1 Chronicles 1:11

KJV

And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Mizraim {H4714} begat {H3205} Ludim {H3866}, and Anamim {H6047}, and Lehabim {H3853}, and Naphtuhim {H5320},

Complete Jewish Bible

Mitzrayim fathered Ludim, 'Anamim, L'havim, Naftuchim,

Berean Standard Bible

Mizraim was the father of the Ludites, the Anamites, the Lehabites, the Naphtuhites,

American Standard Version

And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:11 continues the meticulous genealogical record of humanity, specifically detailing the immediate descendants of Mizraim, the biblical progenitor of ancient Egypt. This verse, embedded within the expansive "Table of Nations" in the opening chapters of Chronicles, serves to establish the diverse family tree of humanity stemming from Noah's son Ham, underscoring the interconnectedness of early peoples and setting the stage for the subsequent focus on the lineage of Israel. It highlights the biblical commitment to historical precision and the divine oversight of all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 1:11 is situated within the monumental genealogical record that comprises the first nine chapters of the book, beginning with Adam. Specifically, it falls within the detailed descendants of Noah's son Ham, following the lineage of Cush and preceding that of Canaan. This section (1 Chronicles 1:8-16) directly parallels the "Table of Nations" found in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"), demonstrating the Chronicler's reliance on and affirmation of earlier biblical traditions. The meticulous listing of names, often in "begat" formulas, establishes a continuous historical thread from creation to the post-exilic community, providing a foundational identity for the returned exiles and validating their heritage and claims.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Chronicles was written for the post-exilic community in Judah, likely in the late 5th or early 4th century BC. This community, having returned from Babylonian captivity, faced challenges related to their identity, land ownership, and the re-establishment of the temple and priesthood. Genealogies were crucial in ancient Near Eastern societies, serving as legal documents, proof of lineage for inheritance, priestly service, or royal succession, and as a means of establishing tribal or national identity. Mizraim, the Hebrew name for Egypt, was a dominant regional power throughout much of Israel's history, and understanding its various constituent peoples (Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim) provided context for the broader geopolitical landscape that Israel inhabited.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader genealogies, contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty over All Nations**, demonstrating that God's plan encompasses not only Israel but all peoples, whose origins are traced back to a common ancestor. Secondly, it highlights the **Unity and Diversity of Humanity**, showing a single origin point (Noah and his sons) from which a multitude of distinct peoples and nations emerged, fulfilling the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth" (as seen in [Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "Genesis 9:1 - God's Blessing to Noah")). Thirdly, it reinforces the **Historical Reliability of Scripture**, as the Chronicler meticulously records these lineages, affirming the foundational narratives of [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis") as the bedrock of Israel's history and identity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mizraim (Hebrew, _Miṣrayim'_):** This is the standard Hebrew name for Egypt, consistently used throughout the Old Testament. It is a dual form, possibly referring to the "two lands" of Upper and Lower Egypt, or simply reflecting a common plural ending for place names. In this genealogical context, Mizraim is personified as a progenitor, representing the collective Egyptian people and their various subgroups, rather than a single individual. This indicates a tribal or national origin rather than a purely individual lineage.
* **Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim (Hebrew, _Lûḏîm, ‘Anāmîm, Ləhāḇîm, Nap̄tuḥîm'_):** These names are all plural forms, ending in the Hebrew plural suffix "-im," which denotes peoples or descendants. They represent various ethnic or tribal groups associated with Egypt. While their exact locations and identities are debated among scholars, they are generally understood to be peoples who either resided within ancient Egypt, were closely allied with it, or were associated with its border regions. Their inclusion underscores the diverse composition of the Egyptian sphere of influence and the Chronicler's comprehensive approach to detailing the origins of nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Mizraim begat":** This phrase establishes the direct paternal lineage, indicating that Mizraim is the ancestral head from whom the subsequent groups originated. In biblical genealogies, "begat" (Hebrew: וַיּוֹלֶד, _vayyoled_) signifies not only direct father-son relationships but also broader ancestral connections, where a patriarch is the founder or progenitor of a clan, tribe, or nation. Here, Mizraim functions as the national ancestor of the various peoples listed.
* **"Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim":** This is a list of four distinct groups or peoples descended from Mizraim. The conjunctive "and" (וְ, _ve_) links them as co-descendants. The order of listing may reflect geographical proximity, relative importance, or simply a traditional enumeration. These names, though obscure to modern readers, were significant in the ancient world as recognized components of the broader Egyptian family of nations, contributing to the comprehensive "Table of Nations."

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:11, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** itself. This is a specific literary form characterized by the systematic listing of ancestors and descendants. Its purpose is not merely to record history but to establish identity, legitimate claims (e.g., to land, priesthood, kingship), and demonstrate continuity. Within this genealogical framework, **Enumeration** is prominent, as the verse meticulously lists the various peoples. While not explicitly stated in this single verse, the larger context of the genealogies employs **Repetition** of the "begat" formula, which creates a rhythmic, authoritative, and unifying effect across generations. The overall effect is **Didactic**, instructing the post-exilic community about their origins, their place within God's larger plan for humanity, and the faithfulness of God in preserving a lineage leading to them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 1:11, as part of the "Table of Nations," profoundly illustrates God's universal sovereignty and the interconnectedness of all humanity. While the Chronicler's primary focus is on Israel's lineage, the inclusion of non-Israelite nations from a common ancestor (Noah) underscores that God is the Creator and sustainer of all peoples, not just His chosen covenant nation. This broad scope reveals a divine plan that encompasses the entire world, laying the groundwork for a future where God's redemptive purposes extend to "every tribe and language and people and nation." The meticulous detail, even for seemingly minor groups, testifies to God's precise and ordered governance of history and human origins.

* [Genesis 10:13-14](/genesis/10-13 "Genesis 10:13-14 - Descendants of Mizraim")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - All Nations from One Man")
* [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - Multitude from Every Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of ancient names might initially seem distant, 1 Chronicles 1:11 offers profound truths for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that all humanity shares a common origin, emphasizing our inherent unity despite our vast diversity. This shared ancestry should foster a sense of kinship and mutual respect, challenging any notions of racial or national superiority. The meticulous nature of biblical genealogies also speaks to God's attention to detail and His sovereign hand in orchestrating history, down to the formation of distinct peoples. For us, this means that our own lives, our families, and our nations are not random occurrences but are part of a larger divine tapestry. It encourages us to consider our place within this grand narrative, recognizing that God has a purpose for every people group, and inviting us to participate in His global redemptive mission, which embraces all nations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a shared ancestry, as presented in biblical genealogies, impact your understanding of human unity and diversity?**
* **What does the meticulous detail of these ancient lists reveal about God's character and His involvement in history?**
* **How might recognizing God's sovereignty over all nations influence your perspective on current global events or cross-cultural interactions?**

### FAQ

**Why are these specific names (Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim) included, and what is their significance?**

Answer: These names represent various peoples or tribal groups descended from Mizraim, the progenitor of Egypt. Their inclusion in 1 Chronicles 1:11 is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive "Table of Nations," demonstrating the Chronicler's commitment to detailing the origins of all major peoples known to the ancient Israelites, not just their own lineage. This shows that God's plan encompasses the entire world. Secondly, for the post-exilic community, understanding the origins of surrounding nations like Egypt was crucial for their historical and geographical context. While the exact identities and locations of these specific subgroups are debated by scholars, they collectively illustrate the diverse composition of the ancient Egyptian sphere of influence, highlighting the intricate tapestry of early human settlement and the fulfillment of God's command to "fill the earth" ([Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "Genesis 9:1 - God's Blessing to Noah")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:11 details the lineage of non-Israelite nations, it subtly points towards Christ by establishing the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. The meticulous tracing of all peoples back to a common ancestor (Noah, and ultimately Adam) underscores the shared humanity that Christ came to redeem. The "Table of Nations" in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"), mirrored here, demonstrates that God's sovereign hand is upon all nations, not just Israel. This foundational truth anticipates the New Testament revelation that salvation is for all peoples, not limited to one ethnic group. Jesus, as the ultimate Son of Adam and Son of David, enters into this vast human family, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). His Great Commission commands His followers to make disciples of "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), fulfilling the implicit promise that God's blessing, initially given to Abraham, would extend to "all the families of the earth" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Thus, even in these ancient genealogies, we glimpse the overarching divine purpose that culminates in Christ's universal Lordship and the redemption of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 10:13

And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,

Genesis 10:18

And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.