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.

1 CHRONICLES 7:9KJV
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1 Chronicles 7:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 7:9 mean?

1 Chronicles 7:9 reports the total number of descendants from a particular family line, listing them by their genealogies and generations, and noting that the heads of these families were recognized as mighty men of valor, totaling twenty thousand and two hundred. This verse is part of a record that carefully counts and honors the leading men in the tribe.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is documenting the genealogies of the tribes of Israel, here focusing on the descendants of one of the sons of Issachar. The verse highlights not just the size of the group, but also the status and reputation of its leaders, emphasizing their strength and importance within their community.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 7:9

  • "Heads" (רֹאשׁ, rosh): This word refers to the leaders or chiefs of the families. It shows that the count is not just of any men, but of those who held authority and responsibility.
  • "Men" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor): This term is often used for warriors or people of notable strength and bravery. It highlights that these were not just ordinary family members, but men recognized for their valor.
  • "Valour" (חַיִל, chayil): This word can mean strength, wealth, or ability, but here it points to military or personal bravery. The verse is emphasizing the quality of these leaders, not just their number.

Why 1 Chronicles 7:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the genealogies in Chronicles are not just lists of names, but also records of the strength and leadership within the tribes, showing the importance of both heritage and character.
  • By noting the number and valor of these men, the verse connects the family history to the tribe’s ability to defend itself and maintain its place among the people of Israel.
  • The focus on "heads of the house of their fathers" ties the identity of the tribe to its leaders, underlining the role of family heads in preserving and leading their communities.

Where else these words appear

“number” 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:

“generations” Hebrew H8435 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 2:4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,
  • Genesis 37:2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.
  • Numbers 1:38 Of the children of Dan, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;