All these were the children of Asher, heads of their father's house, choice and mighty men of valour, chief of the princes. And the number throughout the genealogy of them that were apt to the war and to battle was twenty and six thousand men.
1 CHRONICLES 7:40KJVWhat does 1 Chronicles 7:40 mean?
1 Chronicles 7:40 lists the descendants of Asher, describing them as leaders of their families, distinguished and strong men, and heads among the tribal chiefs. The verse notes that there were 26,000 men from Asher’s line who were qualified and ready for military service according to their family records.
This verse comes near the end of a section where the writer is recording the genealogies of the tribes of Israel. The focus here is on the tribe of Asher, highlighting not just their numbers but also their reputation for strength and leadership. The verse emphasizes both the quality and quantity of Asher’s descendants, showing their importance among the tribes.
The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 7:40
- "children" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word refers to the descendants or sons, making clear that the verse is about the lineage of Asher, not just immediate sons but the extended family line.
- "choice" (בָּחוּר, bāḥûr): This word means "chosen" or "select," suggesting these men were not just numerous but also specially recognized for their abilities or character.
- "men of valour" (גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל, gibbōrê ḥayil): This phrase is often used for warriors of proven strength and courage, indicating these were capable and respected fighters.
- "genealogy" (יִתְיַחְשׂוּ, yityaḥsû): This word refers to those who could trace their ancestry, showing that the count of 26,000 was based on careful family records, not just estimates.
Why 1 Chronicles 7:40 matters
- This verse clarifies that the tribe of Asher was not only large but also had many capable leaders and warriors, countering any impression that they were a minor or weak tribe.
- By emphasizing both the leadership ("heads of their father's house") and the military readiness, the verse connects the tribe’s family structure to its ability to defend and lead.
- The careful mention of genealogical records shows the importance placed on heritage and organization in ancient Israel, helping the reader understand how identity and responsibility were tracked in the community.