1 Chronicles 8:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 8:15 mean?

1 Chronicles 8:15 lists three individuals—Zebadiah, Arad, and Ader—as part of a genealogy. The verse is simply naming descendants in a family line, with no additional story or description given about these people.

This verse is part of a longer section where the writer of 1 Chronicles is recording the descendants of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The focus is on preserving the names and lineage of important families, which was a key concern for the original audience. The verse does not offer details about the lives or actions of Zebadiah, Arad, or Ader; it simply records their place in the family tree.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 8:15

• זְבַדְיָה (Zebadyah, transliterated "Zebadiah") means "Yahweh has given." This name reflects a common practice of including a reference to God ("Yah") in Hebrew names, showing the family's faith.
• עֲרָד (Arad, transliterated "Arad") is a personal name that also appears as a place name elsewhere in the Bible. Here, it is just a name in the genealogy.
• עָדֵר (Ader, transliterated "Ader") means "flock" or "herd." As a personal name, it may suggest a connection to shepherding, but in this context, it is simply a name in the list.

Why 1 Chronicles 8:15 matters

• This verse helps establish the continuity and historical roots of the tribe of Benjamin, which was important for the identity of Israel.
• By listing these names, the writer shows the value placed on every family and individual within the community, even those about whom nothing else is recorded.
• The verse connects to the broader purpose of 1 Chronicles, which is to trace the lineage of Israel’s tribes and highlight their role in the nation’s story.