King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 9:16 Mean?

1 Chronicles 9:16 in the King James Version says “And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.”

1 Chronicles 9:16 · KJV

Context

14

And of the Levites; Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;

15

And Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;

16

And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.

17

And the porters were, Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum was the chief;

18

Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.

Read 1 Chronicles 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Post-exilic restoration community section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term שְׁאֵרִית (she'erit) - remnant 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 preserves faithful remnant.

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 Post-exilic returnees and Jerusalem's inhabitants. 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 preserves faithful remnant connect to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְעֹֽבַדְיָה֙1 of 15

“And Obadiah”

H5662

obadjah, the name of thirteen israelites

בֶּן2 of 15

“the 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

שְׁמַעְיָ֔ה3 of 15

“of Shemaiah”

H8098

shemajah, the name of twenty-five israelites

בֶּן4 of 15

“the 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

גָּלָ֖ל5 of 15

“of Galal”

H1559

galal, the name of two israelites

בֶּן6 of 15

“the 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

יְדוּת֑וּן7 of 15

“of Jeduthun”

H3038

jeduthun, an israelite

וּבֶֽרֶכְיָ֤ה8 of 15

“and Berechiah”

H1296

berekjah, the name of six israelites

בֶּן9 of 15

“the 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

אָסָא֙10 of 15

“of Asa”

H609

asa, the name of a king and of a levite

בֶּן11 of 15

“the 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

אֶלְקָנָ֔ה12 of 15

“of Elkanah”

H511

elkanah, the name of several israelites

הַיּוֹשֵׁ֖ב13 of 15

“that dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּחַצְרֵ֥י14 of 15

“in the villages”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

נְטֽוֹפָתִֽי׃15 of 15

“of the Netophathites”

H5200

a netophathite, or inhabitant of netophah

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 9:16 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 9:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 12:251 Chronicles 25:1Nehemiah 12:28-30Nehemiah 7:262 Chronicles 35:151 Chronicles 25:6

Places in This Verse

NetophahSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Badd Faluh · 31.67°N, 35.22°E8 verses across 4 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 9 →

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