1 Chronicles 7:35 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 7:35 mean?

1 Chronicles 7:35 lists the sons of Helem’s brother, naming them as Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal. This verse is part of a genealogy, recording family lines within the tribe of Asher in ancient Israel.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is compiling a record of the descendants of Jacob’s sons for the people of Israel, likely after the exile. This specific verse continues the listing of family members, showing the extended family of Helem by naming his brother’s sons. The focus is on preserving the names and relationships within the tribe, which was important for identity and inheritance.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 7:35

• "sons" (בֵּן, ben): This word means "sons" or "descendants," and in genealogies, it can sometimes refer to grandsons or further descendants, not just immediate sons.
• "brother" (אָח, ach): This word means "brother," indicating a close family relationship, and here it clarifies that the following names are not Helem’s sons, but his brother’s.
• The names "Helem" (חֵלֶם, chelem), "Zophah" (צוֹפָה, tsophah), "Imna" (יִמְנָע, yimna), "Shelesh" (שֵׁלֶשׁ, shelesh), and "Amal" (עָמָל, amal) are preserved as they were in Hebrew, showing the chronicler’s care to record the exact family line.

Why 1 Chronicles 7:35 matters

• This verse helps clarify the structure of the tribe of Asher’s family tree, which can be confusing because of similar or repeated names.
• By noting that these are the sons of Helem’s brother, the verse emphasizes the importance of extended family connections in Israel’s tribal organization.
• The careful listing of names in this genealogy shows the chronicler’s intent to preserve Israel’s heritage and identity, especially significant for a community rebuilding after exile.