King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 1:46 Mean?

1 Chronicles 1:46 in the King James Version says “And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.”

1 Chronicles 1:46 · KJV

Context

44

And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.

45

And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.

46

And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.

47

And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

48

And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.

Read 1 Chronicles 1 full chapter

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 15 words
וַיָּ֖מָת1 of 15

“was dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

חוּשָׁ֑ם2 of 15

“And when Husham”

H2367

chusham, an idumaean

וַיִּמְלֹ֨ךְ3 of 15

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

תַּחְתָּ֜יו4 of 15
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הֲדַ֣ד5 of 15

“Hadad”

H1908

hadad, the name of an idol, and of several kings of edom, possibly a royal title

בֶּן6 of 15

“the son”

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

בְּדַ֗ד7 of 15

“of Bedad”

H911

bedad, an edomite

הַמַּכֶּ֤ה8 of 15

“which smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת9 of 15
H853

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

מִדְיָן֙10 of 15

“Midian”

H4080

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה11 of 15

“in the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

מוֹאָ֔ב12 of 15

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

וְשֵׁ֥ם13 of 15

“in his stead and the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

עִיר֖וֹ14 of 15

“of his city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

עֲיִֽות׃15 of 15

“was Avith”

H5762

avvith (or avvoth), a place in palestine

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 1:46 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Places in This Verse

AvithSettlement · Modern: Rujum al Juththa · 30.21°N, 35.60°E2 verses across 2 books
MidianRegion · Modern: Al Bad · 28.49°N, 35.01°E51 verses across 11 books
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 1 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 1 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes