1 Chronicles 8:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 8:26 mean?

1 Chronicles 8:26 lists three individuals—Shamsherai, Shehariah, and Athaliah—as part of a genealogy. The verse simply names these men without giving further details about their lives or roles.

This verse appears in a section where the writer is recording the descendants of Benjamin for the people of Israel. The focus is on preserving the names and family lines, which was important for tribal identity and inheritance in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 8:26

• שַׁמְשְׁרַי (Shamsherai): This name is unique in the Bible and its meaning is uncertain, but it is included to show the specific lineage.
• שְׁחַרְיָה (Shehariah): This name can be understood as “Yahweh has dawned” or “Yahweh is morning,” hinting at a hopeful or new beginning, which may have been meaningful to the family.
• עֲתַלְיָה (Athaliah): This name means “Yahweh is exalted,” reflecting a common practice of embedding God’s name and attributes in personal names.

Why 1 Chronicles 8:26 matters

• This verse helps establish the detailed family records that were crucial for Israelite society, especially for matters of land, inheritance, and tribal responsibilities.
• The careful listing of names, even when little else is known about the individuals, shows the value placed on every member of the community.
• The inclusion of names with references to God highlights how faith and identity were often intertwined in ancient Israelite culture.