exilic community to their ancestral roots, emphasizing continuity of covenant and God's faithfulness despite historical disruptions.

1 Chronicles 8 14 Word analysis

• and Ahio (וַאֲחִיּוֹ - wa'achiyyō):

  • Original Language: From Hebrew אֲחִיּוֹ (ʼAchiyyo), meaning "my brother" or "brotherly."
  • Significance: This name is relatively common in the Old Testament. Its meaning, "my brother," is a foundational family term, signifying familial bonds crucial for tribal identity and solidarity within a covenant community. The use of such a name reinforces the sense of kinship among the people recorded in this genealogy. It underscores the shared heritage of the Israelites, bound by covenant and common ancestry.

• Shashak (שָׁשָׁק - shashāq):

  • Original Language: From Hebrew שָׁשָׁק (Shāshaq). The exact etymology is debated. Some suggest a connection to a root meaning "to stretch out" or "to long for," or perhaps linked to "fine linen," although this is less certain. Others relate it to a concept of eagerness or liveliness.
  • Significance: Unlike "Ahio" or "Jeremoth," Shashak does not have an immediately clear, commonly understood meaning directly embedded in the name that points to a specific characteristic or role. Its presence highlights the meticulous record-keeping of the Chronicler, including names even without an apparent etymological 'message.' It reinforces the Chronicler's commitment to completeness in preserving the tribal lineages, emphasizing that all the ancestral lines were important for God's purposes. The act of listing such specific names counters any claims of unrecorded or lost heritage, ensuring that the covenant line is fully preserved.

• and Jeremoth (וְיֵרֵמוֹת - wǝyēremôṯ):

  • Original Language: From Hebrew יְרֵמוֹת (Yeremôth), derived from a root meaning "heights" or "exalted," indicating elevation or prominence.
  • Significance: Like "Ahio," "Jeremoth" is a recurring name in various biblical texts (e.g., 1 Chr 23:23, Ezra 10:27, 29). The meaning "heights" or "exalted" could subtly suggest a position of influence or esteem within the community. Its inclusion points to the family heads who were recognized within the tribal structure, potentially contributing to their collective identity and future role in Jerusalem. It might signify individuals of note whose lineage deserved to be recorded, potentially indicating their elevated status among the returning exiles.

• Words-group Analysis: "Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth"

  • This specific listing of names continues a longer enumeration of Benjaminite descendants (1 Chr 8:13-28), focusing on family heads living in Jerusalem. This pattern of listing multiple names without elaboration is characteristic of ancient genealogies.
  • Function in Chronicles: The primary function is historical record-keeping, essential for proving tribal affiliation, land rights, and participation in the post-exilic community. For the Chronicler, accurate genealogies establish continuity between the pre-exilic, covenantal Israel and the remnant returning to the land. This serves as a strong counter to any doubt about the true Israel or their claims to the land and the Temple worship.
  • Theological Significance: The diligent preservation of these names, even seemingly obscure ones, speaks to God's meticulous care for His covenant people. It demonstrates that He does not forget even individual families and that His plan for Israel unfolds through specific lineages. In an era when tribal distinctions could easily be lost after centuries of upheaval, these lists serve as tangible proof of divine preservation. They affirm God's faithfulness in upholding His promises to the patriarchs concerning their numerous descendants and a continuous people.

1 Chronicles 8 14 Bonus section

• The extensive detail of Benjamin's genealogy in 1 Chronicles (chapters 7-9, but especially 8) may be due to Jerusalem, the future capital, straddling the border between Judah and Benjamin. Therefore, detailing Benjaminite families living in Jerusalem was especially important for the Chronicler's narrative concerning the city and its inhabitants, essential for the restored nation.
• The Chronicler's primary source for these lists would likely have been existing governmental or priestly registers, carefully maintained to track land ownership, military obligations, and eligibility for Temple service. The spiritual implication is that God oversees and records His people, echoing His heavenly ledger of believers.
• In the post-exilic context, the very existence of such genealogies provided a tangible link to God's past covenants, counteracting assimilation pressures or despair about a diminished national identity. They reaffirmed the Israelites' unique status as a covenanted people chosen by God.
• The frequent recurrence of names across various genealogical lists in different biblical books (like these names sometimes appearing with slight variations or in other tribal lists for individuals) points to common Hebrew naming conventions, as well as the need for the Chronicler to compile and cross-reference multiple records, potentially resolving discrepancies.

1 Chronicles 8 14 Commentary

1 Chronicles 8:14 serves as a precise genealogical entry, specifically highlighting three individuals from the extensive tribe of Benjamin: Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth. This meticulous cataloging, devoid of biographical detail, reflects the Chronicler's paramount concern for validating and solidifying the lineage of post-exilic Israel. For the community returning from Babylon, knowing one's ancestry was crucial for land claims, temple service, and asserting identity within the covenant people. These names, along with countless others in Chronicles, function as anchors connecting the contemporary Jewish community directly to their patriarchal heritage, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His chosen people despite their unfaithfulness and subsequent exile. The inclusion of even less well-known names like Shashak, alongside those with more evocative meanings like "Ahio" (my brother) and "Jeremoth" (exalted), emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's preservation of His elect. This section underscores the importance of a structured community and the divine order within it, contrasting with the chaotic realities faced by dispersed peoples. It implicitly conveys a message of hope and restoration: the very families rooted in Jerusalem signify God's re-establishment of His people in their land, fulfilling ancient promises.