1 Chronicles 8:38 meaning, Cross Ref, ai commentary KJV NIV ESV NLT

1 Chronicles 8:38 kjv

And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.

1 Chronicles 8:38 nkjv

Azel had six sons whose names were these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.

1 Chronicles 8:38 niv

Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.

1 Chronicles 8:38 esv

Azel had six sons, and these are their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.

1 Chronicles 8:38 nlt

Azel had six sons: Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.

1 Chronicles 8 38 Cross References

Verse	Text	Reference
Gen 5:1	This is the book of the generations of Adam...	Beginning of extensive biblical genealogies.
Gen 10:32	These are the families of the sons of Noah...	Table of nations, establishing human lineages.
Gen 11:27	Now these are the generations of Terah...	Lineage leading to Abram/Abraham.
Num 26:38-41	The sons of Benjamin according to their clans...	A census list, also mentioning Benjamite families.
1 Chr 1-9	All of chapter 1-9 details various genealogies...	The Chronicler's general focus on comprehensive lineage.
1 Chr 8:29-37	From Jeiel...to Saul...and Ner...	Immediate preceding context detailing Saul's lineage.
1 Chr 8:39-40	The sons of Eshek his brother: Ulam...	Continues the same family line in the chapter.
1 Chr 9:35-44	Jeiel the father of Gibeon...and Ner...and Saul...	Repetition of Saul's genealogy, emphasizing its importance.
Ezr 2:62	These sought their registration among those enrolled by genealogy...	Genealogies for identity validation in post-exilic period.
Neh 7:5	My God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles...for a genealogy...	The importance of genealogical records for community structure.
Neh 12:22	The heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites were recorded...	Priesthood lineage dependent on recorded ancestry.
Ruth 4:18-22	Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron...	David's genealogy, showing the continuity of God's promises.
Mt 1:1	The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.	Demonstrates divine plan and Messiah's lineage.
Lk 3:23-38	Jesus...being the son...of David...of Abraham...of Adam...	Traces Jesus' lineage back to humanity's origin.
Dt 7:6	For you are a people holy to the Lᴏʀᴅ your God...	Emphasizes God's choice of a specific lineage/people.
Ps 105:8-10	He remembers his covenant forever...which he made with Abraham...	God's faithfulness to His covenant through generations.
Is 49:6	...to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel...	Prophetic view of God's care for Israel's identity and future.
Jer 33:17	For thus says the Lᴏʀᴅ: David shall never lack a man...	God's promise regarding the perpetuity of a royal lineage.
Acts 2:30	Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath...	Reference to God's promise of a Davidic descendant for the throne.
Rom 9:5	...from whom, according to the flesh, comes the Christ...	The importance of lineage, even for the Messiah's humanity.
Heb 7:3	Melchizedek...without father or mother or genealogy...	Contrasts the eternal priesthood of Christ with lineage-based Aaronite priesthood.
Phil 3:5	circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin...	Paul emphasizing his own specific tribal lineage.

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

1 Chronicles 8 38 Meaning

This verse details a specific branch of the tribal lineage of Benjamin, naming the six sons of Azel: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. It serves as a meticulous record, establishing the continued family line, particularly within the extended family of King Saul, whose descendants are primarily listed in this chapter.

1 Chronicles 8 38 Context

1 Chronicles 8 forms part of the lengthy genealogical sections (1 Chr 1-9) that introduce the book. The Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic community in Judah, meticulously traces various family lines. Chapter 8 specifically focuses on the tribe of Benjamin, dedicating a significant portion to the descendants of King Saul (through his son Jonathan). Verse 38 continues this detailed account, naming the six sons of Azel, who himself is identified as a descendant of Saul. This extensive listing aimed to validate tribal identity, confirm claims to ancestral lands, and underscore the continuity of the covenant community, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their history despite exile and dispersion. It grounds the returning exiles in their ancient heritage and connects them to Israel's storied past.

1 Chronicles 8 38 Word analysis

And Azel (וּלְעָצֵ֣ל, ûləʻâṣêl): "And belonging to Azel" or "as for Azel." Azel (עָצֵל, 'âtsel) means "noble," "separated," or "reserved." He is a direct descendant of King Saul, providing a further link in the royal (though deposed) line of Benjamin mentioned in this chapter (1 Chr 8:37). His appearance here underscores the meticulous preservation of royal genealogical data, even from a non-Davidic lineage.
had six sons: This numerical specification indicates a precise, carefully preserved record. It reflects a systematic approach to lineage documentation, highlighting the completeness and accuracy perceived by the Chronicler.
whose names are these: A common introductory phrase in genealogical lists, emphasizing the specific enumeration to follow. It signals an exhaustive list, not merely a selective one.
Azrikam (עַזְרִיקָם, 'azrı̂qâm): Meaning "my help has risen" or "help of the uprising." This name often appears in Israelite genealogies, even in different roles (e.g., as a chief Levite, 1 Chr 9:14), suggesting its popularity and perhaps the underlying theological sentiment in naming a child "help has risen" or "Yahweh has risen for help."
Bocheru (בֹּוכְרוּ, bôkrû): This name is unique to this verse in the Hebrew Bible. It likely means "his firstborn" or "his choice/chosen." Its uncommon nature might indicate a family-specific descriptive rather than a common name.
Ishmael (יִשְׁמָעֵאל, yishmâ'êl): Meaning "God hears" or "God will hear." While notably the name of Abraham's son, it was a relatively common and biblically resonant name among Israelites. Its use here reiterates the frequent acknowledgment of God's attentiveness and grace in Hebrew naming conventions.
Sheariah (שְׁעַרְיָה, shə'aryah): Meaning "Yahweh has esteemed" or "gate of Yahweh." This name expresses reliance on divine assessment or possibly implies a guardian role, if understood as "gate-keeper of Yahweh."
Obadiah (עֹבַדְיָה, 'ôbâdyah): Meaning "servant of Yahweh." This is a highly significant biblical name, borne by several prominent figures including one of the twelve minor prophets. Its commonality speaks to the deep theological identity of Israel as servants of the Lord.
and Hanan (וַחָנָן, vahânân): Hanan (חָנָן, chânân) means "gracious," "merciful," or "He (God) has shown favor." A name conveying God's grace and benevolence, reflecting gratitude or hope.
All these were the sons of Azel: This phrase serves as a definitive conclusion to the list, affirming the accuracy and exhaustiveness of the preceding enumeration. It firmly ties the listed individuals back to Azel, ensuring clarity in the genealogical record. This meticulous verification emphasizes the truthfulness of the recorded lineage.

1 Chronicles 8 38 Bonus section

The Chronicler's emphasis on detailed genealogies, as seen in this verse, reflected a deep cultural and spiritual understanding of identity. In ancient Israel, one's lineage defined not just personal status but also tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, and often, priestly eligibility. The precision observed here (e.g., "six sons," names specifically listed and confirmed) demonstrates a high regard for historical accuracy and the significance of ancestral heritage as foundational to the community's restoration post-exile. The recurrence of certain names across different genealogies (e.g., Azrikam) suggests their continued importance or favored status, or simply the commonality of certain "God-centered" names. The careful cataloging of even the family of the deposed King Saul underscores the Chronicler's commitment to presenting a complete and verifiable history, honoring all of God's arrangements, even those that eventually gave way to a new covenant promise.

1 Chronicles 8 38 Commentary

1 Chronicles 8:38 provides a highly detailed account of a specific branch within the tribe of Benjamin, pinpointing the six sons of Azel, a descendant of King Saul. The verse, embedded within a larger genealogical framework, served critical functions for the post-exilic community to whom the Chronicler addressed his work. It affirmed identity, provided legal basis for land claims, and re-established tribal structures essential for the returning exiles. The precise enumeration of names, many with theological meanings ("God hears," "servant of Yahweh"), highlights the continuity of divine favor and the meticulous preservation of Israel's history. Far from being a mere list, it is a testament to God's enduring covenant faithfulness and the enduring identity of His people through generations.