1 Chronicles 7:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 7:26 mean?

1 Chronicles 7:26 lists part of a genealogy, naming Laadan, his son Ammihud, and his son Elishama as ancestors in a family line. This verse is part of a larger section that traces the descendants of Ephraim, one of the sons of Joseph, to show the lineage of certain Israelite tribes.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is recording the family history for the people of Israel, likely after their return from exile, to help them remember their heritage and tribal connections. By naming each generation—Laadan, Ammihud, and Elishama—the verse highlights the importance of family lines in Israel’s identity and history.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 7:26

• לָעְדָּן (Laadan, transliteration: Laʿdan): This is a personal name, and its inclusion marks a specific ancestor in the genealogy.
• בֵּן (ben): This word means "son," and it is used repeatedly to show direct descent from one generation to the next.
• עַמִּיהוּד (Ammihud, transliteration: ʿAmmîhûd): Another personal name, meaning "my kinsman is majesty" or "people of majesty," showing the significance of names in Hebrew culture.
• אֱלִישָׁמָע (Elishama, transliteration: ʾElîshamaʿ): This name means "God has heard," reflecting the common practice of embedding references to God in Hebrew names.

Why 1 Chronicles 7:26 matters

• This verse helps clarify the specific family line within the tribe of Ephraim, which is important for understanding later references to these individuals and their descendants in Israel’s history.
• By carefully recording each generation, the Chronicler emphasizes the continuity and faithfulness of God’s promises to the tribes of Israel, even after times of exile and upheaval.
• The verse connects to a larger pattern in 1 Chronicles, where genealogies serve to anchor the community’s identity and remind readers of their shared roots.