Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 4:36 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 4:36 lists the names Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, and Benaiah as part of a genealogy. This verse is part of a larger section in 1 Chronicles that records the descendants of the tribe of Simeon. The writer of 1 Chronicles is compiling detailed family records for the people of Israel, likely after the exile, to preserve tribal identities and heritage. This specific verse simply names individuals in the Simeonite lineage, showing the importance of each family member in the historical record.

Question 2

Why 1 Chronicles 4:36 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse emphasizes the care taken to record every branch of Israel’s tribes, highlighting the value placed on ancestry and belonging in ancient Israelite society. Including these names connects the Simeonites to the broader story of Israel, showing that even less prominent tribes and individuals were not forgotten. The genealogy helps set the stage for understanding land distribution, responsibilities, and relationships among the tribes in the chapters that follow.

1 Chronicles 4:36 (KJV)