King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 4:5 Mean?
“And Ashur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.”
Context
3
And these were of the father of Etam; Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash: and the name of their sister was Hazelelponi:
4
And Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah. These are the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah, the father of Bethlehem.
5
And Ashur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.
6
And Naarah bare him Ahuzam, and Hepher, and Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah.
7
And the sons of Helah were, Zereth, and Jezoar , and Ethnan.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers**FAMILIES THAT CAME OF ASH-HUR** (1Chronicles 4:5-7).
(5) **And Ashur the father of Tekoa.**—See 1Chronicles 2:24, and Notes. If Ashur means the Hurites, the two wives, Helah and Naarah, may designate two settlements of this great clan.
(6) **Hepher.**—A district of southern Judah, near Tappuach (Joshua 12:17; 1Kings 4:10).
**Temeni** is a Gentilic name, formed from the word Têmân, “the south.” This clan was called “the Southrons,” and doubtless lived with the others in the south of Judah.
**Haahashtari** is another *nomen gentilicium,* meaning the Ahashtarites (“muleteers;” comp. Esther 8:10).
(7) The sons of Helah are unknown from other sources.
**Jezoar** should be Zohar, according to the Hebrew margin. The Heb. text has Izhar.
**Ethnan.**—*Harlot’s hire* (Hosea 9:1). There may have been a foreign element in this clan or township.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 4:5 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 4:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge