King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 6:78 Mean?

1 Chronicles 6:78 in the King James Version says “And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, were given them out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer i...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, were given them out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs, and Jahzah with her suburbs,”

1 Chronicles 6:78 · KJV

Context

76

And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs.

77

Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs:

78

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, were given them out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs, and Jahzah with her suburbs,

79

Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs:

80

And out of the tribe of Gad; Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, and Mahanaim with her suburbs,

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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 · 16 words
וּמֵעֵ֜בֶר1 of 16

“And on the other side”

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הַיַּרְדֵּן֒2 of 16

“Jordan”

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

יְרֵחוֹ֮3 of 16

“by Jericho”

H3405

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine

לְמִזְרַ֣ח4 of 16

“on the east side”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

הַיַּרְדֵּן֒5 of 16

“Jordan”

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

מִמַּטֵּ֣ה6 of 16

“were given them out of the tribe”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

רְאוּבֵ֔ן7 of 16

“of Reuben”

H7205

reuben, a son of jacob

אֶת8 of 16
H853

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

בֶּ֥צֶר9 of 16

“Bezer”

H1221

betser, a place in palestine; also an israelite

בַּמִּדְבָּ֖ר10 of 16

“in the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

וְאֶת11 of 16
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶֽׁיהָ׃12 of 16

“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 16
H853

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

יַ֖הְצָה14 of 16

“and Jahzah”

H3096

jahats or jahtsah, a place east of the jordan

וְאֶת15 of 16
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶֽׁיהָ׃16 of 16

“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 6:78 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 6:78 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 20:8Deuteronomy 4:41-43Joshua 21:36-37

Places in This Verse

BezerSettlement · Modern: Umm el Amad · 31.79°N, 35.90°E4 verses across 3 books
JahazSettlement · Modern: Khirbet el Medeiyineh · 31.59°N, 35.91°E9 verses across 7 books
Jericho 1Settlement · Modern: Tell es Sultan · 31.87°N, 35.44°E63 verses across 13 books
JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 6 →

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