King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 4:42 Mean?

1 Chronicles 4:42 in the King James Version says “And some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 4:42 · KJV

Context

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.

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.

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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 · 17 words
וּמֵהֶ֣ם׀1 of 17
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מִן2 of 17
H4480

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

בְּנֵ֥י3 of 17

“And some of them even of the sons”

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

שִׁמְע֗וֹן4 of 17

“of Simeon”

H8095

shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him

הָֽלְכוּ֙5 of 17

“went”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְהַ֣ר6 of 17

“to mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

שֵׂעִ֔יר7 of 17

“Seir”

H8165

seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine

אֲנָשִׁ֖ים8 of 17
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

חֲמֵ֣שׁ9 of 17

“five”

H2568

five

מֵא֑וֹת10 of 17

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וּפְלַטְיָ֡ה11 of 17

“Pelatiah”

H6410

pelatjah, the name of four israelites

וּ֠נְעַרְיָה12 of 17

“and Neariah”

H5294

nearjah, the name of two israelites

וּרְפָיָ֧ה13 of 17

“and Rephaiah”

H7509

rephajah, the name of five israelites

וְעֻזִּיאֵ֛ל14 of 17

“and Uzziel”

H5816

uzziel, the name of six israelites

בְּנֵ֥י15 of 17

“And some of them even of the sons”

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

יִשְׁעִ֖י16 of 17

“of Ishi”

H3469

jishi, the name of four israelites

בְּרֹאשָֽׁם׃17 of 17

“having for their captains”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

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 4:42 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 4:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 36:8-9Deuteronomy 1:2

Places in This Verse

Mount Seir 1Mountain Range · Modern: Jebel esh Shera · 30.18°N, 35.32°E34 verses across 9 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 4 →

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