1 Chronicles 8:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 8:3 mean?

1 Chronicles 8:3 lists the sons of Bela as Addar, Gera, and Abihud. This verse is part of a genealogical record, showing the descendants of Bela, who was one of the sons of Benjamin.

The book of 1 Chronicles was written to preserve the family histories of Israel, especially for those returning from exile. In this section, the writer is listing the descendants of Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. By naming Addar, Gera, and Abihud as Bela’s sons, the verse helps trace the lineage and tribal organization of the people of Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 8:3

• "sons" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word means "sons" or "descendants." In genealogies like this, it can refer to direct sons or sometimes more distant male descendants, emphasizing family lines.
• "Bela" (בֶּלַע, Bela‘): Bela is the name of a son of Benjamin. The verse traces his line specifically, which helps clarify the structure of the tribe of Benjamin.
• "Addar" (אַדָּר, Addar), "Gera" (גֵּרָא, Gera), "Abihud" (אֲבִיהוּד, Abihud): These are personal names. The Hebrew forms show the original names as they would have been known in ancient Israel, grounding the genealogy in its historical context.

Why 1 Chronicles 8:3 matters

• This verse helps clarify the family structure within the tribe of Benjamin, which is important for understanding later stories involving Benjamite figures like Saul.
• The genealogy shows the continuity of the Israelite people after exile, emphasizing the importance of family and tribal identity.
• By preserving these names, the Chronicler affirms the value of every branch of Israel’s history, even those that might seem minor or obscure.