1 Chronicles 5:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 5:6 mean?

1 Chronicles 5:6 states that Beerah, a leader among the Reubenites, was taken captive by Tilgathpilneser, the king of Assyria. This verse highlights Beerah’s position as a prince of the tribe of Reuben and notes his capture during the Assyrian invasions.

This verse appears in a genealogy listing the descendants of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. The chronicler is recording the fate of Beerah to show how the tribe’s leadership was affected by foreign conquest. The mention of Tilgathpilneser, a historical Assyrian king, connects the genealogy to a specific moment when Israelite leaders were exiled, emphasizing the tribe’s loss of autonomy.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 5:6

• בְּעֵרָא (Be‘erah): This is the name of the Reubenite leader mentioned. The name itself means “a well” or “a pit,” but here it simply identifies the individual.
• תִּלְּגַת פִּלְנְאֶסֶר (Tilgathpilneser): This is the Hebrew rendering of the Assyrian king’s name, known historically as Tiglath-Pileser III. His mention grounds the verse in a real historical event.
• נָשִׂיא (nasi’): Translated as “prince,” this word often means a chief or leader of a tribe. It highlights Beerah’s authority among the Reubenites, not just his family connection.

Why 1 Chronicles 5:6 matters

• This verse clarifies that the tribe of Reuben, despite its early prominence, lost its leaders and influence due to foreign conquest, explaining part of Israel’s decline.
• By naming both Beerah and Tilgathpilneser, the verse connects the genealogy to a specific historical event, showing that these records are not just family trees but also reflect real political and social changes.
• The mention of Beerah’s captivity underlines the vulnerability of Israel’s tribes during the period of Assyrian expansion, setting the stage for understanding the broader exile of the northern tribes.