1 Chronicles 9 35

1 Chronicles 9:35 kjv

And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon, Jehiel, whose wife's name was Maachah:

1 Chronicles 9:35 nkjv

Jeiel the father of Gibeon, whose wife's name was Maacah, dwelt at Gibeon.

1 Chronicles 9:35 niv

Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon. His wife's name was Maakah,

1 Chronicles 9:35 esv

In Gibeon lived the father of Gibeon, Jeiel, and the name of his wife was Maacah,

1 Chronicles 9:35 nlt

Jeiel (the father of Gibeon) lived in the town of Gibeon. His wife's name was Maacah,

1 Chronicles 9 verses

1 Chronicles 9 35 Meaning

1 Chronicles 9:35 is a specific genealogical entry identifying a key ancestral figure within the tribe of Benjamin, specifically linked to the significant city of Gibeon. It states that Jeiel, referred to as the "father of Gibeon," resided there with his wife whose name was Maachah. This verse serves as an anchor in the extended genealogical list, connecting the historical city of Gibeon to a specific founding or principal family within Benjamin, whose lineage is crucial to understanding subsequent entries, particularly leading to King Saul.

1 Chronicles 9 35 Context

1 Chronicles 9 opens with a declaration that "all Israel were reckoned by genealogies" (9:1), highlighting the Chronicler's meticulous purpose. Following the extensive tribal genealogies in chapters 1-8, chapter 9 provides a specific roster of those who settled in Jerusalem and other towns after the Babylonian exile, organized by tribe: Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, Manasseh, and then priestly and Levitical families.

Verse 9:35 specifically falls within the Benjaminite section (9:34-44), which is largely a repeat or elaboration of chapter 8. The Chronicler's audience, the post-exilic community, sought to re-establish their identity, heritage, and claim to their land. Precise genealogies were vital for proving tribal affiliation, land rights, temple service eligibility, and connecting the contemporary community to their storied past and God's covenant promises. The inclusion of the lineage leading to King Saul, though the Chronicler ultimately favors David, underlines the thoroughness of these records and connects a key historical figure to his specific Benjaminite ancestral root in Gibeon. Gibeon itself held historical significance, from the deception of Joshua (Joshua 9) to its role as a high place where Solomon sought wisdom (1 Kings 3).

1 Chronicles 9 35 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew: Waw (וּ). Functions as a conjunction, connecting this genealogical entry to the preceding lists and signaling a continuation of the tribal accounting, particularly for Benjamin.
• in Gibeon: Hebrew: b'Giv'on (בְּגִבְעוֹן).
  • Gibeon (גִּבְעוֹן, Gib'on): A significant ancient city located in the territory of Benjamin. Its prominence, historical narratives (Joshua 9; 2 Samuel 21; 1 Kings 3), and strategic location (known for its "great high place") make it a notable place in Israel's history. Its inclusion here anchors this lineage to a tangible, well-known location.
• dwelt: Hebrew: shakan (שָׁכַן). This verb implies a settled, permanent residence or habitation. It is a term used for both human and divine dwelling (as in the Shekinah glory). Here, it reinforces the established presence and legitimacy of Jeiel's family in Gibeon, affirming their deep roots in the territory.
• the father of Gibeon: Hebrew: avi Giv'on (אֲבִי־גִבְעוֹן). This idiomatic phrase does not mean the biological father of the city itself but designates Jeiel as the "principal inhabitant," "founder," "chief citizen," or the patriarchal head of the lineage associated with the city of Gibeon. It signifies his prominent role in its Benjaminite settlement or community.
• Jeiel: Hebrew: Y'i'el (יְעִיאֵל). A Hebrew personal name meaning "God sweeps away" or "God carries away." It appears multiple times in the Chronicler's genealogies for various individuals, indicating its commonality and the God-centric nature of naming conventions in ancient Israel. His specific mention is vital for tracing the lineage of King Saul.
• and his wife's name was: Hebrew: v'shem ishto (וְשֵׁם אִשְׁתּוֹ). The waw (וְ) means "and," while shem (שֵׁם) is "name," and ishto (אִשְׁתּוֹ) is "his wife." The explicit inclusion of the wife's name is noteworthy, as women are often omitted in biblical genealogies unless they are crucial for lineage or significant matriarchs. This detail underscores the meticulousness of the Chronicler's record.
• Maachah: Hebrew: Ma'achah (מַעֲכָה). A common feminine name in the Old Testament, also borne by figures associated with royalty (e.g., David's wife, Absalom's mother, Rehoboam's mother). Her inclusion is part of the precise familial detailing that distinguishes the Chronicler's genealogical work.

Words-group analysis:

• "And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon, Jeiel": This phrase compactly establishes a vital genealogical link. It solidifies Jeiel as the key patriarch from whom the Gibeon inhabitants of this specific Benjaminite line descended, linking him geographically to a well-known city, critical for understanding the subsequent royal lineage of Saul.
• "and his wife’s name was Maachah": This detail offers a deeper familial context than is typical for such lists. It points to a commitment to thorough record-keeping, essential for substantiating claims of family heritage and tribal affiliation among the returning exiles.

1 Chronicles 9 35 Bonus section

The almost verbatim repetition of this verse from 1 Chronicles 8:29-30 highlights its importance. Such repetition often signals emphasis, serving as a mnemonic device or to re-introduce a significant lineage after a break in the narrative. In 1 Chronicles 9, following the list of post-exilic settlers in Jerusalem, this particular re-entry into Jeiel's line strongly signals the Chronicler's deliberate intention to detail King Saul's ancestry (9:39ff). It serves as a necessary genealogical "reset" or "re-entry point" to guide the reader towards understanding the roots of Israel's first king within the extensive Benjaminite family tree. For the exilic returnees, having this accurate, documented heritage provided legitimacy, security, and a sense of belonging as they rebuilt their nation. It served as a powerful reminder that their identity, though challenged by exile, remained unbroken and rooted in God's enduring historical plan for Israel.

1 Chronicles 9 35 Commentary

1 Chronicles 9:35 is a seemingly simple genealogical statement but carries profound significance within the Chronicler's overarching theological and historical narrative. By meticulously detailing the residence and family head of Gibeon, Jeiel, and even naming his wife Maachah, the Chronicler performs several vital functions for the post-exilic community. Firstly, it roots the returning people firmly in their historical geography, connecting specific tribal lineages to concrete land claims, particularly relevant for the re-settlement of Jerusalem and surrounding Benjaminite territories.

Secondly, this verse acts as a pivotal connection to the subsequent detailing of King Saul's lineage. The Chronicler, writing centuries after Saul, ensures that the initial royal line is meticulously preserved and tied to its Benjaminite ancestral base in Gibeon, even though the focus will soon pivot to David. This affirms the continuous historical thread from pre-monarchic Israel through the time of the kings. The emphasis on "father of Gibeon" highlights Jeiel's foundational role in this segment of the Benjaminite population, solidifying his status as an ancestral progenitor rather than just a name in a list. The very act of such precise record-keeping underscores the Chronicler's theological conviction in God's faithfulness through generations and the enduring covenant with His people, whose identity and promises are tied to their heritage.