King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 4:38 Mean?

1 Chronicles 4:38 in the King James Version says “These mentioned by their names were princes in their families: and the house of their fathers increased greatly. mention...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 4:38 · KJV

Context

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.

40

And they found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide , and quiet, and peaceable; for they of Ham had dwelt there of old.

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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 · 9 words
אֵ֚לֶּה1 of 9
H428

these or those

הַבָּאִ֣ים2 of 9

“These mentioned”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּשֵׁמ֔וֹת3 of 9

“by their names”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

נְשִׂיאִ֖ים4 of 9

“were princes”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

בְּמִשְׁפְּחוֹתָ֑ם5 of 9

“in their 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

וּבֵית֙6 of 9

“and the house”

H1004

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

אֲב֣וֹתֵיהֶ֔ם7 of 9

“of their fathers”

H1

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

פָּֽרְצ֖וּ8 of 9

“increased”

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

לָרֽוֹב׃9 of 9

“greatly”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

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 4:38 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 4:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 6:41 Chronicles 5:24

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