King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 6:57 Mean?

1 Chronicles 6:57 in the King James Version says “And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, namely, Hebron, the city of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs,...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, namely, Hebron, the city of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs,”

1 Chronicles 6:57 · KJV

Context

55

And they gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it.

56

But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

57

And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, namely, Hebron, the city of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs,

58

And Hilen with her suburbs, Debir with her suburbs, Hilen: or, Holon

59

And Ashan with her suburbs, and Bethshemesh with her suburbs: Ashan: or, Ain

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Levitical priesthood and worship section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term כֹּהֵן (kohen) - priest 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 Mediatorial role of priesthood.

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 Levitical genealogies and priestly lines. 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 Mediatorial role of priesthood connect to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְלִבְנֵ֣י1 of 18

“And to 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

אַֽהֲרֹ֗ן2 of 18

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

נָֽתְנוּ֙3 of 18

“they gave”

H5414

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

אֶת4 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עָרֵ֣י5 of 18

“the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַמִּקְלָ֔ט6 of 18

“the city of refuge”

H4733

an asylum (as a receptacle)

אֶת7 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֶבְר֥וֹן8 of 18

“namely Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

וְאֶת9 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לִבְנָ֖ה10 of 18

“and Libnah”

H3841

libnah, a place in the desert and one in palestine

וְאֶת11 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִגְרָשֶֽׁיהָ׃12 of 18

“with her suburbs”

H4054

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

וְאֶת13 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יַתִּ֥ר14 of 18

“and Jattir”

H3492

jattir, a place in palestine

וְאֶֽת15 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶשְׁתְּמֹ֖עַ16 of 18

“and Eshtemoa”

H851

eshtemoa or eshtemoh, a place in palestine

וְאֶת17 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִגְרָשֶֽׁיהָ׃18 of 18

“with her suburbs”

H4054

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

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 6:57 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 6:57 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 21:13-14Joshua 15:48Joshua 10:29Joshua 20:7-9Joshua 21:191 Chronicles 4:17

Places in This Verse

EshtemoaSettlement · Modern: As Samu · 31.40°N, 35.07°E4 verses across 3 books
HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
JattirSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Attir · 31.35°N, 35.02°E6 verses across 4 books
Libnah 1Settlement · Modern: Tell Bornat · 31.63°N, 34.87°E16 verses across 6 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 6 →

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