King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 7:21 Mean?

1 Chronicles 7:21 in the King James Version says “And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath that were born in that land slew, be...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath that were born in that land slew, because they came down to take away their cattle.”

1 Chronicles 7:21 · KJV

Context

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,

21

And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath that were born in that land slew, because they came down to take away their cattle.

22

And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brethren came to comfort him.

23

And when he went in to his wife, she conceived, and bare a son, and he called his name Beriah, because it went evil with his house.

Read 1 Chronicles 7 full chapter

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 · 16 words
וְזָבָ֥ד1 of 16

“And Zabad”

H2066

zabad, the name of seven israelites

בְּנ֖וֹ2 of 16

“his son”

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

וְשׁוּתֶ֥לַח3 of 16

“and Shuthelah”

H7803

shuthelach, the name of two israelites

בְּנ֖וֹ4 of 16

“his son”

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

וְעֵ֣זֶר5 of 16

“and Ezer”

H5827

ezer, the name of two israelites

וְאֶלְעָ֑ד6 of 16

“and Elead”

H496

elad, an israelite

וַֽהֲרָג֗וּם7 of 16

“slew”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

אַנְשֵׁי8 of 16

“whom the men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

גַת֙9 of 16

“of Gath”

H1661

gath, a philistine city

הַנּֽוֹלָדִ֣ים10 of 16

“that were born”

H3205

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

בָּאָ֔רֶץ11 of 16

“in that land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כִּ֣י12 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָֽרְד֔וּ13 of 16

“because they came down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

לָקַ֖חַת14 of 16

“to take away”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת15 of 16
H853

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

מִקְנֵיהֶֽם׃16 of 16

“their cattle”

H4735

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

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 7:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Places in This Verse

Gath 2Settlement · Modern: Jett · 32.40°N, 35.04°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in 1 Chronicles 7 →

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