King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 8:12 Mean?

1 Chronicles 8:12 in the King James Version says “The sons of Elpaal; Eber, and Misham, and Shamed, who built Ono, and Lod, with the towns thereof:” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The sons of Elpaal; Eber, and Misham, and Shamed, who built Ono, and Lod, with the towns thereof:”

1 Chronicles 8:12 · KJV

Context

10

And Jeuz, and Shachia, and Mirma. These were his sons, heads of the fathers.

11

And of Hushim he begat Abitub, and Elpaal.

12

The sons of Elpaal; Eber, and Misham, and Shamed, who built Ono, and Lod, with the towns thereof:

13

Beriah also, and Shema, who were heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath:

14

And Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Benjamin and Saul's failed kingship section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term בִּנְיָמִין (Binyamin) - son of the right hand 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 God's sovereign choice of leadership.

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 Benjamin's genealogy and Saul's lineage. 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 God's sovereign choice of leadership connect to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּבְנֵ֣י1 of 12

“The sons”

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

אֶלְפַּ֔עַל2 of 12

“of Elpaal”

H508

elpaal, an israelite

עֵ֥בֶר3 of 12

“Eber”

H5677

eber, the name of two patriarchs and four israelites

וּמִשְׁעָ֖ם4 of 12

“and Misham”

H4936

misham, an israelite

וָשָׁ֑מֶד5 of 12

“and Shamed”

H8106

shemer, the name of three israelites

ה֚וּא6 of 12
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בָּנָ֣ה7 of 12

“who built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת8 of 12
H853

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

אוֹנ֔וֹ9 of 12

“Ono”

H207

ono, a place in palestine

וְאֶת10 of 12
H853

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

לֹ֖ד11 of 12

“and Lod”

H3850

lod, a place in palestine

וּבְנֹתֶֽיהָ׃12 of 12

“with the towns”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, 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 8:12 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 8:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 11:35Nehemiah 7:37Ezra 2:33Nehemiah 6:2

Places in This Verse

LodSettlement · Modern: Lod · 31.95°N, 34.90°E7 verses across 4 books
OnoSettlement · Modern: Kafr Ana · 32.03°N, 34.87°E5 verses across 3 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 8 →

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