Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 7:24 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 7:24 notes that a woman named Sherah, the daughter of Ephraim, built three towns: Lower Bethhoron, Upper Bethhoron, and Uzzen-sherah. This verse highlights Sherah’s unusual role as a female builder and founder of cities in Israel’s tribal history. The verse appears in a genealogy listing the descendants of Ephraim, one of Joseph’s sons. In the middle of mostly male names, Sherah stands out because the text credits her with constructing significant towns, which was rare for a woman in the ancient world. The mention of both “the nether” (lower) and “the upper” Bethhoron, as well as Uzzen-sherah (likely named after her), underlines her importance in the region’s history.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 7:24

Accepted Answer

בִּתּוֹ (bat, H1323): This word means “daughter,” and its use here emphasizes Sherah’s gender, which is notable since genealogies usually focus on male descendants. בָּנָה (banah, H1129): This verb means “built.” The text credits Sherah directly with building, not just living in or inheriting these towns, which is unusual and highlights her initiative and leadership. בֵּית־חֹרוֹן (Bethhoron, H1032): This is the name of the towns Sherah built, which were important locations in Israel’s history, especially in later battles and stories. תַּחְתּוֹן (takhton, H8481) and עֶלְיוֹן (elyon, H5945): These words mean “lower” and “upper,” distinguishing the two Bethhorons, showing Sherah’s influence spanned more than one settlement. עֻזֵּן־שֶׁרַח (Uzzen-sherah, H242): This place name likely means “portion of Sherah” or “ear of Sherah,” suggesting the town was named in her honor, indicating her lasting legacy.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 7:24 matters

Accepted Answer

The verse highlights a rare example of a woman being credited as a city founder and builder in the Bible, which challenges assumptions about women’s roles in ancient Israel. Sherah’s mention in the genealogy draws attention to her significance, suggesting her actions were well-remembered and respected by later generations. The towns she built, especially Bethhoron, became important in Israel’s later history, so this verse connects the tribal past to key locations in the nation’s story.

1 Chronicles 7:24 (KJV)