Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 8:35 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 8:35 lists the sons of Micah as Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. This verse is part of a genealogy, simply recording the names of Micah’s descendants within the tribe of Benjamin. This verse appears in a section where the writer is tracing the family lines of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The purpose is to preserve the record of who belonged to which family, which was important for inheritance, tribal identity, and roles within the community. The verse does not tell a story or give instructions, but serves as a historical record.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 8:35

Accepted Answer

The word "sons" (בְּנֵי, benê) refers specifically to male descendants, often direct sons but sometimes more broadly to male lineage. "Micah" (מִיכָה, Mîkhāh) is a Hebrew name meaning “Who is like Yahweh?”; here, it identifies a particular individual in the genealogy. The names "Pithon" (פִּיתוֹן, Pîthon), "Melech" (מֶלֶךְ, Melekh), "Tarea" (תָּרֵעַ, Tārēa‘), and "Ahaz" (אָחָז, ’Āḥāz) are personal names. "Melech" means "king" in Hebrew, which is notable but does not imply royal status here.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 8:35 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse helps clarify the family structure within the tribe of Benjamin, which is significant for understanding later stories involving descendants from this tribe. The careful listing of names shows the importance placed on lineage and identity in ancient Israel, especially for tribal roles and inheritance. Seeing these names preserved highlights the chronicler’s concern for continuity and the value of every family within the broader story of Israel.

1 Chronicles 8:35 (KJV)