King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 7:29 Mean?

1 Chronicles 7:29 in the King James Version says “And by the borders of the children of Manasseh, Bethshean and her towns, Taanach and her towns, Megiddo and her towns, D... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And by the borders of the children of Manasseh, Bethshean and her towns, Taanach and her towns, Megiddo and her towns, Dor and her towns. In these dwelt the children of Joseph the son of Israel. towns: Heb. daughters

1 Chronicles 7:29 · KJV


Context

27

Non his son, Jehoshua his son. Non: or, Nun

28

And their possessions and habitations were, Bethel and the towns thereof, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer, with the towns thereof; Shechem also and the towns thereof, unto Gaza and the towns thereof: towns: Heb. daughters unto Gaza: or, Adassa

29

And by the borders of the children of Manasseh, Bethshean and her towns, Taanach and her towns, Megiddo and her towns, Dor and her towns. In these dwelt the children of Joseph the son of Israel. towns: Heb. daughters

30

The sons of Asher; Imnah, and Isuah, and Ishuai, and Beriah, and Serah their sister.

31

And the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel, who is the father of Birzavith.


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 · 19 words
וְעַל1 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְדֵ֣י2 of 19

And by the borders

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בֶּן3 of 19

of the children

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

מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה4 of 19

of Manasseh

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

בֵּית5 of 19
H0
שְׁאָ֤ן6 of 19

Bethshean

H1052

beth-shean or beth-shan, a place in palestine

וּבְנוֹתֶ֑יהָ7 of 19

and her towns

H1323

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

תַּעְנַ֣ךְ8 of 19

Taanach

H8590

taanak or tanak, a place in palestine

וּבְנוֹתֶ֑יהָ9 of 19

and her towns

H1323

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

מְגִדּ֥וֹ10 of 19

Megiddo

H4023

megiddon or megiddo, a place in palestine

וּבְנוֹתֶ֑יהָ11 of 19

and her towns

H1323

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

דּ֣וֹר12 of 19

Dor

H1756

dor, a place in palestine

וּבְנוֹתֶ֑יהָ13 of 19

and her towns

H1323

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

בְּאֵ֙לֶּה֙14 of 19
H428

these or those

יָֽשְׁב֔וּ15 of 19

In these dwelt

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בֶּן16 of 19

of the children

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

יוֹסֵ֖ף17 of 19

of Joseph

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

בֶּן18 of 19

of the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃19 of 19

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


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 7:29 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 7:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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