King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 1:34 Mean?
“And Abraham begat Isaac. The sons of Isaac; Esau and Israel.”
Context
32
Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine: she bare Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan; Sheba, and Dedan.
33
And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these are the sons of Keturah.
34
And Abraham begat Isaac. The sons of Isaac; Esau and Israel.
35
The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah.
36
The sons of Eliphaz; Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek. Zephi: or, Zepho
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(34) **Abraham begat Isaac.**—From Genesis 25:19.
**Esau and Israel.**—Esau is named first, not as the elder, but because the tribes of Esau are to be first enumerated. (Comp. Note above on 1Chronicles 1:28-42.)
**Israel.**—The more honourable appellation (Genesis 32:28) almost wholly supplanted Jacob as the name of the chosen people, except in poetry and prophecy. Some moderns have seen in such double names as Jacob-Israel, Esau-Edom, a trace of an ancient fusion or amalgamation of distinct races.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 1:34 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 1:34
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge