King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 8:9 Mean?

1 Chronicles 8:9 in the King James Version says “And he begat of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcham,” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he begat of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcham,”

1 Chronicles 8:9 · KJV

Context

7

And Naaman, and Ahiah, and Gera, he removed them, and begat Uzza, and Ahihud.

8

And Shaharaim begat children in the country of Moab, after he had sent them away; Hushim and Baara were his wives.

9

And he begat of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcham,

10

And Jeuz, and Shachia, and Mirma. These were his sons, heads of the fathers.

11

And of Hushim he begat Abitub, and Elpaal.

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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 · 12 words
וַיּ֖וֹלֶד1 of 12

“And he begat”

H3205

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

מִן2 of 12
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

חֹ֣דֶשׁ3 of 12

“of Hodesh”

H2321

chodesh, an israelitess

אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ4 of 12

“his wife”

H802

a woman

אֶת5 of 12
H853

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

יוֹבָב֙6 of 12

“Jobab”

H3103

jobab, the name of two israelites and of three foreigners

וְאֶת7 of 12
H853

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

צִבְיָ֔א8 of 12

“and Zibia”

H6644

tsibja, an israelite

וְאֶת9 of 12
H853

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

מֵישָׁ֖א10 of 12

“and Mesha”

H4331

mesha, a place in arabia; also an israelite

וְאֶת11 of 12
H853

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

מַלְכָּֽם׃12 of 12

“and Malcham”

H4445

milcom, the national idol of the ammonites

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 8:9 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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