1 Chronicles 4:8 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 4:8 mean?

1 Chronicles 4:8 records part of a genealogy, stating that Coz was the father of Anub, Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel, who was the son of Harum. This verse is listing descendants within the tribe of Judah as part of a larger family record.

The writer of 1 Chronicles, traditionally believed to be Ezra, is documenting the family lines of Judah for the returned exiles. This verse is one link in a long chain of names, showing how different families and clans are connected. The focus is on preserving the lineage and identity of the people after the Babylonian exile.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 4:8

• "begat" (יָלַד, yalad) means to father or produce offspring. This word is used throughout genealogies to show direct family relationships.
• "families" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot) refers to extended family groups or clans, not just immediate relatives. This highlights the importance of larger family units in ancient Israelite society.

Why 1 Chronicles 4:8 matters

• This verse helps clarify the structure of Judah's descendants, which is important for understanding tribal inheritance and land distribution later in the Bible.
• By naming lesser-known individuals and families, the verse shows that every branch of the tribe mattered in the community’s history.
• The careful record-keeping in verses like this reflects the Chronicler’s concern for restoring Israel’s identity and heritage after a period of displacement.