King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 4:29 Mean?

1 Chronicles 4:29 in the King James Version says “And at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad, Bilhah: or, Balah Tolad: or, Eltolad — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 4:29 · KJV


Context

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

30

And at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag,

31

And at Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusim, and at Bethbirei, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities unto the reign of David. Hazarsusim: or, Hazarsusah


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad—these Simeonite towns in southern Judah's Negev reflect tribal settlement patterns. בִּלְהָה (Bilhah) shares the name of Rachel's handmaid (Genesis 29:29), עֶצֶם (Etzem) means 'bone' or 'strength,' and תּוֹלָד (Tolad) means 'generations' or 'birth.' The list continues from verse 28, enumerating Simeon's allotted cities within Judah's territory (Joshua 19:2-8).

Simeon's absorption into Judah fulfilled Jacob's prophecy: 'I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel' (Genesis 49:7). Though receiving inheritance, Simeon lacked distinct tribal territory, eventually merging with Judah. This demonstrates God's prophetic words accomplish their purpose across centuries. What seemed like curse (scattering) ensured Simeon's preservation through Judah, the tribe producing Messiah.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Simeon's territory, theoretically within Judah's borders, never achieved full independence. By David's census (2 Samuel 24), Simeon had largely merged with Judah. The Chronicler's listing preserves Simeon's identity even as tribal distinctiveness faded, showing God remembers every tribe despite historical absorption.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Simeon's absorption into Judah demonstrate that God's discipline can become the means of preservation and blessing?
  2. What does it mean that even 'scattered' tribes remained in God's covenant memory and received inheritance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 3 words
וּבְבִלְהָ֥ה1 of 3

And at Bilhah

H1090

bilhah, the name of a place in palestine

וּבְעֶ֖צֶם2 of 3

and at Ezem

H6107

etsem, a place in palestine

וּבְתוֹלָֽד׃3 of 3

and at Tolad

H8434

tolad, 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 4:29 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 4:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study