King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 9:39 Mean?

1 Chronicles 9:39 in the King James Version says “And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.”

1 Chronicles 9:39 · KJV

Context

37

And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth.

38

And Mikloth begat Shimeam. And they also dwelt with their brethren at Jerusalem, over against their brethren.

39

And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.

40

And the son of Jonathan was Meribbaal: and Meribbaal begat Micah.

41

And the sons of Micah were, Pithon, and Melech, and Tahrea, and Ahaz.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul—This genealogy establishes Saul's legitimate royal lineage from Benjamin. The name Esh-baal ('man of Baal') instead of the more familiar Ish-bosheth reveals the original name before later scribes substituted bosheth ('shame') for Baal. Chronicles preserves the authentic form, showing how Israelite names initially incorporated pagan elements before monotheistic reform.

The listing of Saul's genealogy in Chronicles' post-exilic context serves theological purposes: legitimizing Benjaminite claims while explaining why God transferred kingship to Judah. The Chronicler doesn't erase Saul from Israel's history but contextualizes his failed kingship within God's larger plan for David's dynasty.

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Historical & Cultural Context

1 Chronicles was written after the Babylonian exile (c. 450-400 BC) to help returning Jews understand their identity. Including Saul's genealogy here connects the pre-monarchic tribal period to David's kingdom, showing continuity in God's covenant purposes despite Saul's failure.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereignty work through flawed human leaders and failed dynasties?
  2. What does the preservation of Saul's genealogy teach about God's faithfulness to all Israel's tribes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְנֵר֙1 of 19

“And Ner”

H5369

ner, an israelite

הוֹלִ֤יד2 of 19

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת3 of 19
H853

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

וְקִ֖ישׁ4 of 19

“Kish”

H7027

kish, the name of five israelites

וְקִ֖ישׁ5 of 19

“Kish”

H7027

kish, the name of five israelites

הוֹלִ֤יד6 of 19

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת7 of 19
H853

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

וְשָׁא֗וּל8 of 19

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְשָׁא֗וּל9 of 19

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

הוֹלִ֤יד10 of 19

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת11 of 19
H853

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

יְהֽוֹנָתָן֙12 of 19

“Jonathan”

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

וְאֶת13 of 19
H853

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

מַלְכִּי14 of 19
H0
שׁ֔וּעַ15 of 19

“and Malchishua”

H4444

malkishua, an israelite

וְאֶת16 of 19
H853

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

אֲבִֽינָדָ֖ב17 of 19

“and Abinadab”

H41

abinadab, the name of four israelites

וְאֶת18 of 19
H853

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

אֶשְׁבָּֽעַל׃19 of 19

“and Eshbaal”

H792

eshbaal (or ishbosheth), a son of saul

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 9:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 9:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 13:221 Samuel 14:49-511 Chronicles 10:21 Chronicles 8:33-381 Samuel 14:11 Samuel 31:2

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