And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their rooms: because there was pasture there for their flocks.

1 CHRONICLES 4:41KJV
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1 Chronicles 4:41 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 4:41 mean?

1 Chronicles 4:41 describes a group of people, identified by name, who came during the reign of Hezekiah, king of Judah, and attacked those living in tents and settlements in a certain area. They completely destroyed these inhabitants and took over their land because it had good pasture for their flocks.

This verse is part of a genealogy listing in 1 Chronicles, giving historical details about the descendants of Simeon. The verse explains a specific event where these descendants expanded their territory by force during King Hezekiah’s time, motivated by the need for better grazing land for their animals.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 4:41

  • חֲנִיּוֹת (ḥaniyyot, "tents") and מִשְׁכָּנוֹת (mishkanot, "habitations"): These words show that the people attacked were living in temporary or semi-permanent dwellings, suggesting a nomadic or pastoral lifestyle.
  • הִכּוּ (hikkû, "smote") and הַשְׁמִידוּ (hashmidu, "destroyed"): These verbs emphasize the thoroughness of the attack—the group did not just drive the others out but completely destroyed them, making it clear the takeover was total.
  • מִרְעֶה (mir‘eh, "pasture"): This word highlights the practical reason for the conquest—the land was valuable because it provided good grazing for flocks, which was essential for these people’s livelihood.

Why 1 Chronicles 4:41 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the expansion of the Simeonites’ territory was not peaceful but involved violent conflict and displacement of previous inhabitants.
  • The mention of Hezekiah, king of Judah, helps date the event and connects it to a known period in Israel’s history, grounding the genealogy in real events.
  • The focus on pasture for flocks shows how practical needs, like finding good grazing land, often drove historical movements and conflicts in the biblical world.