King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 4:21 Mean?

1 Chronicles 4:21 in the King James Version says “The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were, Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were, Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea,”

1 Chronicles 4:21 · KJV

Context

19

And the sons of his wife Hodiah the sister of Naham, the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maachathite. Hodiah: or, Jehudijah, mentioned before

20

And the sons of Shimon were, Amnon, and Rinnah, Benhanan, and Tilon. And the sons of Ishi were, Zoheth, and Benzoheth.

21

The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were, Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea,

22

And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubilehem. And these are ancient things.

23

These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.

Read 1 Chronicles 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Judah's expansion and conquest section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term נַחֲלָה (nachalah) - inheritance 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 faithfulness in land promises.

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.

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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 of Judah's clans and territorial expansions. 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 faithfulness in land promises connect to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
בֶן1 of 16

“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

שֵׁלָ֣ה2 of 16

“of Shelah”

H7956

shelah, the name of a postdiluvian patriarch and of an israelite

בֶן3 of 16

“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

יְהוּדָ֔ה4 of 16

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

עֵ֚ר5 of 16

“were Er”

H6147

er, the name of two israelites

אֲבִ֣י6 of 16

“the father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לֵכָ֔ה7 of 16

“of Lecah”

H3922

lekah, a place in palestine

וְלַעְדָּ֖ה8 of 16

“and Laadah”

H3935

ladah, an israelite

אֲבִ֣י9 of 16

“the father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

מָֽרֵשָׁ֑ה10 of 16

“of Mareshah”

H4762

mareshah, the name of two israelites and of a place in palestine

וּמִשְׁפְּח֛וֹת11 of 16

“and the families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

לְבֵ֥ית12 of 16

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

עֲבֹדַ֥ת13 of 16

“of them that wrought”

H5656

work of any kind

הַבֻּ֖ץ14 of 16

“fine linen”

H948

probably cotton (of some sort)

לְבֵ֥ית15 of 16

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אַשְׁבֵּֽעַ׃16 of 16

“of Ashbea”

H791

asbea, an israelite

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 4:21 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 4:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 38:51 Chronicles 2:3Numbers 26:20Genesis 46:12Nehemiah 11:51 Chronicles 9:5

Places in This Verse

Beth-ashbeaSettlement · Modern: Tell Beit Mirsim · 31.46°N, 34.91°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in 1 Chronicles 4 →

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