1 Chronicles 1:14 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 1:14 mean?

1 Chronicles 1:14 lists three ancient groups—the Jebusite, the Amorite, and the Girgashite—as part of a genealogy or record of peoples descended from earlier ancestors. This verse is part of a larger section that traces the origins of various nations and tribes mentioned in the Bible.

The book of 1 Chronicles begins with genealogies, and in this chapter, the writer is listing the descendants of Canaan, a son of Ham. The names here—Jebusite, Amorite, and Girgashite—refer to specific peoples who lived in the land of Canaan before the Israelites arrived. The chronicler is not telling a story but is recording these names to show the historical roots of different groups in the ancient Near East.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 1:14

• Jebusite (יְבוּסִי, Yevusi): This word refers to the people who lived in Jerusalem before King David conquered the city. Mentioning them here connects the genealogy to a significant location in Israel’s later history.
• Amorite (אֱמֹרִי, Emori): The Amorites were a prominent group in the land of Canaan, often mentioned as one of the main peoples living there before the Israelites. Their inclusion highlights the broad scope of Canaan’s descendants.
• Girgashite (גִּרְגָּשִׁי, Girgashi): The Girgashites are less well-known, but they are consistently listed among the Canaanite peoples. Including them shows the chronicler’s attention to detail and completeness in recording all the traditional groups.

Why 1 Chronicles 1:14 matters

• This verse helps clarify the relationships between different ancient peoples by tying them back to a common ancestor, Canaan, which is important for understanding later biblical events involving these groups.
• By listing these specific names, the chronicler connects the genealogies to well-known peoples and places, setting the stage for the stories of conquest and settlement that follow in the biblical narrative.
• The verse also shows the careful record-keeping and historical interest of the chronicler, who wants readers to see the continuity between different generations and nations.