King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 1:22 Mean?

1 Chronicles 1:22 in the King James Version says “And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba, — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba,

1 Chronicles 1:22 · KJV


Context

20

And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,

21

Hadoram also, and Uzal, and Diklah,

22

And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba,

23

And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.

24

Shem, Arphaxad, Shelah,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba—these sons of Joktan represent Arabian tribal founders descended from Shem. The Hebrew עוֹבָל (Obal/Ebal) possibly means 'bare' or 'stripped,' while אֲבִימָאֵל (Abimael) means 'my father is God,' and שְׁבָא (Sheba) denotes 'seven' or 'oath.'

Sheba particularly matters: this Arabian kingdom (modern Yemen) produced the Queen who visited Solomon (1 Kings 10), testing his wisdom with hard questions. These Semitic peoples, though outside Israel's covenant line, shared linguistic and cultural connections, and some like Sheba acknowledged Yahweh's supremacy through Solomon.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Joktanite tribes settled southern Arabia, establishing trade networks dealing in spices, gold, and incense. Sheba became wealthy through controlling trade routes, evident in archaeological remains at sites like Marib. The Queen of Sheba's visit (c. 950 BC) represents these kingdoms' recognition of Israel's God during Solomon's zenith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Queen of Sheba's seeking wisdom from Solomon challenge you to pursue spiritual wisdom with equal diligence?
  2. What does it mean that even peoples outside the covenant line could recognize and honor Yahweh?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְאֶת1 of 6
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֵיבָ֥ל2 of 6

And Ebal

H5858

ebal, a mountain of palestine

וְאֶת3 of 6
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲבִימָאֵ֖ל4 of 6

and Abimael

H39

abimael, a son of joktan

וְאֶת5 of 6
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁבָֽא׃6 of 6

and Sheba

H7614

sheba, the name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an ethiopian district


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 1:22 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 1:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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