King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 5:1 Mean?

1 Chronicles 5:1 in the King James Version says “Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.”

1 Chronicles 5:1 · KJV

Context

1

Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.

2

For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's:) chief: or, prince

3

The sons, I say, of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were, Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Trans-Jordanian tribes and their failures section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term מַעַל (ma'al) - unfaithfulness/treachery 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 Consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.

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 Trans-Jordanian tribes: Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. 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 Consequences of covenant unfaithfulness connect to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
בֶּן1 of 19

“Now 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

רְאוּבֵ֥ן2 of 19

“of Reuben”

H7205

reuben, a son of jacob

הַבְּכוֹר֒3 of 19

“for he was the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל4 of 19

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּ֣י5 of 19
H3588

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

ה֣וּא6 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הַבְּכוֹר֒7 of 19

“for he was the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

וּֽבְחַלְּלוֹ֙8 of 19

“but forasmuch as he defiled”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

יְצוּעֵ֣י9 of 19

“bed”

H3326

spread, i.e., a bed; (architecture) an extension, i.e., wing or lean-to (a single story or collectively)

אָבִ֔יו10 of 19

“his father's”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

נִתְּנָה֙11 of 19

“was given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לַבְּכֹרָֽה׃12 of 19

“after the birthright”

H1062

the firstling of man or beast; abstractly primogeniture

בֶּן13 of 19

“Now 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

יוֹסֵ֖ף14 of 19

“of Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

בֶּן15 of 19

“Now 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל16 of 19

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְלֹ֥א17 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לְהִתְיַחֵ֖שׂ18 of 19

“and the genealogy is not to be reckoned”

H3187

to enroll by pedigree

לַבְּכֹרָֽה׃19 of 19

“after the birthright”

H1062

the firstling of man or beast; abstractly primogeniture

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 5:1 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 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 35:22Genesis 29:32Genesis 48:15-22Genesis 49:3-4Exodus 6:141 Chronicles 26:10

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