King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 4:37 Mean?

1 Chronicles 4:37 in the King James Version says “And Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah;” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah;”

1 Chronicles 4:37 · KJV

Context

35

And Joel, and Jehu the son of Josibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel,

36

And Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah,

37

And Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah;

38

These mentioned by their names were princes in their families: and the house of their fathers increased greatly. mentioned: Heb. coming

39

And they went to the entrance of Gedor, even unto the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks.

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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 · 11 words
וְזִיזָ֨א1 of 11

“And Ziza”

H2124

ziza, the name of two israelites

בֶּן2 of 11

“the son”

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

שִׁפְעִ֧י3 of 11

“of Shiphi”

H8230

shiphi, an israelite

בֶּן4 of 11

“the son”

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

אַלּ֛וֹן5 of 11

“of Allon”

H438

allon, an israelite, also a place in palestine

בֶּן6 of 11

“the son”

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

יְדָיָ֥ה7 of 11

“of Jedaiah”

H3042

jedajah, the name of two israelites

בֶּן8 of 11

“the son”

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

שִׁמְרִ֖י9 of 11

“of Shimri”

H8113

shimri, the name of four israelites

בֶּן10 of 11

“the son”

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

שְׁמַֽעְיָֽה׃11 of 11

“of Shemaiah”

H8098

shemajah, the name of twenty-five israelites

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 4:37 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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