King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 5:23 Mean?

1 Chronicles 5:23 in the King James Version says “And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land: they increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 5:23 · KJV

Context

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.

24

And these were the heads of the house of their fathers, even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty men of valour, famous men, and heads of the house of their fathers. famous: Heb. men of names

25

And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them.

Read 1 Chronicles 5 full chapter

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.

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 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
וּבְנֵ֗י1 of 15

“And the children”

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

חֲצִי֙2 of 15

“of the half”

H2677

the half or middle

שֵׁ֣בֶט3 of 15

“tribe”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה4 of 15

“of Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

יָֽשְׁב֖וּ5 of 15

“dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָּאָ֑רֶץ6 of 15

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִבָּשָׁ֞ן7 of 15

“from Bashan”

H1316

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

עַד8 of 15
H5704

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

בַּ֧עַל9 of 15
H0
חֶרְמ֛וֹן10 of 15

“unto Baalhermon”

H1179

baal-chermon, a place in palestine

וּשְׂנִ֥יר11 of 15

“and Senir”

H8149

shenir or senir, a summit of lebanon

וְהַר12 of 15

“and unto mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

חֶרְמ֖וֹן13 of 15

“Hermon”

H2768

chermon, a mount of palestine

הֵ֥מָּה14 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

רָבֽוּ׃15 of 15

“they increased”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

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 5:23 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 5:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 3:8-9Song of Solomon 4:8Joshua 13:29-31Psalms 133:3Joshua 13:11

Places in This Verse

Baal-hermonMountain · Modern: Mount Hermon · 33.40°N, 35.85°E1 verse across 1 book
BashanRegion · Modern: Saham al Jawlan · 32.78°N, 35.93°E53 verses across 15 books
Mount HermonMountain · Modern: Mount Hermon · 33.40°N, 35.85°E16 verses across 6 books
SenirMountain · Modern: Mount Hermon · 33.40°N, 35.85°E4 verses across 4 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 5 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 5 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes