1 Chronicles 5:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 5:4 mean?

1 Chronicles 5:4 lists the descendants of Joel, naming his son Shemaiah, his grandson Gog, and his great-grandson Shimei. This verse is part of a genealogy that traces family lines within the tribe of Reuben.

The book of 1 Chronicles was written to record the history and ancestry of the tribes of Israel, especially after the exile. In this section, the writer is documenting the lineage of Reuben’s descendants, showing how Joel’s family continued through several generations. These genealogies helped the people of Israel remember their heritage and tribal connections.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 5:4

• The word for "sons" is בֵּן (ben), often used in Hebrew to mean both direct sons and more distant male descendants. This shows the genealogical focus is on lineage, not just immediate children.
• The names listed—Joel (יוֹאֵל, Yoel), Shemaiah (שְׁמַעְיָה, Shema‘yah), Gog (גּוֹג, Gog), and Shimei (שִׁמְעִי, Shim‘i)—are preserved from the Hebrew, reflecting real individuals in the tribal records. Each name would have been recognized by the original audience as part of their shared history.

Why 1 Chronicles 5:4 matters

• This verse helps establish the continuity of the tribe of Reuben, even after times of upheaval or exile, by carefully preserving family lines.
• By naming specific individuals, the verse connects the broader story of Israel to real people, grounding the nation’s history in actual families.
• The genealogy sets the stage for later verses, which explain the roles and actions of these descendants, helping readers understand the context of their leadership and legacy.