King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 8:33 Mean?

1 Chronicles 8:33 in the King James Version says “And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal. Eshbaal: or...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal. Eshbaal: or, Ishbosheth 2.Sam.2.8”

1 Chronicles 8:33 · KJV

Context

31

And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher. Zacher: or, Zechariah.IChr.9.37

32

And Mikloth begat Shimeah. And these also dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem, over against them. Shimeah: or, Shimeam.ca.9.38, I.Sam.14.51

33

And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal. Eshbaal: or, Ishbosheth 2.Sam.2.8

34

And the son of Jonathan was Meribbaal; and Meribbaal begat Micah. Meribbaal: or, Mephibosheth.2.Sam.4.4

35

And the sons of Micah were, Pithon, and Melech, and Tarea, and Ahaz. Tarea: or, Tahrea.e.9.41

Read 1 Chronicles 8 full chapter

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 · 18 words
וְנֵר֙1 of 18

“And Ner”

H5369

ner, an israelite

הוֹלִ֤יד2 of 18

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת3 of 18
H853

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

וְקִ֖ישׁ4 of 18

“Kish”

H7027

kish, the name of five israelites

וְקִ֖ישׁ5 of 18

“Kish”

H7027

kish, the name of five israelites

הוֹלִ֤יד6 of 18

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת7 of 18
H853

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

וְשָׁא֗וּל8 of 18

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְשָׁא֗וּל9 of 18

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

הוֹלִ֤יד10 of 18

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת11 of 18
H853

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

יְהֽוֹנָתָן֙12 of 18

“Jonathan”

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

וְאֶת13 of 18
H853

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

מַלְכִּישׁ֔וּעַ14 of 18

“and Malchishua”

H4444

malkishua, an israelite

וְאֶת15 of 18
H853

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

אֲבִֽינָדָ֖ב16 of 18

“and Abinadab”

H41

abinadab, the name of four israelites

וְאֶת17 of 18
H853

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

אֶשְׁבָּֽעַל׃18 of 18

“and Eshbaal”

H792

eshbaal (or ishbosheth), a son of saul

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 8:33 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 8:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 9:12 Samuel 2:81 Samuel 31:21 Chronicles 9:39-44Acts 13:212 Samuel 4:12

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