King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 4:41 Mean?

1 Chronicles 4:41 in the King James Version says “And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the habitations that we... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Chronicles 4:41 · KJV


Context

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.

43

And they smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped, and dwelt there unto this day.


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 · 26 words
וַיָּבֹ֡אוּ1 of 26

came

H935

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

אֵלֶּה֩2 of 26
H428

these or those

הַכְּתוּבִ֨ים3 of 26

And these written

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

בְּשֵׁמ֜וֹת4 of 26

by name

H8034

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

הַיּ֣וֹם5 of 26

in the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יְחִזְקִיָּ֣הוּ6 of 26

of Hezekiah

H3169

jechizkijah, the name of five israelites

מֶֽלֶךְ7 of 26

king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֗ה8 of 26

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וַיַּכּ֨וּ9 of 26

and smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת10 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אָֽהֳלֵיהֶ֜ם11 of 26

their tents

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

וְאֶת12 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמְּעיּנִ֨ים13 of 26

and the habitations

H4583

an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר14 of 26
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִמְצְאוּ15 of 26

that were 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

שָׁ֙מָּה֙16 of 26
H8033

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

וַיַּֽחֲרִימֻם֙17 of 26

there and destroyed

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

עַד18 of 26
H5704

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

הַיּ֣וֹם19 of 26

in the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּ֔ה20 of 26
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וַיֵּֽשְׁב֖וּ21 of 26

and dwelt

H3427

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

תַּחְתֵּיהֶ֑ם22 of 26
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

כִּֽי23 of 26
H3588

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

מִרְעֶ֥ה24 of 26

in their rooms because there was pasture

H4829

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

לְצֹאנָ֖ם25 of 26

there for their flocks

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

שָֽׁם׃26 of 26
H8033

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


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 4:41 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 4:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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