The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech.

1 CHRONICLES 1:17KJV
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1 Chronicles 1:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 1:17 mean?

1 Chronicles 1:17 lists the sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, Aram, Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshech. This verse is part of a genealogy showing the descendants of Shem, one of Noah’s sons, as recorded in the King James Version.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is compiling a family record for the people of Israel, tracing their roots back to the earliest ancestors after the flood. This list connects the Israelites to other ancient peoples and nations, showing how different groups in the region were related according to tradition.

Why 1 Chronicles 1:17 matters

  • This verse helps readers see how the Israelites understood their place among other ancient nations, linking themselves to a shared ancestry through Shem.
  • The genealogy emphasizes continuity and identity for the Jewish people, especially important for those returning from exile who needed to reconnect with their heritage.
  • By listing these specific names, the verse also preserves the memory of various peoples and regions that played roles in the broader biblical story.

Where else these words appear

“Hul” Hebrew H2343 · used in 2 verses

  • Genesis 10:23 And the children of Aram; Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Mash.

“Gether” Hebrew H1666 · used in 2 verses

  • Genesis 10:23 And the children of Aram; Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Mash.

“Lud” Hebrew H3865 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 10:22 The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
  • Isaiah 66:19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.
  • Ezekiel 27:10 They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness.

“Uz” Hebrew H5780 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 10:23 And the children of Aram; Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Mash.
  • Genesis 36:28 The children of Dishan are these; Uz, and Aran.
  • Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.