These mentioned by their names were princes in their families: and the house of their fathers increased greatly.

1 CHRONICLES 4:38KJV
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1 Chronicles 4:38 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 4:38 mean?

1 Chronicles 4:38 says that the men listed by name in the previous verses were leaders or chiefs in their family groups, and their family households grew significantly in number and influence. The verse highlights the prominence and expansion of these particular families among the descendants of Judah.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is recording the genealogy of the tribe of Judah, focusing here on certain men who stood out as "princes" or leaders within their extended families. This verse is part of a larger section that traces the growth and organization of the tribes after the exile, showing how some family lines became especially strong and numerous.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 4:38

  • "Princes" (נָשִׂיא, nasi’): This word means a leader, chief, or prince. In this verse, it emphasizes that these men were not just ordinary family members but held positions of authority and respect within their clans.
  • "Families" (מִשְׁפָּחָה, mishpachah): This refers to extended family groups or clans, showing the social structure within the tribe.
  • "Increased" (פָּרַץ, parats): This word means to break out, increase, or expand. Here, it points to the remarkable growth and success of these families, suggesting both numerical increase and possibly influence or prosperity.
  • "Greatly" (לָרֹב, larov): This means "in abundance" or "greatly," stressing just how significant the increase was.

Why 1 Chronicles 4:38 matters

  • This verse clarifies that leadership within Israel’s tribes was often tied to family lines, and that some families became especially prominent over time.
  • The mention of great increase highlights God’s blessing or favor on these families, which would have been important to the original readers tracing their heritage after returning from exile.
  • By naming these leaders and their growing households, the chronicler connects the present community to a history of growth and resilience, reinforcing their identity and continuity as a people.

Where else these words appear

“increased” Hebrew H6555 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 28:14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
  • 2 Kings 14:13 And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
  • Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

“princes” Hebrew H5387 · used in 120 verses

  • Genesis 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
  • Numbers 7:54 On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:
  • 2 Chronicles 5:2 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.

“greatly” Hebrew H7230 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 16:10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.
  • Proverbs 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.