King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 5:24 Mean?

1 Chronicles 5:24 in the King James Version says “And these were the heads of the house of their fathers, even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and H... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 5:24 · KJV


Context

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.

26

And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.


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 · 19 words
וְאֵ֖לֶּה1 of 19
H428

these or those

רָאשִׁ֖ים2 of 19

And these were the heads

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

לְבֵ֥ית3 of 19

of the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲבוֹתָֽם׃4 of 19

of their fathers

H1

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

וְעֵ֡פֶר5 of 19

even Epher

H6081

epher, the name of an arabian and of two israelites

וְיִשְׁעִ֡י6 of 19

and Ishi

H3469

jishi, the name of four israelites

וֶֽאֱלִיאֵ֡ל7 of 19

and Eliel

H447

eliel, the name of nine israelites

וְ֠עַזְרִיאֵל8 of 19

and Azriel

H5837

azriel, the name of three israelites

וְיִרְמְיָ֨ה9 of 19

and Jeremiah

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

וְהֽוֹדַוְיָ֜ה10 of 19

and Hodaviah

H1938

hodavjah, the name of three israelites

וְיַחְדִּיאֵ֗ל11 of 19

and Jahdiel

H3164

jachdiel, an israelite

אֲנָשִׁים֙12 of 19
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

גִּבּ֣וֹרֵי13 of 19

mighty

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

חַ֔יִל14 of 19

of valour

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

אַנְשֵׁ֣י15 of 19
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

שֵׁמ֔וֹת16 of 19

famous

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

רָאשִׁ֖ים17 of 19

And these were the heads

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

לְבֵ֥ית18 of 19

of the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲבוֹתָֽם׃19 of 19

of their fathers

H1

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


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 5:24 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 5:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study