King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 7:11 Mean?

1 Chronicles 7:11 in the King James Version says “All these the sons of Jediael, by the heads of their fathers, mighty men of valour, were seventeen thousand and two hund...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“All these the sons of Jediael, by the heads of their fathers, mighty men of valour, were seventeen thousand and two hundred soldiers, fit to go out for war and battle.”

1 Chronicles 7:11 · KJV

Context

9

And the number of them, after their genealogy by their generations, heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valour, was twenty thousand and two hundred.

10

The sons also of Jediael; Bilhan: and the sons of Bilhan; Jeush, and Benjamin, and Ehud, and Chenaanah, and Zethan, and Tharshish, and Ahishahar.

11

All these the sons of Jediael, by the heads of their fathers, mighty men of valour, were seventeen thousand and two hundred soldiers, fit to go out for war and battle.

12

Shuppim also, and Huppim, the children of Ir, and Hushim, the sons of Aher. Ir: or, Iri Aher: or, Ahiram

13

The sons of Naphtali; Jahziel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shallum, the sons of Bilhah.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Northern tribes and their heritage section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term שֵׁבֶט (shevet) - tribe/scepter 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 All Israel included in God's covenant.

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 Northern tribal genealogies: Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Asher. 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 All Israel included in God's covenant connect to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כָּל1 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֵ֜לֶּה2 of 15
H428

these or those

בְּנֵ֤י3 of 15

“All these 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

יְדִֽיעֲאֵל֙4 of 15

“of Jediael”

H3043

jediael, the name of three israelites

לְרָאשֵׁ֣י5 of 15

“by the heads”

H7218

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

הָֽאָב֔וֹת6 of 15

“of their fathers”

H1

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

גִּבּוֹרֵ֖י7 of 15

“mighty”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

חֲיָלִ֑ים8 of 15

“men of valour”

H2428

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

שִׁבְעָֽה9 of 15

“were seventeen”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

עָשָׂ֥ר10 of 15
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אֶ֙לֶף֙11 of 15

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וּמָאתַ֔יִם12 of 15

“and two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

יֹֽצְאֵ֥י13 of 15

“soldiers fit to go out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

צָבָ֖א14 of 15

“for war”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

לַמִּלְחָמָֽה׃15 of 15

“and battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

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 7:11 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 7:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 17:13-19

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