1 Chronicles 7:36 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 7:36 mean?

1 Chronicles 7:36 lists the sons of Zophah: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, and Imrah. This verse is part of a genealogy, recording the descendants of Zophah as part of the family history of the tribe of Asher.

The book of 1 Chronicles was written to document the genealogies of Israel’s tribes, especially after the exile. In this verse, the chronicler is naming specific individuals descended from Zophah, likely to preserve their family line and identity. These names help trace the lineage and connections among the people of Israel, showing the care taken to remember each family branch.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 7:36

• בְּנֵי (benê, "sons"): This word means "sons" or "descendants," emphasizing that the list is not just biological sons but possibly broader family members.
• צוֹפָה (Zophah, "Zophah"): The name Zophah is included to anchor this branch of the genealogy, showing his importance as an ancestor within the tribe of Asher.
• שׁוּעַ (Suah, "Suah"), חַרְנֶפֶר (Harnepher, "Harnepher"), שׁוּעָל (Shual, "Shual"), בְּרִי (Beri, "Beri"), אִמְרָה (Imrah, "Imrah"): These are personal names, each marking a distinct family line. The inclusion of each name underlines the chronicler’s intent to preserve even lesser-known branches of the tribe.

Why 1 Chronicles 7:36 matters

• This verse shows the chronicler’s commitment to recording every branch of Israel’s families, not just the most prominent ones, highlighting the value placed on each individual and family group.
• By listing these names, the verse connects the tribe of Asher’s descendants to the larger story of Israel, helping later generations understand their heritage and place within the nation.
• The careful record-keeping in passages like this one helps modern readers see the importance of memory, identity, and belonging in the biblical narrative.