1 Chronicles 8 27

1 Chronicles 8:27 kjv

And Jaresiah, and Eliah, and Zichri, the sons of Jeroham.

1 Chronicles 8:27 nkjv

Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri were the sons of Jeroham.

1 Chronicles 8:27 niv

Jaareshiah, Elijah and Zikri were the sons of Jeroham.

1 Chronicles 8:27 esv

Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri were the sons of Jeroham.

1 Chronicles 8:27 nlt

Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zicri were the sons of Jeroham.

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 27 Meaning

This verse records three individuals—Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri—as the sons of a man named Jeroham. It serves as a genealogical entry within the broader tribal listing of Benjamin in 1 Chronicles chapter 8, detailing specific lines and family units crucial for the post-exilic community to identify their heritage and tribal affiliation. The verse itself is a direct statement of familial connection, a foundational building block in the intricate tapestry of Israel's lineage.

1 Chronicles 8 27 Context

This verse is embedded within 1 Chronicles chapter 8, a substantial genealogical record devoted entirely to the tribe of Benjamin. This focus is significant because King Saul, Israel's first monarch, hailed from Benjamin. While the earlier part of the chapter lists several family heads, the latter part (beginning around verse 29) elaborates on the specific lineage that leads to Saul. Verse 27, by listing "Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri" as "the sons of Jeroham," is a continuation of these specific family lines within the broader Benjaminite structure. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic Jewish community, meticulously records these lineages to establish the identity, tribal continuity, land claims, and cultic participation of the returnees. Genealogies in Chronicles are not mere lists; they serve to emphasize God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and maintaining their connection to the promised land and the divine plan for Israel, which culminates in the Davidic line. This particular verse, while not directly leading to a prominent biblical figure, underscores the Chronicler's detailed preservation of the diverse family units that constituted the tribes.

1 Chronicles 8 27 Word analysis

• and (וְ, v', waw-consecutive): A common Hebrew conjunction, here linking this entry to the preceding names and lists. It indicates continuation in a sequence, a standard feature of biblical genealogies.
• Jaareshiah (יַעֲרֵשִׁיָּה, Ya'areshiya): This name is unique to this verse in the Bible. Its precise meaning is uncertain, but elements might suggest connection to "forest" or "thicket" (ya'ar) and the divine name Yah (Yahweh). Names often carried significant meaning or reflected a hope/statement about the child. Its very presence here signifies an individual meticulously recorded and part of the lineage of God's people.
• and (וְ, v', waw-consecutive): Again, for enumeration.
• Elijah (אֵלִיָּה, Eliya): A theophoric name, meaning "My God is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is God." While instantly recognizable due to the famous prophet Elijah, this individual is distinct. The recurrence of such potent, God-centered names throughout Israel's history reflects a consistent acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a desire for one's life (and name) to be a testament to His nature. It highlights the commonality of theophoric elements in Israelite naming.
• and (וְ, v', waw-consecutive): Again, for enumeration.
• Zichri (זִכְרִי, Zikhri): This name comes from the Hebrew root zakhar, meaning "to remember" or "to mention." Thus, "My remembrance" or "He remembers." It suggests a desire to be remembered, or a recognition that God remembers. This is a common name in Chronicles, often found in genealogical lists for Benjamin or Levites (e.g., 1 Chr 9:15; 2 Chr 17:16; 23:1; Neh 11:9).
• were the sons (בְּנֵי, b'nei): The plural construct form of ben (son/child). This term unequivocally denotes direct paternal lineage. In ancient Israelite society, tracing descent through the male line was paramount for identity, inheritance, and tribal belonging.
• of Jeroham (יְרֹחָם, Yeroham): This name is derived from the root racham, meaning "to have compassion," "to show mercy," or "to love." The name likely means "He is shown mercy" or "May he be shown mercy." Several individuals bear this name in the Bible, particularly within the tribe of Benjamin (e.g., Saul's ancestor, 1 Sam 1:1; 1 Chr 9:15), a chief of Benjamin in Jer. 35:3, and a priest (1 Chr 9:12; Neh 11:12). Crucially, the Jeroham in this verse (1 Chr 8:27) is different from the Jeroham who was an ancestor of King Saul (1 Chr 8:33), even though both belong to the tribe of Benjamin. This emphasizes the need for meticulous genealogical detail by the Chronicler to distinguish individuals within shared names.

• "and Jaareshiah, and Elijah, and Zichri, were the sons of Jeroham.": This entire phrase serves as a complete genealogical statement. The "waw" conjunction (and) repeatedly introduces each son, establishing their collective relationship as siblings. The structure "X, Y, and Z were the sons of A" is the definitive Hebrew formulation for expressing patrilineal descent within a family unit. This concise linguistic pattern reflects the primary focus of these lists: accurately charting individual relationships within the tribal framework. The Chronicler's purpose in including such specific details, even for individuals not prominent elsewhere, was to affirm the integrity and continuity of the lineages of Israel, particularly for the returning exiles who needed to re-establish their identity and claims in the land.

1 Chronicles 8 27 Bonus section

The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 8:27, and genealogies in general, highlight a profound biblical principle: God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign plan unfold through individuals, however obscure they may seem to us. Each name represents a life lived under God's watchful eye, contributing to the broader narrative of His chosen people. For the post-exilic community, these lists provided tangible proof of their roots, allowing them to reconnect with their history, affirm their tribal and national identity, and ensure the proper allocation of land and priestly duties. The very act of carefully listing these individuals, many of whom have no other mention in Scripture, signifies that every member of the covenant community mattered to God and to the collective history of Israel. It serves as a subtle reminder that in God's eyes, no one in His redemptive plan is truly insignificant.

1 Chronicles 8 27 Commentary

First Chronicles 8:27, though seemingly a simple list of names, holds significance as a foundational block in the Chronicler's extensive genealogical project. It showcases the meticulous care taken to record individual family units within the larger tribal structures, especially that of Benjamin. These specific names—Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri—represent concrete links in a chain of descent that the post-exilic community would have relied upon for identity, inheritance rights, and even proof of Israelite heritage. The inclusion of names with theophoric elements like "Elijah" and those related to remembrance like "Zichri" illustrates the enduring theological convictions embedded even in naming conventions. The Jeroham mentioned here underscores the need for careful reading of biblical genealogies, as the same name can appear in different, collateral lines within the same tribe. The ultimate purpose of such records, though often overlooked, is to demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His covenant promises through generations, laying the groundwork for the lineage that would eventually bring forth the Messiah.