King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 2:8 Mean?

1 Chronicles 2:8 in the King James Version says “And the sons of Ethan; Azariah.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the sons of Ethan; Azariah.”

1 Chronicles 2:8 · KJV

Context

6

And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all. Zimri: or, Zabdi Dara: or, Darda

7

And the sons of Carmi; Achar, the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed. Achar: or, Achan

8

And the sons of Ethan; Azariah.

9

The sons also of Hezron, that were born unto him; Jerahmeel, and Ram, and Chelubai. Ram: Gr. Aram Chelubai: or, Caleb

10

And Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon, prince of the children of Judah;

Read 1 Chronicles 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the sons of Ethan; Azariah—this brief notice identifies Azariah (עֲזַרְיָה, 'Yahweh has helped') as descended from Zerah's son Ethan. This is likely Ethan the Ezrahite, the wise man Solomon surpassed (1 Kings 4:31), credited with Psalm 89. Ethan's wisdom represented pre-Davidic Israel's intellectual heritage, yet Solomon's God-given wisdom exceeded all predecessors.

The genealogy's inclusion within Judah's tribal records establishes that wisdom, worship, and covenant faithfulness were Judah's inheritance before kingship. Even Israel's wisest sages needed Solomon's greater revelation, which itself foreshadowed Christ, 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' (Colossians 2:3).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ethan lived during the judges period or early monarchy, representing Israel's wisdom tradition. His psalm (Psalm 89) wrestles with God's covenant promises to David amid national crisis, possibly written during exile. The Ezrahites formed a guild of temple musicians and wisdom teachers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that even Ethan's wisdom paled before Solomon's—and Solomon's before Christ's—humble you in pursuing knowledge?
  2. What does it mean that true wisdom is a person (Christ) rather than merely intellectual achievement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 3 words
וּבְנֵ֥י1 of 3

“And 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

אֵיתָ֖ן2 of 3

“of Ethan”

H387

ethan, the name of four israelites

עֲזַרְיָֽה׃3 of 3

“Azariah”

H5838

azarjah, the name of nineteen israelites

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 2:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 2 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes