1 Chronicles 8 25

1 Chronicles 8:25 kjv

And Iphedeiah, and Penuel, the sons of Shashak;

1 Chronicles 8:25 nkjv

Iphdeiah, and Penuel were the sons of Shashak.

1 Chronicles 8:25 niv

Iphdeiah and Penuel were the sons of Shashak.

1 Chronicles 8:25 esv

Iphdeiah, and Penuel were the sons of Shashak.

1 Chronicles 8:25 nlt

Iphdeiah, and Penuel were the sons of Shashak.

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 25 Meaning

1 Chronicles 8:25 records six specific individuals: Jishpan, Eber, Eliel, Abdon, Zichri, and Hanan. These men are identified as descendants of the tribe of Benjamin, likely heads of families or prominent figures dwelling in Jerusalem, as indicated by the preceding verses in this chapter which enumerate the sons of Benjamin and those who resided in the city. The verse functions as part of a larger genealogical list, primarily serving to establish and record the tribal lineages, particularly for the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 8 25 Context

1 Chronicles 8:25 is situated within the extensive genealogical records found in the opening chapters of the Book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9). Specifically, Chapter 8 details the descendants of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. This chapter meticulously traces Benjamin's lineage, culminating in lists of his sons and later descendants who inhabited Jerusalem and its environs (1 Chron 8:28-40). The chronicler's primary aim in compiling these genealogies, especially for the post-exilic community, was to establish continuity with the past, authenticate tribal claims, organize society, and reassert Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God following their return from Babylonian exile. These detailed records provided legitimacy for land ownership, tribal association, and roles in cultic service, particularly in the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of Judah.

1 Chronicles 8 25 Word analysis

• and (וְ, wə-, conjunction): A simple connective particle, extensively used in biblical Hebrew to link individual elements within a list. In genealogies, its repetitive use emphasizes the sequential naming and comprehensive nature of the record. It signifies accumulation, adding another individual to the listed descendants.

• Jishpan (יִשְׁפָּן, Yishpan): This Hebrew name likely means "he will hide" or "he is hidden." The precise significance for this particular individual is not provided beyond his inclusion in the Benjaminite lineage. Its presence reinforces the detail and specificity with which the Chronicler records even less-prominent names, highlighting the meticulous nature of the tribal records deemed essential for the returning exiles.

• and Eber (וְעֵבֶר, wəʿĒber): The name "Eber" translates to "beyond" or "the region across." It is notably borne by an ancestor of Abraham (Gen 10:21), making Abraham and his descendants often referred to as "Hebrews" (ʿibrî), perhaps denoting their origin "from the other side" of the Euphrates. Here, it is simply another Benjamite name, carrying the common usage of the term but distinct from the patriarchal figure.

• and Eliel (וֶאֱלִיאֵל, wĕʾĔlîʾēl): A theophoric name, meaning "God is my God" or "God of God." Names incorporating "El" (God) were common among Israelites and expressed their personal relationship with the divine. Several individuals in the Bible bear this name (e.g., 1 Chr 5:24; 1 Chr 11:46-47; 1 Chr 12:11; 1 Chr 26:8). Its repetition across various tribes and contexts underscores the pervasive recognition of God in Israelite personal naming conventions.

• and Abdon (וְעַבְדּוֹן, wəʿAbdon): This name means "servile," "service," or "servant." It implies a state of being devoted or in servitude, often to God, but could also relate to function. Like Eliel, multiple individuals bear this name in the Old Testament, including a judge of Israel (Judg 12:13, 15). Its recurrence points to a valued concept within Israelite society related to dedication or humble service.

• and Zichri (וְזִכְרִי, wəZikhri): Derived from the root meaning "to remember," this name means "my remembrance," or "remembered of Yah" (Yah is a shortened form of Yahweh). Such names express a desire for God's remembrance, or gratitude for being remembered by Him. There are numerous men named Zichri in Chronicles (e.g., 1 Chr 8:19; 1 Chr 9:15; 1 Chr 26:25; 2 Chr 23:1), highlighting its popularity and emphasizing the theme of divine remembrance, which was significant for a people seeking to reaffirm their covenant standing after exile.

• and Hanan (וְחָנָן, wəḤānān): Meaning "gracious" or "he has shown favor." This name is built upon the Hebrew root for grace (ḥēn), reflecting the quality of favor or kindness, often from God. Its inclusion within this list suggests a blessing or divine favor associated with the individual or their lineage.

• Words-group analysis:

  • The Chain of Names: The sequence of "and [Name], and [Name]..." forms a classical genealogical list, conveying the sense of continuity, precision, and comprehensive enumeration. Each "and" adds another essential link in the lineage, vital for validating claims of identity, land, and heritage in the post-exilic period.
  • Theonymic and Meaningful Names: While these are simply names in a list, several carry distinct meanings or incorporate divine elements (e.g., Eliel, Zichri, Hanan), which, though not expounded upon, subtly reinforce the pervasive presence of God and His attributes in the fabric of Israelite life and identity. The Chronicler’s attention to these details, even in a lengthy list, underscores the divine oversight of Israel's history and their dependence on His grace and remembrance.

1 Chronicles 8 25 Bonus section

• The meticulous detailing of the genealogies in Chronicles, even down to lesser-known individuals like those in 1 Chronicles 8:25, highlights the deep value placed on lineage in ancient Israel. This was not merely social convention but intertwined with theological truths: God's covenant promises (e.g., Abrahamic and Davidic covenants) were passed through specific lines.
• The Chronicler's primary source for these genealogies is often thought to be temple or royal archives. The consistency and detail imply the existence of robust scribal practices dedicated to preserving these vital records.
• The placement of this specific Benjaminite list, leading to those who dwelt in Jerusalem (1 Chr 8:28-40), serves a particular purpose for the returning community. It shows who among the returnees had a legitimate ancestral right to resettle the city, a key focus of the post-exilic rebuilding efforts under Ezra and Nehemiah.
• While these names do not typically feature in grand biblical narratives, their mere mention confirms that God’s unfolding plan encompasses every generation and every individual chosen for inclusion in His covenant people. Even seemingly obscure individuals contribute to the greater tapestry of divine history.

1 Chronicles 8 25 Commentary

1 Chronicles 8:25 presents a seemingly mundane list of names—Jishpan, Eber, Eliel, Abdon, Zichri, and Hanan—who were descendants of Benjamin. However, far from being a mere enumeration, this verse is integral to the Chronicler's broader theological and historical agenda. For the post-exilic community, returned to Jerusalem from Babylon, establishing unbroken, legitimate lineage was paramount. These lists authenticated tribal identity, affirmed land claims inherited from their ancestors, and determined eligibility for priestly and Levitical service. By carefully documenting the lines of Benjamin, the chronicler not only honored a significant tribe (the tribe of Saul and, later, a critical part of the Southern Kingdom) but also affirmed God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant. The detailed nature of these genealogies served to anchor the identity of the returning exiles firmly within the sacred history of Israel, reinforcing their sense of belonging and divine election, and inspiring hope for future restoration. The repetition of names in other lists (e.g., 1 Chr 9:35-44 for Benjamin) suggests a robust system of record-keeping crucial for re-establishing the theocratic society.