Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 7:18 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 7:18 records that Hammoleketh, the sister of someone mentioned earlier in the genealogy, gave birth to three sons: Ishod, Abiezer, and Mahalah. This verse is part of a larger list tracing the descendants of the tribe of Manasseh. The verse appears in a section where the chronicler is carefully listing family lines, likely for the purpose of establishing tribal identities and inheritance rights among the Israelites. By mentioning Hammoleketh and her children, the text highlights the importance of even less prominent family members in the broader story of Israel’s tribes.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 7:18

Accepted Answer

The word for "sister" is אֲחוֹת (ʾachot), which simply means a female sibling. Its use here shows that women, though less frequently named, played a role in the genealogies. "Hammoleketh" (הַמֹּלֶכֶת, Hammoleketh) is a personal name, possibly meaning "the queen" or "the ruler," though the exact meaning is uncertain. Naming her specifically gives her a place of honor in the genealogy. The verb "bare" is יָלַד (yalad), meaning "to give birth." Its use here is straightforward, showing lineage through Hammoleketh. The names "Ishod" (אִישׁוֹד, Ishod), "Abiezer" (אֲבִיעֶזֶר, Abiezer), and "Mahalah" (מַחְלָה, Mahalah) are listed as her sons, each representing a family or clan within the tribe.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 7:18 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse reminds readers that genealogies in the Bible sometimes include women, showing their significance in Israel’s history, even if only briefly. The mention of Hammoleketh and her sons connects to other biblical stories, such as Abiezer being an ancestor of Gideon, a major figure in the book of Judges. Including these names helps preserve the memory of smaller family groups within the larger tribe, emphasizing that every branch of the community was valued.

1 Chronicles 7:18 (KJV)