1 Chronicles 1:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 1:21 mean?

1 Chronicles 1:21 lists the names Hadoram, Uzal, and Diklah as part of a genealogy. This verse is simply recording descendants in a family line, continuing the list of names found in the surrounding verses.

The book of 1 Chronicles opens with genealogies, tracing the origins of different peoples and tribes. In this verse, the writer is listing the sons of Joktan, who was a descendant of Shem, one of Noah’s sons. The focus is on preserving the historical record of these ancient families.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 1:21

• Hadoram (הֲדוֹרָם, Hadoram): This name is often understood as referring to a person, but it is also sometimes connected to a region or people group in ancient Arabia. Its inclusion here shows the broad geographic spread of Joktan’s descendants.
• Uzal (אוּזָל, Uzal): Uzal is often linked to an ancient city, possibly the area of modern-day Sana’a in Yemen. Mentioning Uzal helps anchor the genealogy in real-world locations known to the original audience.
• Diklah (דִּקְלָה, Diklah): The name Diklah is less certain, but it may refer to a person or tribe. The name itself is related to the word for “date palm,” which could hint at a connection to regions where date palms grow.

Why 1 Chronicles 1:21 matters

• This verse helps trace the spread of peoples after the flood, showing how different nations and tribes are connected through family lines.
• By listing these names, the writer emphasizes the historical roots and legitimacy of various groups mentioned elsewhere in the Bible.
• The genealogy in 1 Chronicles 1:21 connects the story of Israel to a wider world, reminding readers that the biblical story includes many nations and peoples.