1 Chronicles 8:40 kjv
And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin.
1 Chronicles 8:40 nkjv
The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor?archers. They had many sons and grandsons, one hundred and fifty in all. These were all sons of Benjamin.
1 Chronicles 8:40 niv
The sons of Ulam were brave warriors who could handle the bow. They had many sons and grandsons?150 in all. All these were the descendants of Benjamin.
1 Chronicles 8:40 esv
The sons of Ulam were men who were mighty warriors, bowmen, having many sons and grandsons, 150. All these were Benjaminites.
1 Chronicles 8:40 nlt
Ulam's sons were all mighty warriors and expert archers. They had many sons and grandsons ? 150 in all. All these were descendants of Benjamin.
1 Chronicles 8 40 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 1:28 | God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase..." | Command and blessing of fruitfulness |
| Gen 13:16 | "I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth..." | Abraham's promised numerous descendants |
| Gen 17:6 | "I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you..." | God's promise of fruitfulness to Abraham |
| Exod 1:7 | But the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied... | Fulfillment of fertility promise in Egypt |
| Deut 7:13-14 | "He will love you and bless you and multiply you; He will also..." | Blessings for obedience, including many children |
| Ps 127:3-5 | Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward... | Children as a divine blessing and strength |
| Prov 17:6 | Grandchildren are the crown of the aged... | Grandchildren signify honor and prosperity |
| Judg 6:12 | When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." | Use of "mighty man of valor" for a hero |
| 1 Sam 16:18 | One of the servants answered, "I have seen a son of Jesse... a brave man and a warrior..." | Description of military prowess/valor |
| 1 Chr 7:40 | All these were the sons of Asher, mighty men of valor... | Parallel example of a tribe with mighty men |
| 1 Chr 11:26 | The mighty men of the armies were: Asahel the brother of Joab... | Lists of David's mighty men of valor |
| 2 Chr 17:13-16 | And with them were 300,000 mighty men of valor, and with these... | Commanders as mighty men in military context |
| Judg 20:16 | Among all these soldiers there were 700 chosen men who were left-handed, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair and not miss. | Benjaminite reputation for specialized skill |
| 1 Sam 20:20 | I will send a boy and say, 'Go, find the arrows.' | David and Jonathan's use of arrows/archery |
| 2 Sam 1:18 | he ordered that the people of Judah be taught about the bow... | Importance of archery for military |
| 1 Chr 12:2 | They were armed with bows and were ambidextrous in hurling stones... | Benjaminite skill with bows and sling stones |
| Gen 49:27 | "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey..." | Jacob's prophetic blessing for Benjamin |
| 1 Sam 9:1-2 | There was a man of Benjamin named Kish... He had a son named Saul... | Saul, Israel's first king, was from Benjamin |
| Rom 11:1 | I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. | Paul's Benjaminite lineage |
| Phil 3:5 | circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin... | Paul again confirming his Benjaminite roots |
| Ezra 2:59-62 | Some of those who came up from Tel Melah...could not prove...their line and their descent... | Importance of genealogical records post-exile |
| Neh 7:61-64 | These searched for their family records, but they could not be found... | Verification of lineage for identity/priesthood |
1 Chronicles 8 verses
1 Chronicles 8 40 Meaning
1 Chronicles 8:40 concludes a significant section on the genealogy of Benjamin by highlighting a particular branch, the descendants of Ulam. This verse specifies their remarkable attributes: they were highly skilled warriors, specifically renowned archers, and possessed an exceptionally large and flourishing family, boasting one hundred and fifty sons and grandsons. This detailed record emphasizes their strength, both militarily and numerically, underscoring the ongoing divine blessing upon the tribe of Benjamin and their enduring contribution to Israel.
1 Chronicles 8 40 Context
1 Chronicles chapter 8 is unique for its extensive and detailed genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, covering forty verses. It stands as the most comprehensive list for this tribe in the Old Testament, outlining its diverse family branches, the residents of various towns, and even tracing the lineage of King Saul. The verse, 1 Chronicles 8:40, acts as a climactic summation within this Benjaminite register. The broader context of the book of Chronicles is the post-exilic period, where the returning exiles faced the critical task of re-establishing their identity, land claims, and religious life. For this community, detailed genealogies served as vital documents, affirming continuity with the covenant people, verifying land inheritance rights, and distinguishing authentic lineage, especially for roles within the renewed Temple service. By highlighting military strength and numerical blessing, the Chronicler sought to reassure the vulnerable community of God's enduring favor and their capacity for defense and prosperity. While not a direct polemic, the emphasis on Yahweh's blessing for prosperity and military might subtly counters reliance on pagan deities for such outcomes, affirming the unique relationship between Israel and their covenant God.
1 Chronicles 8 40 Word analysis
- The sons of Ulam: (בְּנֵי אוּלָם, b'nê 'Ūlām) "Sons of Ulam." Ulam is a personal name, not common elsewhere in this genealogical context beyond 1 Chronicles 7 and 8. Its specific mention here identifies a distinct branch within the complex genealogy of Benjamin, likely descending from Azel (1 Chr 8:37-38). The emphasis on specific family units reinforces the meticulous nature of the Chronicler's record.
- were mighty men of valor: (גִּבֹּורֵי חָיִל, gibborê ḥayil) Literally, "heroes of strength" or "men of military strength/wealth." This is a recurring phrase in the Old Testament, denoting brave and capable warriors, men of influence, or successful individuals. It signifies not just physical prowess but also status and achievement within the community, crucial for the tribe's defense and honor.
- archers: (דֹּרְכֵי קֶשֶׁת, dorkê qeshet) Literally, "treaders of the bow." This term specifically refers to skilled bowmen, highlighting a specialized military skill. The tribe of Benjamin was renowned for its archery and slingers (e.g., Judg 20:16; 1 Chr 12:2), making this a particularly apt descriptor for them. It underlines a significant tactical advantage and their contribution to Israel's military might.
- and had many sons and grandsons: (וּלָהֶם בָּנִים הַרְבֵּה וּבְנֵי בָנִים, ūlāhem bānīm harbēh ūvnê vānīm) "And they had many sons and sons' sons (grandsons)." This phrase emphasizes prodigious fertility and multiple generations, a clear sign of divine blessing and prosperity in ancient Israel. Large families were foundational for societal continuity, economic strength, and military recruitment, reflecting the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham regarding numerous descendants.
- one hundred and fifty: (מֵאָה וַחֲמִשִּׁים, mê'āh vaḥamissīm) This specific numerical count is significant. It's not a round number like "a great multitude," but a precise tally. It underscores the accuracy and importance of these genealogical records, indicating a very substantial family unit. Such a large number would have ensured the vitality and expansion of this particular clan within Benjamin.
- All these were of the sons of Benjamin: (כָּל־אֵלֶּה בְּנֵי יְמִינִי, kol-’ēleh b'nê Yĕmînî) This concluding phrase unequivocally links Ulam's powerful and numerous descendants directly to the tribe of Benjamin. It reinforces their tribal identity and integrity, essential for the Chronicler's purpose of asserting the historical legitimacy and enduring identity of the tribes of Israel, even after exile.
1 Chronicles 8 40 Bonus section
- The meticulous cataloging of military and numerical strength, as seen in this verse and throughout Chronicles' genealogies, points to the pragmatic concerns of the returned exiles. Re-establishing a defensible community and ensuring a viable future generation were paramount for a people recently displaced.
- The chronicler's emphasis on Benjamin, the tribe of Saul, Israel's first king, and one of the two tribes forming the Southern Kingdom, is particularly significant. It stresses the continuity and importance of this tribal heritage for the post-exilic community.
- This verse encapsulates a broader theme in biblical genealogies: they are not just lists of names, but convey significant information about identity, divine blessing, covenant promises, and the historical continuity of God's people.
1 Chronicles 8 40 Commentary
1 Chronicles 8:40 provides a culminating and affirmative snapshot of a specific branch within the tribe of Benjamin, presenting them not merely as a list of names but as a dynamic force within Israel. The combination of being "mighty men of valor" and "archers" paints a vivid picture of their military strength and skill, essential attributes for national security in the ancient world. Simultaneously, the emphasis on having "many sons and grandsons, one hundred and fifty," speaks profoundly to their vitality and the divine blessing of fruitfulness upon them. This signifies not just a large household, but a flourishing lineage capable of contributing to the tribe's demographic, economic, and military future. For the post-exilic community reading Chronicles, this verse, amidst pages of detailed genealogies, offered reassurance and hope: it highlighted the endurance of specific powerful lineages and affirmed God's ongoing commitment to multiply and strengthen His people, laying a foundation for future stability and national identity in the Promised Land.