And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.

1 CHRONICLES 1:23KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 1:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 1:23 mean?

1 Chronicles 1:23 lists the names Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab as sons of Joktan. This verse is part of a genealogy, showing the descendants of Joktan, who was an early figure in the line of Shem’s family.

The book of 1 Chronicles opens with genealogies tracing the origins of different peoples after the flood. Here, the writer is recording the family line for historical and tribal records. The names mentioned—Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab—are included to show the breadth of Joktan’s descendants, which would have been significant for the original audience’s understanding of their heritage and relationships among ancient peoples.

Where else these words appear

“Joktan” Hebrew H3355 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 10:25 And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name was Joktan.
  • Genesis 10:26 And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,
  • 1 Chronicles 1:19 And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother's name was Joktan.

“Havilah” Hebrew H2341 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 2:11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
  • Genesis 10:29 And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these were the sons of Joktan.
  • 1 Samuel 15:7 And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt.

“Jobab” Hebrew H3103 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 10:29 And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these were the sons of Joktan.
  • Genesis 36:34 And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of Temani reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:45 And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.

“Ophir” Hebrew H211 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 10:29 And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these were the sons of Joktan.
  • 1 Kings 22:48 Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.
  • Job 22:24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.