Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 8:31 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 8:31 lists three individuals—Gedor, Ahio, and Zacher—as part of a genealogy. The verse is simply naming descendants within the tribe of Benjamin, with no further details about their lives or actions. This verse is part of a longer section where the writer of 1 Chronicles is recording the family lineages of the tribe of Benjamin. The chronicler is addressing the returned exiles, helping them trace their heritage and understand their place within Israel’s history. The verse functions as a record-keeping detail, showing the continuity of the family line.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 8:31

Accepted Answer

גְּדוֹר (Gedor, transliterated "Gedor") means "wall" or "enclosure." The name may suggest strength or protection, which could have been meaningful to the family or tribe. אֲחִיו (Ahio, transliterated "Ahio") means "his brother." This name is common in several genealogies and may highlight a sense of kinship or family connection. זָכֵר (Zacher, transliterated "Zacher") means "mindful" or "remembered." The name could reflect a hope that the person would be remembered or that God would be mindful of them.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 8:31 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse helps clarify the specific descendants within the tribe of Benjamin, which is important for understanding the structure and continuity of Israel’s tribes after the exile. The inclusion of these names, even without further stories, emphasizes the value placed on every family and individual in the biblical record. By connecting these names to the wider genealogy, the chronicler shows the careful preservation of Israel’s history and identity.

1 Chronicles 8:31 (KJV)