King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 7:18 Mean?

1 Chronicles 7:18 in the King James Version says “And his sister Hammoleketh bare Ishod, and Abiezer, and Mahalah. — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And his sister Hammoleketh bare Ishod, and Abiezer, and Mahalah.

1 Chronicles 7:18 · KJV


Context

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.

18

And his sister Hammoleketh bare Ishod, and Abiezer, and Mahalah.

19

And the sons of Shemida were, Ahian, and Shechem, and Likhi, and Aniam.

20

And the sons of Ephraim; Shuthelah, and Bered his son, and Tahath his son, and Eladah his son, and Tahath his son,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And his sister Hammoleketh (הַמֹּלֶכֶת 'the queen' or 'the reigning one')—this rare feminine genealogical entry appears in Manasseh's tribal register. Most biblical genealogies trace patrilineal descent, but Hammoleketh's inclusion suggests she had inheritance rights (cf. Zelophehad's daughters, Numbers 27:1-11) or bore sons of special significance. Her name's meaning, 'the queen,' may indicate royal connections or simply high status within the clan.

She bare Ishod (אִישְׁהוֹד 'man of majesty'), Abiezer (אֲבִיעֶזֶר 'father of help'), and Mahalah (מַחְלָה 'disease' or 'weakness'). Abiezer's clan gained fame through Gideon, who came from Ophrah of the Abiezrites (Judges 6:11). Gideon, whose weakness God used to defeat Midian with 300 men, perfectly embodied his ancestor's name 'father of help'—divine strength perfected in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The juxtaposition of names—Ishod ('majesty'), Abiezer ('help'), Mahalah ('weakness')—creates theological tension: majesty coexists with weakness when God provides help. This anticipates Paul's paradox: 'when I am weak, then I am strong' (2 Corinthians 12:10). That these sons trace through their mother rather than father breaks patriarchal convention, showing God's kingdom purposes transcend cultural gender norms.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Manasseh's tribe split between west Jordan (this branch) and east Jordan territories. Hammoleketh's sons settled west of Jordan, likely in the hill country that later hosted Gideon's exploits against Midianite raiders (Judges 6-8, c. 1200 BC). For the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, Manasseh's tribal identity was fragmented—the eastern half had been exiled by Assyria (732 BC) and never returned, while western Manasseh merged with Ephraim's territory in the northern kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Hammoleketh's inclusion in this patrilineal genealogy teach about God's regard for women's roles in covenant history?
  2. How does Gideon's descent from Abiezer ('father of help') illustrate God's pattern of achieving mighty victories through weak, unlikely instruments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַֽאֲחֹת֖וֹ1 of 9

And his sister

H269

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

הַמֹּלֶ֑כֶת2 of 9

Hammoleketh

H4447

moleketh, an israelitess

יָֽלְדָה֙3 of 9

bare

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֶת4 of 9
H853

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

אִישְׁה֔וֹד5 of 9

Ishod

H379

ishod, an israelite

וְאֶת6 of 9
H853

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

אֲבִיעֶ֖זֶר7 of 9

and Abiezer

H44

abiezer, the name of two israelites

וְאֶת8 of 9
H853

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

מַחְלָֽה׃9 of 9

and Mahalah

H4244

machlah, the name apparently of two israelitesses


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 7:18 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 7:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study