King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 5:21 Mean?

1 Chronicles 5:21 in the King James Version says “And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of ass...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand. took: Heb. led captive men: Heb. souls of men”

1 Chronicles 5:21 · KJV

Context

19

And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab.

20

And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.

21

And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand. took: Heb. led captive men: Heb. souls of men

22

For there fell down many slain, because the war was of God. And they dwelt in their steads until the captivity.

23

And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land: they increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon.

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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 · 15 words
וַיִּשְׁבּ֣וּ1 of 15

“And they took away”

H7617

to transport into captivity

מִקְנֵיהֶ֗ם2 of 15

“their cattle”

H4735

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

גְּֽמַלֵּיהֶ֞ם3 of 15

“of their camels”

H1581

a camel

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁים֙4 of 15

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

אָֽלֶף׃5 of 15

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְצֹ֗אן6 of 15

“and of sheep”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

מֵ֥אָה7 of 15

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁים֙8 of 15

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

אָֽלֶף׃9 of 15

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וַֽחֲמוֹרִ֖ים10 of 15

“and of asses”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

אָֽלֶף׃11 of 15

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְנֶ֥פֶשׁ12 of 15
H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אָדָ֖ם13 of 15

“and of men”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

מֵ֥אָה14 of 15

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אָֽלֶף׃15 of 15

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

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 5:21 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 5:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 31:35Revelation 18:13

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