And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin.

1 CHRONICLES 8:40KJV
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1 Chronicles 8:40 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 8:40 mean?

1 Chronicles 8:40 describes the descendants of Ulam, from the tribe of Benjamin, as strong and courageous warriors who were skilled archers and had many descendants—specifically, 150 sons and grandsons. This verse highlights the strength and large family of Ulam’s line within the tribe of Benjamin.

This verse is part of a genealogy list, where the writer is recording the families of Benjamin for the people of Israel. The focus on their bravery and skill with the bow sets Ulam’s descendants apart as notable fighters, which would have been important in the context of ancient Israel’s frequent conflicts. The mention of their large number also points to the growth and significance of this family group.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 8:40

  • The word for "mighty" is גִּבּוֹרִים (gibbōrîm), from the root גִּבּוֹר (gibbōr, H1368), meaning strong or valiant men. This emphasizes that Ulam’s sons were not just ordinary warriors, but renowned for their strength and bravery.
  • The term for "archers" uses two words: דֹּרְכֵי (dorkhê, H1869) meaning "those who tread" or "bend," and קֶשֶׁת (qeshet, H7198), meaning "bow." Together, they describe men who are skilled in using bows, highlighting their expertise in archery.
  • The word for "valour" is חַיִל (ḥayil, H2428), which often refers to both physical strength and moral courage. This adds depth to their description, suggesting they were respected not only for fighting ability but also for character.

Why 1 Chronicles 8:40 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the tribe of Benjamin included families known for their military skill and large numbers, which helps explain their role in later biblical stories involving warriors from Benjamin.
  • The emphasis on archery and valor shows that different families within Israel had unique strengths, contributing to the overall character and defense of the nation.
  • By recording the size and reputation of Ulam’s descendants, the chronicler is preserving the memory of families who played a significant part in Israel’s history, reinforcing the importance of genealogy and legacy in the biblical narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Ulam” Hebrew H198 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 7:16 And Maachah the wife of Machir bare a son, and she called his name Peresh; and the name of his brother was Sheresh; and his sons were Ulam and Rakem.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:17 And the sons of Ulam; Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:39 And the sons of Eshek his brother were, Ulam his firstborn, Jehush the second, and Eliphelet the third.

“archers” Hebrew H1869 · used in 59 verses

  • Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
  • Psalms 11:2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.
  • Jeremiah 9:3 And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.

“archers” Hebrew H7198 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 9:13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:33 And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man, Turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
  • Isaiah 66:19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

“fifty” Hebrew H2572 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 2 Kings 21:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah.