Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 8:14 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 8:14 lists the names Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth as part of a genealogy. This verse is part of a larger section tracing the descendants of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The writer of 1 Chronicles is recording the family lines for the tribe of Benjamin, likely for the returning exiles to know their heritage and tribal connections. The verse simply names three individuals—Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth—without giving further detail about their lives or roles, showing their place in the ongoing record of Benjamin’s descendants.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 8:14

Accepted Answer

Ahio (אָחִיּוֹ, 'Achiyyo): This name is often understood as "his brother." Its inclusion in the genealogy highlights family relationships within the tribe. Shashak (שָׁשָׁק, Shashak): The meaning of this name is uncertain, but it is unique to this genealogy, marking a specific branch of Benjamin’s descendants. Jeremoth (יְרֵמוֹת, Yeremoth): This name can mean "heights" or "elevations." It appears several times in different genealogies, showing that it was a common name in Israel.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 8:14 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse helps preserve the detailed record of the tribe of Benjamin, which was important for Israel’s sense of identity, especially after the exile. The listing of names without extra detail emphasizes the importance of every family and individual in the broader story of Israel, even if nothing else is known about them. By connecting these names to the wider genealogy, the verse shows the continuity and survival of Benjamin’s lineage through generations.

1 Chronicles 8:14 (KJV)