King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 9:44 Mean?

1 Chronicles 9:44 in the King James Version says “And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these were the sons of Azel.”

1 Chronicles 9:44 · KJV

Context

42

And Ahaz begat Jarah; and Jarah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza;

43

And Moza begat Binea; and Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son.

44

And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these were the sons of Azel.

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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 · 14 words
אָצַֽל׃1 of 14

“And Azel”

H682

atsel, the name of a place in palestine

שִׁשָּׁ֣ה2 of 14

“had six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

בְּנֵ֥י3 of 14

“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

וְאֵ֣לֶּה4 of 14
H428

these or those

שְׁמוֹתָ֗ם5 of 14

“whose names”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

עַזְרִיקָ֥ם׀6 of 14

“are these Azrikam”

H5840

azrikam, the name of four israelites

בֹּ֙כְרוּ֙7 of 14

“Bocheru”

H1074

bokeru, an israelite

וְיִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל8 of 14

“and Ishmael”

H3458

jishmael, the name of abraham's oldest son, and of five israelites

וּשְׁעַרְיָ֔ה9 of 14

“and Sheariah”

H8187

shearjah, an israelite

וְעֹֽבַדְיָ֖ה10 of 14

“and Obadiah”

H5662

obadjah, the name of thirteen israelites

וְחָנָ֑ן11 of 14

“and Hanan”

H2605

chanan, the name of seven israelites

אֵ֖לֶּה12 of 14
H428

these or those

בְּנֵ֥י13 of 14

“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

אָצַֽל׃14 of 14

“And Azel”

H682

atsel, the name of a place in palestine

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 9:44 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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