And their brethren of the house of their fathers were, Michael, and Meshullam, and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jachan, and Zia, and Heber, seven.

1 CHRONICLES 5:13KJV
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1 Chronicles 5:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 5:13 mean?

1 Chronicles 5:13 lists the names of seven men—Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jachan, Zia, and Heber—described as brothers from the same ancestral house. This verse is part of a genealogy, identifying family members connected by their fathers’ lineage.

The book of 1 Chronicles was written to record the history and family lines of the tribes of Israel. In this verse, the writer is naming specific descendants within one of the tribes, showing their connection through their fathers’ house. The focus is on preserving the heritage and relationships among these families, which mattered for tribal identity and inheritance.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 5:13

  • בֵּית (bêṯ, "house"): This word refers to a household or family, not just a physical building. Here, it emphasizes that these men belong to the same extended family or clan.
  • אָב (’av, "father"): This word points to ancestry or lineage. The verse highlights that these brothers are related through their fathers, underlining the importance of paternal descent in Israelite society.
  • אַח (’ach, "brethren"): This term means brothers or close relatives. It shows that these men are not just random individuals but are linked by blood within the same family group.

Why 1 Chronicles 5:13 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the structure of ancient Israelite families, showing how identity and inheritance were tied to the father’s house.
  • By listing these specific names, the verse preserves the memory of individuals who might otherwise be forgotten, showing the importance of every member in the community’s history.
  • The verse connects to the larger genealogy in 1 Chronicles, helping readers trace the lineage and relationships that shaped the tribes of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Sheba” Hebrew H7652 · used in 10 verses

  • Joshua 19:2 And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,
  • 2 Samuel 20:6 And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.
  • 2 Samuel 20:13 When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

“Michael” Hebrew H4317 · used in 13 verses

  • Numbers 13:13 Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:16 And Michael, and Ispah, and Joha, the sons of Beriah;
  • Ezra 8:8 And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him fourscore males.

“Heber” Hebrew H5677 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 10:21 Unto Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were children born.
  • Genesis 11:15 And Salah lived after he begat Eber four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:19 And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother's name was Joktan.

“Meshullam” Hebrew H4918 · used in 25 verses

  • 2 Kings 22:3 And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,
  • Ezra 8:16 Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.
  • Nehemiah 10:7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,