King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 4:16 Mean?
“And the sons of Jehaleleel; Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asareel.”
Context
14
And Meonothai begat Ophrah: and Seraiah begat Joab, the father of the valley of Charashim; for they were craftsmen. valley: or, inhabitants of the valley Charashim: that is, craftsmen Hathath: or, Hathath, and Meonothai, who begat, etc
15
And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh; Iru, Elah, and Naam: and the sons of Elah, even Kenaz. even Kenaz: or, Uknaz
16
And the sons of Jehaleleel; Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asareel.
17
And the sons of Ezra were, Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.
18
And his wife Jehudijah bare Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Socho, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. And these are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered took. Jehudijah: or, the Jewess
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(16) **The sons of Jehaleleel.**—Heb., *Yehallel-ēl, *“he praiseth God.”
**Ziph** is known, from Joshua 15:21; Joshua 15:24, as one of the cities of the children of Judah, “towards the border of Edom, southwards.” Perhaps, therefore, the sons of Jehallel-el also were Edomite-Kenizzites. Another Ziph, perhaps our Ziphah, is mentioned as in the hill-country, Joshua 15:55.
**Asareel **is perhaps a dialectic form of Israel (See 1Chronicles 25:2; 1Chronicles 25:14.) A foreign clan might take the name of its adopted people.
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 4:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.