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 7:40KJV
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1 Chronicles 7:40 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“choice” Hebrew H1305 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:27 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury.
  • Psalms 18:26 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.
  • Jeremiah 51:11 Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple.

“genealogy” Hebrew H3187 · used in 20 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 4:33 And all their villages that were round about the same cities, unto Baal. These were their habitations, and their genealogy.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:9 And the number of them, after their genealogy by their generations, heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valour, was twenty thousand and two hundred.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:18 And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:

“Asher” Hebrew H836 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 30:13 And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.
  • Numbers 26:46 And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah.
  • Judges 1:31 Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:

“princes” Hebrew H5387 · used in 120 verses

  • Genesis 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
  • Numbers 7:54 On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:
  • 2 Chronicles 5:2 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.