1 Chronicles 7:22 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 7:22 mean?

1 Chronicles 7:22 describes how Ephraim, after losing his sons, mourned for many days, and his brothers came to comfort him in his grief. The verse highlights a moment of deep family sorrow and the support offered by relatives during a time of loss.

The setting is a genealogy section in 1 Chronicles, listing the descendants of Ephraim, one of Joseph’s sons. The verse pauses the list to mention a tragedy in Ephraim’s family and his extended mourning. The focus is on the human response to loss—Ephraim’s grief and the compassion shown by his brothers, which gives a glimpse into the family relationships behind the names.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 7:22

• The word for "mourned" is אָבַל (’aval), which means to lament or grieve deeply. This word often describes intense, public mourning, suggesting that Ephraim’s sorrow was profound and visible.
• The word for "comfort" is נָחַם (nacham), which means to console or bring relief to someone in distress. The use of this word shows that Ephraim’s brothers were actively trying to ease his suffering, not just present as bystanders.

Why 1 Chronicles 7:22 matters

• This verse interrupts a genealogy to show that the chronicler cared about the emotional realities behind the family lines, not just the names and numbers.
• The mention of mourning and comfort highlights the importance of family support in times of tragedy, a theme that runs throughout the Bible.
• By including this detail, the passage connects the reader to the real human experiences of the people listed, making the genealogy more than just a list of names.