King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 8:39 Mean?

1 Chronicles 8:39 in the King James Version says “And the sons of Eshek his brother were, Ulam his firstborn, Jehush the second, and Eliphelet the third.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 8:39 · KJV

Context

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.

40

And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers , and had many sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin.

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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 · 9 words
וּבְנֵ֖י1 of 9

“And 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

עֵ֣שֶׁק2 of 9

“of Eshek”

H6232

eshek, an israelite

אָחִ֑יו3 of 9

“his brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אוּלָ֣ם4 of 9

“were Ulam”

H198

ulam, the name of two israelites

בְּכֹר֔וֹ5 of 9

“his firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

יְעוּשׁ֙6 of 9

“Jehush”

H3266

jeush, the name of an edomite and of four israelites

הַשֵּׁנִ֔י7 of 9

“the second”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

וֶֽאֱלִיפֶ֖לֶט8 of 9

“and Eliphelet”

H467

eliphelet or elpelet, the name of six israelites

הַשְּׁלִשִֽׁי׃9 of 9

“the third”

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

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 8:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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