And their brethren among all the families of Issachar were valiant men of might, reckoned in all by their genealogies fourscore and seven thousand.

1 CHRONICLES 7:5KJV
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1 Chronicles 7:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 7:5 mean?

1 Chronicles 7:5 states that among all the families of Issachar, there were 87,000 men who were considered strong and capable warriors, and this number was confirmed by their genealogical records. The verse emphasizes the size and strength of the tribe of Issachar as recorded in the official family histories.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is listing the descendants of the tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and highlighting their military strength. The context is a genealogical record meant to show the organization and capabilities of the tribes after returning from exile. This verse underlines the importance of family lineage and the impressive number of fighting men within Issachar, reflecting both their heritage and their potential role in Israel’s defense.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 7:5

  • "Brethren" (אַחִים, 'achim) refers to the wider kinship group, not just literal brothers, showing the collective strength of related families within Issachar.
  • "Valiant" (גִּבּוֹרִים, gibborim) means "mighty" or "brave," highlighting that these men were recognized for their courage and strength, not just their numbers.
  • "Might" (חַיִל, chayil) often means "strength," "wealth," or "ability," suggesting these were not only warriors but also men of substance and capability.
  • "Genealogies" (יִתְיַחְשׂוּ, yityachsu) points to the careful record-keeping of family lines, emphasizing the legitimacy and official recognition of these men.
  • "Fourscore and seven thousand" (שְׁמוֹנִים וְשִׁבְעָה אֶלֶף, shemonim v'shiv'ah elef) is a precise way of saying 87,000, showing the chronicler’s attention to detail.

Why 1 Chronicles 7:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the tribe of Issachar was not only numerous but also officially recognized for its strength, which would have been important for Israel’s organization and security.
  • The emphasis on genealogies shows the value placed on heritage and accurate record-keeping in ancient Israel, especially after the return from exile.
  • By highlighting the number and valor of Issachar’s men, the verse connects to the broader theme of God’s faithfulness in preserving and strengthening His people through their generations.

Where else these words appear

“genealogies” 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 7:40 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.
  • 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:

“fourscore” Hebrew H8084 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 5:25 And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech:
  • 2 Samuel 19:35 I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?
  • 2 Chronicles 14:8 And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour.

“Issachar” Hebrew H3485 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 30:18 And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.
  • Numbers 26:25 These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred.
  • 1 Kings 15:27 And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon.