Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 1:41 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 1:41 lists the descendants of Anah, specifically naming his son Dishon, and then lists the sons of Dishon: Amram, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. This verse is part of a genealogical record, showing the family lines connected to Edom. This verse appears in a section where the writer of 1 Chronicles is recording the family trees of various peoples related to Israel, especially those descended from Esau. The names given here help trace the lineage of the Edomite clans, which was important for understanding the relationships and boundaries between different groups in the ancient world.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 1:41

Accepted Answer

בְּנֵי (benê, H1121) — "sons": This word is used twice in the verse to introduce the descendants of both Anah and Dishon, emphasizing the generational flow of the genealogy. עֲנָה (ʿAnah, H6034) — "Anah": Naming Anah connects this list to earlier genealogies and situates these descendants within the broader family of Esau. דִּישׁוֹן (Dishon, H1787) — "Dishon": Dishon is both a son and a father in this verse, showing the branching nature of the genealogy. אַמְרָם (Amram, H2566), אֶשְׁבָּן (Eshban, H790), יִתְרָן (Ithran, H3506), כְּרָן (Cheran, H3763): These personal names are preserved from the original Hebrew, each representing a distinct family line within the Edomite clans.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 1:41 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies the specific branches of the Edomite clans, which helps readers understand the historical and territorial relationships between Israel and its neighbors. By including these names, the chronicler shows the importance of recording even non-Israelite genealogies, reflecting the broader context of the ancient Near East. The verse connects back to earlier records in Genesis, reinforcing the continuity and reliability of the biblical genealogies.

1 Chronicles 1:41 (KJV)