King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 4:43 Mean?

1 Chronicles 4:43 in the King James Version says “And they smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped, and dwelt there unto this day.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 4:43 · KJV

Context

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.

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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 · 10 words
וַיַּכּ֕וּ1 of 10

“And they smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת2 of 10
H853

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

שְׁאֵרִ֥ית3 of 10

“the rest”

H7611

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

הַפְּלֵטָ֖ה4 of 10

“that were escaped”

H6413

deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion

לַֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק5 of 10

“of the Amalekites”

H6002

amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country

וַיֵּ֣שְׁבוּ6 of 10

“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

שָׁ֔ם7 of 10
H8033

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

עַ֖ד8 of 10
H5704

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

הַיּ֥וֹם9 of 10

“there unto this day”

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

הַזֶּֽה׃10 of 10
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 4:43 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 4:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 30:171 Samuel 15:7-82 Samuel 8:12Deuteronomy 34:6Exodus 17:14-16Deuteronomy 25:17-19

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