Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 2:28 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 2:28 lists part of a family genealogy, naming Onam’s sons as Shammai and Jada, and then naming Shammai’s sons as Nadab and Abishur. This verse is simply recording the descendants in a particular family line within the tribe of Judah. This verse is part of a larger section where the author of 1 Chronicles is carefully documenting the family lines of Israel, especially those connected to Judah. The purpose is to preserve the record of ancestry, which was important for tribal identity and inheritance in ancient Israel. The verse does not include narrative or teaching, but rather serves as a historical record.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 2:28

Accepted Answer

The word "sons" (בֵּן, ben, H1121) is used repeatedly to indicate direct male descendants. This term is central to the genealogical structure, showing the importance of lineage in the text. The names Onam (אוֹנָם, Onam, H208), Shammai (שַׁמַּי, Shammai, H8060), Jada (יָדָע, Yada, H3047), Nadab (נָדָב, Nadab, H5070), and Abishur (אֲבִישׁוּר, Abishur, H51) are preserved in Hebrew to maintain the accuracy of the family record. Each name represents a specific individual in Judah’s extended family.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 2:28 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse helps clarify the specific branches of Judah’s descendants, which is important for understanding later references to these families in the Bible. By listing these names, the chronicler emphasizes the value placed on family heritage and continuity in ancient Israel. The verse connects to a broader pattern in 1 Chronicles, where detailed genealogies establish the legitimacy of various tribes and clans, especially after the return from exile.

1 Chronicles 2:28 (KJV)