1 Chronicles 4:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 4:6 mean?

1 Chronicles 4:6 records that Naarah gave birth to four sons: Ahuzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. This verse is part of a genealogical list, showing the descendants of Naarah within the tribe of Judah.

The book of 1 Chronicles was written to document the family lines of Israel, especially after the exile. In this verse, the chronicler is listing the sons of Naarah, who was one of the wives of Ashhur, a descendant of Judah. Each name represents a family or clan that would have been known among the people of Judah, helping to establish their heritage and place in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 4:6

• נַעֲרָה (Na‘arah): This name means "young woman" or "maiden" in Hebrew, but here it is used as a personal name. Knowing this helps clarify that the verse is naming a specific woman, not describing a generic group.
• יָלַד (yalad, "bare"): This verb means "to give birth." Its use here shows that Naarah is the biological mother of the four sons listed, not just a stepmother or adoptive figure.
• בֵּן (ben, "sons"): This word means "sons" or "descendants." In genealogies, it can sometimes refer to later generations, but here it most likely means direct sons.

Why 1 Chronicles 4:6 matters

• This verse helps clarify the family structure within the tribe of Judah, showing that Ashhur had children by more than one wife, which was common in ancient Israel.
• By naming each son, the chronicler is preserving the memory and identity of these family groups, which would have been important for land, inheritance, and tribal roles.
• The verse connects to a larger pattern in 1 Chronicles of carefully recording genealogies, emphasizing the value placed on lineage and belonging in Israel’s community.