1 Chronicles 1:17

KJV

The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Shem {H8035}; Elam {H5867}, and Asshur {H804}, and Arphaxad {H775}, and Lud {H3865}, and Aram {H758}, and Uz {H5780}, and Hul {H2343}, and Gether {H1666}, and Meshech {H4902}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Shem: 'Elam, Ashur, Arpakhshad, Lud, Aram, 'Utz, Hul, Geter and Meshekh.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram. The sons of Aram: Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshech.

American Standard Version

The sons of Shem: Elam, and Asshur, and Arpachshad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:17 is a foundational verse within the extensive genealogies that open the book, specifically detailing the direct sons of Shem, one of Noah's three sons. This meticulous listing identifies the progenitors of various ancient peoples and nations, serving the Chronicler's purpose of establishing the historical continuity and divine heritage of the post-exilic Israelite community, emphasizing God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage from the dawn of humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader genealogical record of 1 Chronicles 1-9, which meticulously traces humanity from Adam through the patriarchs, culminating in the post-exilic families of Israel. Following the lists of Japheth's and Ham's descendants, 1 Chronicles 1:17 specifically focuses on the lineage of Shem, Noah's blessed son, setting the stage for the subsequent tracing of the Abrahamic line. It directly parallels and draws from the "Table of Nations" found in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"), demonstrating the Chronicler's reliance on earlier sacred texts to establish a comprehensive and authoritative historical foundation for his audience. The immediate verses following 1:17 continue to detail Shem's descendants, narrowing the focus toward the line of Abraham.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed during the post-exilic period (c. 450-400 BCE), when the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity and were re-establishing their identity and community in Judah. In this context, genealogies were not mere lists; they were vital legal and social documents. They served to validate claims to land and inheritance, establish tribal affiliations, confirm rights to priestly service, and reinforce a sense of continuity with their pre-exilic past and the covenant promises of God. By beginning with Adam and meticulously tracing the lineage through Shem, the Chronicler reminded a disoriented community of their deep roots in God's sovereign plan for humanity, reinforcing their unique identity as God's chosen people within the broader tapestry of nations.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 1:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes. Firstly, it underscores **Genealogical Preservation**, highlighting the biblical commitment to historical accuracy and the meticulous recording of lineage as central to God's unfolding plan. These lists were essential for maintaining the integrity of tribal and family identities in ancient Israel. Secondly, it emphasizes **Historical Continuity and Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God sovereignly orchestrates history through specific family lines, ensuring the preservation of a people through whom His covenant promises would be fulfilled. This verse, by listing the progenitors of various nations, also subtly points to the **Universality of Humanity's Origin** from a common source, even as it sets apart the specific line through which God would work. The careful recording of Shem's descendants, particularly Arphaxad, foreshadows the eventual emergence of Abraham and the nation of Israel, laying the groundwork for the entire biblical narrative, as seen in the detailed account of the nations in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shem (Hebrew, _Šēm_):** Meaning "name" or "renown," Shem is one of Noah's three sons, blessed by Noah in [Genesis 9:26](/genesis/9-26 "Genesis 9:26 - Noah's Blessing on Shem") and designated as the ancestor of the Semitic peoples, including the Israelites. His prominent position in the genealogies signifies the line through which God's redemptive plan would primarily unfold, leading eventually to Abraham and the Messiah.
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bānîm_):** This term emphasizes direct, immediate offspring, establishing a clear line of descent. While some names listed here might be more broadly understood as prominent descendants in the Genesis account, the Chronicler's use of "sons" here underscores the direct and foundational nature of these individuals as progenitors of distinct family groups and nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Shem;":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the focus of the verse, shifting the genealogical attention to the lineage stemming from Shem, who is presented as a pivotal figure in the post-Flood human family. It signals the beginning of a section that will trace the ancestry of the Israelite people through their most direct and blessed progenitor.
* **"Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram,":** These five names represent the direct, primary sons of Shem as listed in [Genesis 10:22](/genesis/10-22 "Genesis 10:22 - Shem's Direct Sons"). Each name corresponds to a significant ancient people or region: Elam (Elamites, associated with Persia), Asshur (Assyrians, a powerful empire), Arphaxad (the crucial ancestor in the line leading to Abraham), Lud (Lydians), and Aram (Arameans/Syrians). The Chronicler's inclusion of these names highlights the vast reach of Shem's descendants and sets the stage for understanding the origins of nations that would interact with Israel throughout its history.
* **"and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech.":** These four names are listed in [Genesis 10:23](/genesis/10-23 "Genesis 10:23 - Sons of Aram") as the sons of Aram. The Chronicler's decision to list them here directly under Shem, rather than under Aram, demonstrates a common feature of biblical genealogies: a tendency to abridge or consolidate lines for brevity or to emphasize the most prominent or direct connection. In this context, it effectively groups all significant descendants of Shem (including those through his son Aram) under a single heading, maintaining conciseness while still acknowledging their foundational role in the diverse tapestry of humanity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 1:17, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a purposeful literary and theological tool. Genealogies serve to establish historical grounding, demonstrating the continuity of God's plan through generations. They legitimize claims to land, tribal identity, and priestly succession within Israel. Furthermore, the use of **Concatenation**, the repetitive linking of names with "and," creates a rhythmic, cumulative effect, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent. The Chronicler also employs **Abridgment** and **Selection**, as evidenced by the grouping of Aram's sons directly under Shem, which highlights his focus on specific, significant lines while maintaining a concise narrative. This selective presentation underscores the Chronicler's theological agenda: to trace the lineage that ultimately leads to the Davidic monarchy and the post-exilic community's identity as God's chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 1:17, while seemingly a simple list, carries profound theological weight. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign hand in orchestrating human history. The preservation of these lineages, particularly the line of Shem, demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises, ensuring that the chosen family through whom the Messiah would come was carefully preserved. It reminds us that our individual lives and family histories are part of a larger divine narrative, connecting us to a vast tapestry of humanity rooted in God's creative and redemptive purposes. The verse also subtly highlights the universal brotherhood of humanity, tracing all nations back to a common origin through Noah's sons, even as it sets apart a specific line for God's redemptive work.

* [Genesis 10:22-23](/genesis/10-22 "Genesis 10:22-23 - The Sons of Shem and Aram")
* [Luke 3:36](/luke/3-36 "Luke 3:36 - Jesus' Genealogy through Shem")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - All Nations from One Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might initially appear distant from our daily lives, 1 Chronicles 1:17 invites us to reflect on God's profound faithfulness across generations. It reminds us that God is deeply invested in human history, meticulously preserving lineages and guiding the course of nations to accomplish His ultimate purposes. This verse encourages us to appreciate our own heritage, whether biological or spiritual, recognizing that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and that our lives are woven into God's grand narrative. It calls us to consider the interconnectedness of humanity, acknowledging that all people, regardless of their background, ultimately trace their origins back to a common source, created and sustained by God. This perspective fosters humility, a sense of belonging, and a deeper trust in God's unwavering providence, even in what may seem like the mundane details of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding our historical and spiritual lineage contribute to our identity in Christ and our sense of belonging within God's family?**
* **What does the meticulous preservation of genealogies in Scripture, such as 1 Chronicles 1:17, tell us about God's attention to detail and His faithfulness across generations?**
* **In what ways can we appreciate the diversity of humanity, knowing that all nations ultimately trace their origins back to a common source through Noah's sons?**

### FAQ

**Why does 1 Chronicles 1:17 list Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshech as sons of Shem, when Genesis 10:23 lists them as sons of Aram?**

Answer: The Chronicler often employs a method of genealogical presentation that differs slightly from the more exhaustive lists found in Genesis. While [Genesis 10:23](/genesis/10-23 "Genesis 10:23 - Sons of Aram") explicitly states that Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshech are sons of Aram (who is himself a son of Shem), the Chronicler in 1 Chronicles 1:17 groups them directly under Shem. This is a common practice in biblical genealogies where a more distant ancestor's name might be used to encompass prominent descendants, or where the list is abridged for conciseness or to highlight key lines. The Chronicler's primary aim was not to replicate Genesis verbatim but to provide a continuous and authoritative lineage for the post-exilic community, emphasizing the most significant family branches. Therefore, listing these individuals directly under Shem serves to efficiently connect them to the broader Semitic family without detailing every intermediate generation, maintaining focus on the overall flow of the lineage.

**What is the particular significance of Arphaxad in this list?**

Answer: Arphaxad holds immense significance within this genealogy because he represents the specific lineage through which God's covenant promises would be fulfilled, ultimately leading to Abraham and the nation of Israel. While all of Shem's sons are progenitors of nations, Arphaxad is the direct ancestor of Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, and finally Abraham, as detailed in [Genesis 11:10-26](/genesis/11-10 "Genesis 11:10-26 - The Line of Shem to Abram"). The careful preservation of Arphaxad's line in both Genesis and Chronicles underscores God's sovereign plan to choose a particular family through whom He would establish His covenant people and, eventually, bring forth the Messiah. He is a critical link in the redemptive history of humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 1:17, by meticulously tracing the lineage of Shem, points profoundly to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The careful preservation of the line through Shem, and specifically through Arphaxad, underscores God's sovereign and unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan. Every name in this genealogy, from Adam to Shem and beyond, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in preparing the way for the promised "seed" who would crush the head of the serpent ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). Jesus is the culmination of these genealogies, the true and ultimate Son of Shem, the descendant of Abraham ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")) through whom all nations are blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")). The Chronicler's emphasis on historical continuity and divine purpose in these genealogies finds its ultimate meaning in the Incarnation, where God Himself entered human history through this very lineage, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fulfilling every promise and bringing salvation to all who believe. The detailed family tree, though ancient, ultimately points to the living Christ, the root and offspring of David, the Alpha and Omega of all history ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Bright Morning Star")).

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

Numbers 24:22

Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.

Numbers 24:24

And ships [shall come] from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.

Ezekiel 32:24

There [is] Elam and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit.

Isaiah 22:6

And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men [and] horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.

Hosea 14:3

Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, [Ye are] our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.

Isaiah 21:2

A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.

Jeremiah 25:25

And all the kings of Zimri, and all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of the Medes,