King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 8:37 Mean?

1 Chronicles 8:37 in the King James Version says “And Moza begat Binea: Rapha was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son:” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Moza begat Binea: Rapha was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son:”

1 Chronicles 8:37 · KJV

Context

35

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

36

And Ahaz begat Jehoadah; and Jehoadah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza,

37

And Moza begat Binea: Rapha was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son:

38

And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.

39

And the sons of Eshek his brother were, Ulam his firstborn, Jehush the second, and Eliphelet the third.

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.

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 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 · 10 words
וּמוֹצָ֖א1 of 10

“And Moza”

H4162

motsa, the name of two israelites

הוֹלִ֣יד2 of 10

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת3 of 10
H853

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

בִּנְעָ֑א4 of 10

“Binea”

H1150

bina or binah, an israelite

רָפָ֥ה5 of 10

“Rapha”

H7498

rapha or raphah, the name of two israelites

בְּנֽוֹ׃6 of 10

“his son”

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

אֶלְעָשָׂ֥ה7 of 10

“Eleasah”

H501

elasah, the name of four israelites

בְּנֽוֹ׃8 of 10

“his son”

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

אָצֵ֥ל9 of 10

“Azel”

H682

atsel, the name of a place in palestine

בְּנֽוֹ׃10 of 10

“his son”

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

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 8:37 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 8:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 9:43

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 8 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes