The sons of Joel; Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,

1 CHRONICLES 5:4KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“Gog” Hebrew H1463 · used in 8 verses

  • Ezekiel 38:2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,
  • Ezekiel 38:14 Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it?
  • Ezekiel 38:18 And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face.

“Joel” Hebrew H3100 · used in 19 verses

  • 1 Samuel 8:2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:3 And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:22 The sons of Jehieli; Zetham, and Joel his brother, which were over the treasures of the house of the LORD.

“Shemaiah” Hebrew H8098 · used in 39 verses

  • 1 Kings 12:22 But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,
  • 2 Chronicles 12:5 Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.
  • Nehemiah 10:8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these were the priests.

“Shimei” Hebrew H8096 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 6:17 The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families.
  • 1 Kings 2:38 And Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:21 And Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons of Shimhi;