King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 7:40 Mean?

1 Chronicles 7:40 in the King James Version says “All these were the children of Asher, heads of their father's house, choice and mighty men of valour, chief of the princ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“All these were the children of Asher, heads of their father's house, choice and mighty men of valour, chief of the princes. And the number throughout the genealogy of them that were apt to the war and to battle was twenty and six thousand men.”

1 Chronicles 7:40 · KJV

Context

38

And the sons of Jether; Jephunneh, and Pispah, and Ara.

39

And the sons of Ulla; Arah, and Haniel, and Rezia.

40

All these were the children of Asher, heads of their father's house, choice and mighty men of valour, chief of the princes. And the number throughout the genealogy of them that were apt to the war and to battle was twenty and six thousand men.

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.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
כָּל1 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֵ֣לֶּה2 of 20
H428

these or those

בְנֵֽי3 of 20

“All these were 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

אָ֠שֵׁר4 of 20

“of Asher”

H836

asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine

רָאשֵׁ֖י5 of 20

“chief”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

בֵית6 of 20

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הָֽאָב֤וֹת7 of 20

“of their father's”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בְּרוּרִים֙8 of 20

“choice”

H1305

to clarify (i.e., brighten), examine, select

גִּבּוֹרֵ֣י9 of 20

“and mighty men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

חֲיָלִ֔ים10 of 20

“of valour”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

רָאשֵׁ֖י11 of 20

“chief”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הַנְּשִׂיאִ֑ים12 of 20

“of the princes”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

וְהִתְיַחְשָׂ֤ם13 of 20

“throughout the genealogy”

H3187

to enroll by pedigree

בַּצָּבָא֙14 of 20

“of them that were apt to the war”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

בַּמִּלְחָמָ֔ה15 of 20

“and to battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

מִסְפָּרָ֣ם16 of 20

“And the number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

אֲנָשִׁ֔ים17 of 20
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים18 of 20

“was twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְשִׁשָּׁ֖ה19 of 20

“and six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

אָֽלֶף׃20 of 20

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

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 7:40 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 7:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 21:1-52 Samuel 24:1-9

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 7 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes