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 4:21KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 4:21 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“Er” Hebrew H6147 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 38:3 And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.
  • Genesis 38:7 And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.
  • Numbers 26:19 The sons of Judah were Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan.

“Shelah” Hebrew H7956 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 38:5 And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.
  • Genesis 38:14 And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife.
  • Genesis 46:12 And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.

“Mareshah” Hebrew H4762 · used in 8 verses

  • Joshua 15:44 And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:
  • 2 Chronicles 11:8 And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,
  • 2 Chronicles 14:10 Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

“linen” Hebrew H948 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:27 And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen.
  • 2 Chronicles 3:14 And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon.
  • Esther 1:6 Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.