1 Chronicles 1:29 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 1:29 mean?

1 Chronicles 1:29 lists the sons of Ishmael, beginning with his firstborn Nebaioth, followed by Kedar, Adbeel, and Mibsam. This verse is part of a genealogical record, showing the family line that descended from Ishmael.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is compiling a record of Israel’s origins, starting with the wider family of Abraham. This verse specifically names Ishmael’s descendants, which would have been important for understanding the different peoples related to Israel. The list helps set the stage for later genealogies and shows the broader context of the nations around ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 1:29

• "generations" (תּוֹלְדוֹת, toledot): This word means "descendants" or "family history." Its use here signals that what follows is an official record of a family line, not just a list of names.
• "firstborn" (בְּכוֹר, bekhor): This term means the eldest son, who often had special status or inheritance rights. Naming Nebaioth as Ishmael’s firstborn highlights his prominence among Ishmael’s sons.
• "Ishmael" (יִשְׁמָעֵאל, Yishma‘el): The verse names Ishmael, Abraham’s son by Hagar, as the ancestor of these listed descendants. This connects the genealogy back to Abraham and helps the reader trace the family tree.

Why 1 Chronicles 1:29 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Ishmaelites, often mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, are not a random group but have a specific lineage traced back to Abraham through Ishmael.
• By listing Ishmael’s sons, the verse emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that Ishmael would become the father of many nations.
• The genealogy connects Israel’s story to its neighbors, showing how different peoples in the region are related and setting up later interactions in the biblical narrative.