King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 1:17 Mean?

1 Chronicles 1:17 in the King James Version says “The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech. Meshech: ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech. Meshech: or, Mash”

1 Chronicles 1:17 · KJV

Context

15

And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,

16

And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite.

17

The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech. Meshech: or, Mash

18

And Arphaxad begat Shelah, and Shelah begat Eber.

19

And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother's name was Joktan. Peleg: that is, division

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Primeval and patriarchal genealogies section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term תּוֹלְדוֹת (toledot) - generations is central to understanding this passage's purpose. The Chronicler, writing to post-exilic Israel (c. 450-400 BCE), uses these genealogies not merely as historical records but as theological statements about covenant continuity and divine faithfulness.

The genealogical structure serves multiple purposes: (1) establishing Israel's connection to God's creatio n plan from Adam, (2) legitimizing post-exilic community's claim to covenant promises, (3) emphasizing Judah and Levi's special roles in God's redemptive plan, and (4) demonstrating that despite exile, God's covenant purposes continue. The selection and arrangement of names is intentional, highlighting God's sovereign plan through chosen lineage.

Chronicles diverges from Genesis and Samuel-Kings in its genealogical presentation, reflecting the Chronicler's distinct theological agenda. Where earlier texts focus on narrative history, Chronicles emphasizes continuity, legitimacy, and hope for restoration. This verse contributes to the larger argument that the post-exilic community is the rightful heir of God's ancient covenant promises.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Post-Exilic Context: The Chronicler wrote during the Persian period (450-400 BCE) to a community returned from Babylonian exile, struggling with identity and purpose. These genealogies answered crucial questions: Who are we? What is our relationship to ancient Israel? Do God's promises still apply to us?

The historical setting influences the text's emphasis on Genealogies from Adam to Edom - establishing covenant continuity. Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued genealogies for establishing land rights, royal legitimacy, and tribal identity. Chronicles' genealogies served similar functions while adding theological depth. The inclusion of specific names and details reflects the author's access to temple archives, royal records, and earlier biblical texts.

Archaeological evidence from Persian-period Judah shows a small, struggling community centered around Jerusalem and the rebuilt temple. The genealogies reinforced their connection to the glorious past and provided hope for future restoration through God's covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding genealogies as theological statements rather than mere historical records change your reading of Chronicles and other biblical genealogies?
  2. What does this verse teach about God's faithfulness across generations, and how does that apply to your own family's spiritual legacy?
  3. How does God's sovereign plan through chosen lineage connect to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
בְּנֵ֣י1 of 11

“The sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שֵׁ֔ם2 of 11

“of Shem”

H8035

shem, a son of noah (often including his posterity)

עֵילָ֣ם3 of 11

“Elam”

H5867

elam, a son of shem and his descendants, with their country; also of six israelites

וְאַשּׁ֔וּר4 of 11

“and Asshur”

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

וְאַרְפַּכְשַׁ֖ד5 of 11

“and Arphaxad”

H775

arpakshad, a son of noah; also the region settled by him

וְל֣וּד6 of 11

“and Lud”

H3865

lud, the name of two nations

וַֽאֲרָ֑ם7 of 11

“and Aram”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

וְע֥וּץ8 of 11

“and Uz”

H5780

uts, a son of aram, also a seirite, and the regions settled by them

וְח֖וּל9 of 11

“and Hul”

H2343

chul, a son of aram; also the region settled by him

וְגֶ֥תֶר10 of 11

“and Gether”

H1666

gether, a son of aram, and the region settled by him

וָמֶֽשֶׁךְ׃11 of 11

“and Meshech”

H4902

meshek, a son of japheth, and the people descended from him

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 1:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 10:22-32Genesis 14:1Hosea 14:3Isaiah 66:19Jeremiah 25:25Ezekiel 27:23

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