1 Chronicles 9:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 9:6 mean?

1 Chronicles 9:6 lists some of the descendants of Zerah, specifically naming Jeuel and mentioning that there were 690 of their relatives. This verse is part of a genealogical record, showing the number and names of people from the tribe of Judah who returned to Jerusalem after the exile.

The book of 1 Chronicles was written to document the history and family lines of Israel, especially after the Babylonian exile. In this section, the writer is listing those from the tribe of Judah, focusing on the descendants of Zerah, one of Judah’s sons. The mention of Jeuel and the number 690 highlights the specific families and their size among those who came back to settle in Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 9:6

• זֶרַח (Zerah, transliterated "Zerah") refers to one of Judah’s sons, whose descendants are being counted here. This helps clarify which branch of Judah’s family is in view.
• יְעוּאֵל (Jeuel, transliterated "Jeuel") is the specific descendant named, possibly the head of a family or clan, showing the importance of family leaders in these records.
• אַח (’ach, transliterated "brethren") means "brothers" or "relatives," often used to refer to extended family or clan members, not just immediate siblings.
• שֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת וְתִשְׁעִים (shesh me’ot ve-tish‘im, "six hundred and ninety") gives a precise count, emphasizing the careful record-keeping and the significance of each family group’s size.

Why 1 Chronicles 9:6 matters

• This verse helps clarify the organization and restoration of the community after the exile, showing that specific families and their numbers were carefully recorded.
• By naming Jeuel and counting his relatives, the verse highlights the importance of family heads and their role in re-establishing Israel’s presence in Jerusalem.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by showing how the returned exiles were rooted in ancient tribal lines, reinforcing their identity and continuity with Israel’s past.