King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 4:6 Mean?

1 Chronicles 4:6 in the King James Version says “And Naarah bare him Ahuzam, and Hepher, and Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Naarah bare him Ahuzam, and Hepher, and Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah.”

1 Chronicles 4:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

And Coz begat Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum.

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.

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 · 14 words
וַתֵּ֨לֶד1 of 14

“bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

ל֤וֹ2 of 14
H0
נַֽעֲרָֽה׃3 of 14

“And Naarah”

H5292

naarah, the name of an israelitess

אֶת4 of 14
H853

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

אֲחֻזָּ֣ם5 of 14

“him Ahuzam”

H275

achuzzam, an israelite

וְאֶת6 of 14
H853

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

חֵ֔פֶר7 of 14

“and Hepher”

H2660

chepher, a place in palestine

וְאֶת8 of 14
H853

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

תֵּֽימְנִ֖י9 of 14

“and Temeni”

H8488

temeni, an israelite

וְאֶת10 of 14
H853

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

הָֽאֲחַשְׁתָּרִ֑י11 of 14

“and Haahashtari”

H326

an achastarite (i.e., courier); the designation (rather than name) of an israelite

אֵ֖לֶּה12 of 14
H428

these or those

בְּנֵ֥י13 of 14

“These were 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

נַֽעֲרָֽה׃14 of 14

“And Naarah”

H5292

naarah, the name of an israelitess

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 4:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 4 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes