King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 4:27 Mean?

1 Chronicles 4:27 in the King James Version says “And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brethren had not many children, neither did all their family mult...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brethren had not many children, neither did all their family multiply, like to the children of Judah. like: Heb. unto”

1 Chronicles 4:27 · KJV

Context

25

Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son.

26

And the sons of Mishma; Hamuel his son, Zacchur his son, Shimei his son.

27

And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brethren had not many children, neither did all their family multiply, like to the children of Judah. like: Heb. unto

28

And they dwelt at Beersheba, and Moladah, and Hazarshual,

29

And at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad, Bilhah: or, Balah Tolad: or, Eltolad

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 · 17 words
וּלְשִׁמְעִ֞י1 of 17

“And Shimei”

H8096

shimi, the name of twenty israelites

בְּנֵ֥י2 of 17

“children”

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

שֵׁ֔שׁ3 of 17

“and six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

עָשָׂר֙4 of 17
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

וּבָנ֣וֹת5 of 17

“daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

שֵׁ֔שׁ6 of 17

“and six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

וּלְאֶחָ֕יו7 of 17

“but his brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אֵ֖ין8 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בְּנֵ֥י9 of 17

“children”

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

רַבִּ֑ים10 of 17

“had not many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וְכֹל֙11 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִשְׁפַּחְתָּ֔ם12 of 17

“neither did all their family”

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

לֹ֥א13 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִרְבּ֖וּ14 of 17

“multiply”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

עַד15 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בְּנֵ֥י16 of 17

“children”

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

יְהוּדָֽה׃17 of 17

“of Judah”

H3063

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

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 4:27 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 4:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:14Numbers 26:22Numbers 2:13Numbers 2:4

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