1 Chronicles 8 19

1 Chronicles 8:19 kjv

And Jakim, and Zichri, and Zabdi,

1 Chronicles 8:19 nkjv

Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi,

1 Chronicles 8:19 niv

Jakim, Zikri, Zabdi,

1 Chronicles 8:19 esv

Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi,

1 Chronicles 8:19 nlt

Jakim, Zicri, Zabdi,

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 19 Meaning

First Chronicles 8:19 presents a segment of the genealogical records for the tribe of Benjamin. It specifically lists eight individuals: Jezliyah, Jobab, Yarimoth, Bebdiyah, Yadiel, Yosimoth, Zekariyah, and Mesilam. In the immediate textual flow, these individuals are identified as sons of Shimmei (1 Chr 8:20). This verse, like others in the extensive genealogies of Chronicles, serves to meticulously trace family lines and establish identity within the historically significant tribe of Benjamin, reaffirming continuity for the people of Israel following their return from exile.

1 Chronicles 8 19 Context

The book of 1 Chronicles was composed in the post-exilic period, likely around the 5th to 4th centuries BC, primarily to address the needs and spiritual identity of the Jewish community returning to Judah. Chapters 1-9 are dedicated to extensive genealogies, tracing Israel's lineage from Adam through various tribal lines, with particular emphasis on Judah (the Davidic line), Levi (for the priesthood and temple service), and Benjamin (the tribe of Israel's first king, Saul). Chapter 8 specifically elaborates on the genealogy of Benjamin. These detailed records, far from being dry lists, served crucial theological and sociological purposes for the re-establishing community: they provided historical grounding, affirmed tribal boundaries and land inheritances, legitimated claims to positions (especially in the priesthood), and, most importantly, asserted the continuity of God's covenant with His people despite the intervening period of exile. Verse 19, an integral part of this tribal accounting, exemplifies the careful preservation of diverse family lines that collectively formed the enduring Israelite community.

1 Chronicles 8 19 Word analysis

• Jezliyah (וְיִזְלִיָּה - ve-yizliyah): The Hebrew name Yizliah likely derives from the root nazal, meaning "to flow" or "to drip." The sense might be "He (God) will draw out" or "He will cause to prosper." It speaks to the idea of divine flow or blessing.
• Jobab (וְיוֹבָב - ve-yovav): From a root related to "to cry out," potentially meaning "a desert" or "exultation." This is an ancient name, appearing as early as Genesis 10:29 for a descendant of Noah. Its inclusion connects these Benjaminite families to the broader historical sweep of God's people.
• Yarimoth (וְיָרִים - ve-yarim): Derived from the root rum, signifying "to be high," "to exalt," or "to lift up." The meaning would be "He (God) will raise up" or "he will exalt." This name could convey hope in God's power to elevate.
• Bebdiyah (וּבֶדָיָה - u-vedayah): A theophoric name, meaning "Servant of Yahweh." Ebed (עֶבֶד) means "servant" or "slave," and Yah (יָהּ) is a shortened form of God's personal name, Yahweh. This name inherently declares devotion and service to God.
• Yadiel (וְיָדִיאֵל - ve-yadiel): Another theophoric name, composed of yada (יָדַע), "to know," and El (אֵל), "God." Thus, "God knows" or "Known of God." It speaks to God's omniscience and personal awareness. Yadiel is also mentioned as one of David's mighty warriors in other texts (1 Chr 11:45).
• Yosimoth (וְיוֹסִיף - ve-yosiph): This name is closely related to "Joseph," stemming from the root yasaph (יָסַף) "to add, increase." The meaning is "He (God) will add" or "He will increase." This name likely conveyed a hope for more children, blessings, or prosperity from God.
• Zekariyah (וְזְכַרְיָה - ve-zekaryah): A very common and significant theophoric name, meaning "Yahweh remembers." It combines zakhar (זָכַר) "to remember," with Yah. This name emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenants and promises, as He remembers His people and their needs.
• Mesilam (וּמְשֻׁלָּם - u-meshullam): From the root shalem (שָׁלֵם) "to be complete, sound, peaceful," or "to pay back, make amends." So, the meaning is "Compensated" or "Peaceful One." It implies wholeness, restoration, or payment made.
• And [name]: The recurring "and" (וְ - ve, often spelled u before certain letters) prefixed to each name serves as a simple conjunction. Its repetition creates a flowing enumeration, clearly indicating a series of related individuals, typically brothers or immediate descendants within the listed lineage.
• The entire list of names: This sequence of names from Jezliyah to Mesilam, within the larger genealogical chapter of Benjamin, represents a specific family unit or generation within Shimmei's descendants. The repeated presence of theophoric names (Bebdiyah, Yadiel, Yosimoth, Zekariyah) throughout these genealogies is a testament to the pervading presence of Yahweh in the cultural and personal identity of the Israelites. It demonstrates that the names given by parents were not arbitrary but often embedded with faith, hope, and an acknowledgement of God's character and activity in their lives.

1 Chronicles 8 19 Bonus section

The Chronicler's intense focus on genealogies, especially for tribes like Benjamin that were foundational to Israel's history (being the tribe of King Saul), indicates a theological commitment to demonstrating the continuity of the covenant community across centuries, bridging the pre-exilic glory with the post-exilic return. The specificity of the names, many of which are otherwise unrecorded in Scripture, suggests the Chronicler's reliance on substantial underlying archival material, perhaps tribal or family records that predated the exile. This detailed preservation underscored the belief that every person held a divinely ordained place within the broader tapestry of Israel. For the returned exiles, these detailed lineages provided vital validation of their heritage, legitimizing their claims to the land, their social standing, and their participation in the re-establishment of national life centered on Jerusalem and the Temple.

1 Chronicles 8 19 Commentary

First Chronicles 8:19, a brief entry within Benjamin's detailed genealogies, illustrates the immense value placed on lineage in ancient Israel, particularly by the post-exilic Chronicler. Though a simple list of names, its inclusion signifies the meticulous care in preserving ancestral records to affirm identity, inheritance, and connection to God's covenant people. The names themselves are particularly revealing; many are theophoric, subtly testifying to the omnipresent awareness of God's character and active role in family life. Names like "Servant of Yahweh," "God knows," "He (God) will add," and "Yahweh remembers" transform a mere list into a silent creed, declaring God's attributes through personal identity. This verse reinforces that even in the most seemingly mundane parts of Scripture, such as genealogies, a deep spiritual reality is embedded: God knows and cares for each individual in the lineage of His people, and His faithfulness endures across every generation.