King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 7:14 Mean?

“The sons of Manasseh; Ashriel, whom she bare: ( but his concubine the Aramitess bare Machir the father of Gilead:”

Context

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

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

The sons of Manasseh; Ashriel, whom she bare: ( but his concubine the Aramitess bare Machir the father of Gilead:

And Machir took to wife the sister of Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister's name was Maachah;) and the name of the second was Zelophehad: and Zelophehad had daughters.

And Maachah the wife of Machir bare a son, and she called his name Peresh; and the name of his brother was Sheresh; and his sons were Ulam and Rakem.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **The sons of Manasseh.**—Translate, *the sons* *of Manasseh, Asriel, whom his Aramean concubine bare. *(*She bare Machir, father of Gilead.*) Numbers 27:1, Joshua 17:3, give the line Zelophehad has five daughters, but no sons. Numbers 26:29-33 gives the same line with additions thus:— This last passage is important, because it expressly declares that the names all represent clans, with the exception of Zelophehad, who “had no sons, but daughters.” It also shows that Asriel was great-grandson of Manasseh. The parenthesis of 1Chronicles 7:14, therefore, appears to be intended to warn the reader that Asriel was the “son” of the Aramean concubine of Manasseh, mediately through descent from Machir.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 7:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.