The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were, Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea,
1 CHRONICLES 4:21KJVWhat does 1 Chronicles 4:21 mean?
1 Chronicles 4:21 lists some descendants of Shelah, who was a son of Judah, naming Er (connected to Lecah), Laadah (connected to Mareshah), and families known for working with fine linen from the house of Ashbea. The verse highlights both family lines and a group known for a particular craft within Judah’s tribe.
This verse is part of a genealogy, where the writer is recording the family branches of Judah for the people of Israel. It mentions not just people, but also their roles and skills, such as those who made fine linen, showing that some families were known for specific trades or crafts. The focus is on heritage and the contributions of different groups within the tribe.
The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 4:21
- שֵׁלָה (Shelah, transliterated "Shelah") is named as a son of Judah (יְהוּדָה, Yehudah), anchoring this list in the larger family tree of Israel’s tribes.
- לְכָה (Lecah, transliterated "Lecah") and מַרֵשָׁה (Mareshah, transliterated "Mareshah") are place names or clan names, not just individuals, showing that these descendants were associated with particular locations or communities.
- עֹשֵׂי (wrought, transliterated "osei") comes from a root meaning “to make” or “to work,” and פִּשְׁתֵּי (linen, transliterated "pishtê") refers to fine linen, highlighting a family known for skilled craftsmanship in textiles.
- אַשְׁבֵּעַ (Ashbea, transliterated "Ashbea") is a family or house name, showing that certain trades or crafts were linked to specific family groups.
Why 1 Chronicles 4:21 matters
- This verse shows that biblical genealogies sometimes include information about professions or skills, not just family relationships, which helps us see the social and economic life of ancient Israel.
- By naming both people and places, the verse connects individuals to broader communities and regions, helping readers trace the spread and influence of Judah’s descendants.
- The mention of linen workers suggests that some families had specialized roles, which may have contributed to the tribe’s reputation, economy, or religious practices, since linen was important for priestly garments.