King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 7:15 Mean?

1 Chronicles 7:15 in the King James Version says “And Machir took to wife the sister of Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister's name was Maachah;) and the name of the second w...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 7:15 · KJV

Context

13

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

14

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

15

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.

16

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.

17

And the sons of Ulam; Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh.

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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 · 14 words
וּמָכִ֞יר1 of 14

“And Machir”

H4353

makir, an israelite

לָקַ֤ח2 of 14

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אִשָּׁה֙3 of 14

“to wife”

H802

a woman

לְחֻפִּ֣ים4 of 14

“the sister of Huppim”

H2650

chuppim, an israelite

וּלְשֻׁפִּ֔ים5 of 14

“and Shuppim”

H8206

shuppim, an israelite

וְשֵׁ֥ם6 of 14

“and the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אֲחֹתוֹ֙7 of 14

“whose sister's”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

מַֽעֲכָ֔ה8 of 14

“was Maachah”

H4601

maakah (or maakath), the name of a place in syria, also of a mesopotamian, of three israelites, and of four israelitesses and one syrian woman

וְשֵׁ֥ם9 of 14

“and the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַשֵּׁנִ֖י10 of 14

“of the second”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

לִצְלָפְחָ֖ד11 of 14

“and Zelophehad”

H6765

tselophchad, an israelite

וַתִּֽהְיֶ֥נָה12 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִצְלָפְחָ֖ד13 of 14

“and Zelophehad”

H6765

tselophchad, an israelite

בָּנֽוֹת׃14 of 14

“had daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

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 7:15 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 7:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:33Numbers 36:1-12Numbers 27:1-11

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