1 Chronicles 8:39 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 8:39 mean?

1 Chronicles 8:39 lists the sons of Eshek’s brother, naming Ulam as the firstborn, Jehush as the second, and Eliphelet as the third. This verse is part of a genealogy, recording the descendants within a particular family line from the tribe of Benjamin.

The verse appears in a section where the chronicler is carefully tracing family histories for the people of Israel, especially focusing on the tribe of Benjamin. The names and birth order are given to preserve accurate records of lineage, which was important for inheritance, tribal identity, and leadership roles in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 8:39

• בֵּן (ben; H1121): This word means "son." Its use here emphasizes the direct male descendants, which was a key way of tracking family lines in ancient Israel.
• בְּכוֹר (bekhor; H1060): This word means "firstborn." The firstborn son often held special status, including inheritance rights and family leadership, so his mention first is significant.
• שֵׁנִי (sheni; H8145): This means "second." Listing the sons by order clarifies their birth sequence, which could affect their roles or inheritance.
• שְׁלִישִׁי (shelishi; H7992): This means "third." Again, the order matters for understanding family structure and potential claims within the family.

Why 1 Chronicles 8:39 matters

• This verse helps clarify the specific descendants of Eshek’s brother, which is important for understanding the broader genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin.
• Listing the sons by name and birth order highlights the importance of family structure, inheritance, and leadership in ancient Israelite society.
• The careful recording of these names connects to the chronicler’s larger goal of preserving Israel’s tribal and family identities after the exile, showing the continuity of God’s people through their generations.