King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 7:32 Mean?

1 Chronicles 7:32 in the King James Version says “And Heber begat Japhlet, and Shomer, and Hotham, and Shua their sister.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Heber begat Japhlet, and Shomer, and Hotham, and Shua their sister.”

1 Chronicles 7:32 · King James Version

Context

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.

32

And Heber begat Japhlet, and Shomer, and Hotham, and Shua their sister.

33

And the sons of Japhlet; Pasach, and Bimhal, and Ashvath. These are the children of Japhlet.

34

And the sons of Shamer; Ahi, and Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram.

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְחֶ֙בֶר֙1 of 11

“And Heber”

H2268

cheber, the name of a kenite and of three israelites

הוֹלִ֣יד2 of 11

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת3 of 11
H853

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

יַפְלֵ֔ט4 of 11

“Japhlet”

H3310

japhlet, an israelite

וְאֶת5 of 11
H853

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

שׁוֹמֵ֖ר6 of 11

“and Shomer”

H7763

shomer, the name of two israelites

וְאֶת7 of 11
H853

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

חוֹתָ֑ם8 of 11

“and Hotham”

H2369

chotham, the name of two israelites

וְאֵ֖ת9 of 11
H853

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

שׁוּעָ֥א10 of 11

“and Shua”

H7774

shua, an israelitess

אֲחוֹתָֽם׃11 of 11

“their sister”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], 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 7:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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