1 Chronicles 8 22

1 Chronicles 8:22 kjv

And Ishpan, and Heber, and Eliel,

1 Chronicles 8:22 nkjv

Ishpan, Eber, Eliel,

1 Chronicles 8:22 niv

Ishpan, Eber, Eliel,

1 Chronicles 8:22 esv

Ishpan, Eber, Eliel,

1 Chronicles 8:22 nlt

Ishpan, Eber, Eliel,

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 22 Meaning

This verse functions as a meticulously recorded segment of the extensive genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin within the larger tribal registrations presented by the Chronicler. Its primary meaning is to demonstrate the continuation and specific lineage of a family line, specifically listing several prominent individuals descended from Benjamin, including Epaeans, Ehud, Ezion, Anathoth, Aniel, Aner, and Meonoth. For the post-exilic community, such lists were crucial for establishing tribal identity, claims to land inheritance, and validating eligibility for priestly or Levitical service, serving as a vital record of God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people.

1 Chronicles 8 22 Context

First Chronicles 8, in its entirety, is dedicated to chronicling the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. This chapter particularly details various lines and important individuals within this tribe. This focus underscores the Chronicler's post-exilic objective: to affirm the continuity of the Israelite people and their rightful claim to their land and heritage after returning from Babylonian captivity. These extensive lists of names, though appearing dry to modern readers, were vital legal and religious documents for the Chronicler's original audience. They re-established identity, determined land allotments, validated priestly service, and rooted the renewed community firmly in their ancient covenant promises. Verse 22, by listing specific Benjaminite names, contributes to this larger effort of meticulously recording and preserving tribal distinctiveness within the broader identity of Israel.

1 Chronicles 8 22 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve): This simple conjunction serves to connect the subsequent names in a list. In Hebrew genealogical lists, the repetitive "and" emphasizes the sequential and exhaustive nature of the record, linking each individual as part of the continuous family tree.
• Epaeans (אֶפְעָנִים - 'Ep'a-niym): A proper noun, a personal name. While not widely known for a specific biblical event, its inclusion highlights the detailed nature of the Chronicler's records and the meticulous effort to preserve even the less prominent lines within a tribe. Its meaning or significance beyond a personal name is not widely clear in Hebrew.
• Ehud (אֵהוּד - 'Ehuwd): A proper noun, a personal name. The name means "where is majesty?" or possibly related to "united/strong." While Ehud is a famous Judge (Judges 3:15), this is a different individual much later in the genealogy. Its presence indicates the continuation of names within families or tribes, maintaining connections to previous figures, even if not the same person.
• Ezion (עֶצְיוֹן - 'Etzyown): A proper noun, a personal name. Its exact meaning is debated but could relate to "strong bone" or similar strength-related connotations. Like Epaeans, its primary significance here is its contribution to the genealogical record.
• Anathoth (עֲנָתוֹת - 'Anathoth): A proper noun, a personal name. This name is significant because "Anathoth" is also the name of a Levitical town in Benjamin's territory, renowned as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 1:1). It's possible this personal name relates to the founder of the town, or a prominent family from it, signifying a deep-rooted connection between individuals and geographical locations within tribal heritage.
• Aniel (עָנִיאֵל - 'Aniyl): A proper noun, a personal name. The name literally means "my answer is God" or "God has answered (me)." This name reflects a common pattern in Israelite names incorporating divine elements (El - God), signifying a theological statement or dedication.
• Aner (עָנֵר - 'An-er): A proper noun, a personal name. The name "Aner" appears elsewhere in the Old Testament (e.g., as an Amorite confederate of Abram in Gen 14:13), but here it is clearly a Benjaminite personal name, indicating that names could cross ethnic lines or simply be common without implying direct lineage. Its precise meaning is uncertain.
• Meonoth (מְעוֹנֹת - Me'onoth): A proper noun, a personal name. The root for Meonoth typically relates to "dwellings" or "habitations." In this context, it is presented as a personal name. This indicates the diversity of name origins within Israelite culture, sometimes tied to places or descriptive elements.

Words-group analysis:

• "And Epaeans, and Ehud, and Ezion, and Anathoth, and Aniel, and Aner, and Meonoth": This recurring "and [name]" pattern is characteristic of Hebrew genealogical lists. It functions to create a meticulous, itemized, and comprehensive enumeration of individuals. This rigorous cataloging underscores the Chronicler's primary goal: to provide an indisputable record of tribal identity, continuity, and purity. It's not just a list, but a declaration of who belongs and how they connect, reflecting God's order and the importance of each lineage within the national body. This precise documentation contrasts with chaotic or forgotten ancestries, affirming the divine preservation of the chosen people.

1 Chronicles 8 22 Bonus section

The careful preservation of genealogies in the ancient Near East, as exemplified in 1 Chronicles, speaks to the immense cultural and theological value placed on lineage. Unlike some contemporary societies that might trace ancestry back a few generations, ancient Israel, especially after the exile, recorded and maintained these lists for centuries. This was not merely an academic exercise but had practical implications for religious, political, and land-owning rights. The fact that various biblical texts (e.g., Ezra, Nehemiah, Genesis) feature extensive genealogies highlights their integral role in validating claims and demonstrating God's consistent work through a chosen people. Slight variations in spellings or the inclusion/exclusion of names across different manuscripts or translations of 1 Chronicles are common with ancient texts. These variations, while sometimes challenging to harmonize, often reflect different textual traditions or scribal practices rather than fundamental contradictions in the overall historical accuracy, further demonstrating the human efforts to meticulously record God's faithful hand. The existence of figures like Ehud (a judge) and the prominence of a city like Anathoth connected to Jeremiah further enriches the background, indicating that even seemingly minor genealogical entries can subtly connect to wider biblical narratives and theological themes.

1 Chronicles 8 22 Commentary

First Chronicles 8:22, like many verses in this chapter, presents a dry enumeration of names that might seem unremarkable at first glance. However, within the Chronicler's post-exilic agenda, these names are far from insignificant. They represent living links in the unbroken chain of Israel's tribal heritage, specifically for the tribe of Benjamin. This precise detailing served multiple purposes: it validated land claims for the returning exiles, established tribal purity, and provided a legal and religious framework for re-establishing the nation in their promised land. The Chronicler's emphasis on such lists underscores God's faithfulness in preserving His people through generations, even amidst periods of exile and upheaval. Each name, regardless of its historical prominence, testifies to a continuity of lineage ordained and maintained by the sovereign hand of God, reinforcing the identity and future hope of the reunited Israel. For instance, the inclusion of "Anathoth" implicitly connects to the broader prophetic heritage of Jeremiah's hometown, subtle reminding the audience of God's continuing word through their ancestors.