King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 5:7 Mean?

1 Chronicles 5:7 in the King James Version says “And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zec...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,”

1 Chronicles 5:7 · KJV

Context

5

Micah his son, Reaia his son, Baal his son,

6

Beerah his son, whom Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria carried away captive: he was prince of the Reubenites. Tilgathpilneser: or, Tig-lath-pilne-ser, 2.kin.15.29.and 16.7.

7

And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,

8

And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baalmeon: Shema: or, Shemaiah

9

And eastward he inhabited unto the entering in of the wilderness from the river Euphrates: because their cattle were multiplied in the land of Gilead.

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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 · 7 words
וְאֶחָיו֙1 of 7

“And his brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔יו2 of 7

“by their families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

בְּהִתְיַחֵ֖שׂ3 of 7

“was reckoned”

H3187

to enroll by pedigree

לְתֹֽלְדוֹתָ֑ם4 of 7

“of their generations”

H8435

(plural only) descent, i.e., family; (figuratively) history

הָרֹ֥אשׁ5 of 7

“were the chief”

H7218

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

יְעִיאֵ֖ל6 of 7

“Jeiel”

H3273

jeiel, the name of six israelites

וּזְכַרְיָֽהוּ׃7 of 7

“and Zechariah”

H2148

zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites

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 5:7 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 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 5:17

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