King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 4:40 Mean?

1 Chronicles 4:40 in the King James Version says “And they found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide , and quiet, and peaceable; for they of Ham had dwelt there o...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 4:40 · KJV

Context

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.

41

And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their rooms: because there was pasture there for their flocks.

42

And some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, and Neariah, and Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi.

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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 · 15 words
וַֽיִּמְצְא֤וּ1 of 15

“And they found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

מִרְעֶה֙2 of 15

“pasture”

H4829

pasture (the place or the act); also the haunt of wild animals

שָׁמֵ֣ן3 of 15

“fat”

H8082

greasy, i.e., gross; figuratively, rich

וָט֔וֹב4 of 15

“and good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וְהָאָ֙רֶץ֙5 of 15

“and the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

רַֽחֲבַ֣ת6 of 15

“was wide”

H7342

roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively

יָדַ֔יִם7 of 15
H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְשֹׁקֶ֖טֶת8 of 15

“and quiet”

H8252

to repose (usually figurative)

וּשְׁלֵוָ֑ה9 of 15

“and peaceable”

H7961

tranquil; (in a bad sense) careless; abstractly, security

כִּ֣י10 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מִן11 of 15
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

חָ֔ם12 of 15

“for they of Ham”

H2526

cham, a son of noah; also (as a patronymic) his descendants or their country

הַיֹּֽשְׁבִ֥ים13 of 15

“had dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׁ֖ם14 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

לְפָנִֽים׃15 of 15

“there of old”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 4:40 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 4:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 18:7-10Genesis 10:6Psalms 105:23Psalms 78:51Genesis 9:22-29

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