King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 8:14 Mean?
“And Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth,”
Context
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,
15
And Zebadiah, and Arad, and Ader,
16
And Michael, and Ispah, and Joha, the sons of Beriah;
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14-16) Apparently nine sons of Beriah. But (1) in 1Chronicles 8:14, the LXX. reads ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ instead of *Ahio.* With different vowels the Hebrew term would mean this. (2) All the other names in this list are connected by the conjunctive particle. It is therefore likely that this was once the case with Shashak. (3) 1Chronicles 8:14-27 give five groups of Benjamite clans—viz., the sons of Beriah, the sons of Elpaal, the sons of Shimhi, the sons of Shashak, and the sons of Jeroham, all dwelling in Jerusalem. Apparently, their eponymous heads are named in 1Chronicles 8:13-14—viz., Beriah (Elpaal? omitted by accident), Shema (the same as Shimhi; there is no *h* in the Heb.), Shashak, and Jeremoth (probably the same as Jeroham).
If this combination hold, the text of 1Chronicles 8:14 may be thus restored: “And Elpaal his brother, and Shashak and Jeroham.” Elpaal will then be brother of Beriah (1Chronicles 8:13), and perhaps son of Elpaal (1Chronicles 8:12). Shashak and Jeremoth-Jeroham, and the six following names, are sons of Beriah.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 8:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.