King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 8:40 Mean?

1 Chronicles 8:40 in the King James Version says “And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers , and had many sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All t...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 8:40 · KJV

Context

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 · 18 words
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ1 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִבְּנֵ֥י2 of 18

“All these are of 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

א֠וּלָם3 of 18

“of Ulam”

H198

ulam, the name of two israelites

אֲנָשִׁ֨ים4 of 18

“men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

גִּבּוֹרֵי5 of 18

“were mighty”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

חַ֜יִל6 of 18

“of valour”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

דֹּ֣רְכֵי7 of 18

“archers”

H1869

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

קֶ֗שֶׁת8 of 18
H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

וּמַרְבִּ֤ים9 of 18

“and had many”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

מִבְּנֵ֥י10 of 18

“All these are of 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

מִבְּנֵ֥י11 of 18

“All these are of 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

מִבְּנֵ֥י12 of 18

“All these are of 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

מֵאָ֖ה13 of 18

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֑ים14 of 18

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

כָּל15 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֵ֖לֶּה16 of 18
H428

these or those

מִבְּנֵ֥י17 of 18

“All these are of 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

בִנְיָמִֽן׃18 of 18

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

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 8:40 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 8:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 12:2Psalms 127:3-5Psalms 128:3-62 Chronicles 14:8

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