King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 4:31 Mean?

1 Chronicles 4:31 in the King James Version says “And at Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusim, and at Bethbirei, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities unto the reign of David...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 4:31 · KJV

Context

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

32

And their villages were, Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities: Etam: or, Ether

33

And all their villages that were round about the same cities, unto Baal. These were their habitations, and their genealogy. Baal: or, Baalathbeer their genealogy: or, as they divided themselves by nations among them

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 12 words
וּבְבֵ֤ית1 of 12
H0
מַרְכָּבוֹת֙2 of 12

“And at Bethmarcaboth”

H1024

beth-ham-markaboth or beth-markaboth, a place in palestine

וּבַֽחֲצַ֣ר3 of 12
H0
סוּסִ֔ים4 of 12

“and Hazarsusim”

H2702

chatsar-susim, a place in palestine

וּבְבֵ֥ית5 of 12
H0
בִּרְאִ֖י6 of 12

“and at Bethbirei”

H1011

beth-biri, a place in palestine

וּֽבְשַׁעֲרָ֑יִם7 of 12

“and at Shaaraim”

H8189

shaarajim, a place in palestine

אֵ֥לֶּה8 of 12
H428

these or those

עָֽרֵיהֶ֖ם9 of 12

“These were their cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

עַד10 of 12
H5704

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

מְלֹ֥ךְ11 of 12

“unto the reign”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

דָּוִֽיד׃12 of 12

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

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 4:31 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 4:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:5-6

Places in This Verse

Beth-biriSettlement · Modern: Jebel el Biri · 31.01°N, 34.49°E1 verse across 1 book
Beth-marcabothSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Tatrit · 31.35°N, 34.93°E2 verses across 2 books
Hazar-susahSettlement · Modern: Khirbet esh Shamsaniyat · 31.34°N, 34.90°E2 verses across 2 books
Shaaraim 2Settlement · Modern: Tall al Ajjul · 31.47°N, 34.40°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in 1 Chronicles 4 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 4 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes