So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression.

1 CHRONICLES 9:1KJV
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1 Chronicles 9:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 9:1 mean?

1 Chronicles 9:1 explains that all the people of Israel were officially recorded by their family histories, and these records were kept in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. The verse also notes that the people were taken away to Babylon because they had been unfaithful.

This verse comes near the end of a long list of genealogies, summarizing that the Israelites’ family records were carefully kept but that their national story took a tragic turn when they were exiled to Babylon. The writer is reminding readers that the exile happened as a result of the people’s wrongdoing, setting the stage for the returnees who would rebuild after exile.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 9:1

  • "Genealogies" (יָחַשׂ, yāḥas) means to enroll or register by family lineage. This word highlights the importance placed on family records for identity and inheritance in ancient Israel.
  • "Written" (כָּתַב, kātav) means to record or inscribe. The verse stresses that these genealogies were not just remembered but formally written down, showing their official and lasting nature.
  • "Transgression" (מַעַל, ma‘al) refers to an act of unfaithfulness or betrayal. The word points to a serious breach of trust with God, explaining the reason for the exile.

Why 1 Chronicles 9:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the exile to Babylon was not random but a direct result of Israel’s unfaithfulness, connecting historical events to moral choices.
  • It emphasizes the value placed on genealogy and record-keeping in Israelite society, which was crucial for restoring community identity after the exile.
  • By mentioning both Israel and Judah, the verse links the fate of both kingdoms and prepares readers for the story of return and restoration that follows in Chronicles.

Where else these words appear

“genealogies” Hebrew H3187 · used in 20 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 4:33 And all their villages that were round about the same cities, unto Baal. These were their habitations, and their genealogy.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:9 And the number of them, after their genealogy by their generations, heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valour, was twenty thousand and two hundred.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:18 And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:

“transgression” Hebrew H4604 · used in 29 verses

  • Leviticus 5:15 If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:
  • Joshua 22:20 Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.
  • Ezra 9:4 Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.