1 Chronicles 1:18

KJV

And Arphaxad begat Shelah, and Shelah begat Eber.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Arphaxad {H775} begat {H3205} Shelah {H7974}, and Shelah {H7974} begat {H3205} Eber {H5677}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Arpakhshad fathered Shelach, Shelach fathered 'Ever,

Berean Standard Bible

Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber.

American Standard Version

And Arpachshad begat Shelah, and Shelah begat Eber.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:18 is a pivotal verse within the extensive genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles, meticulously tracing the lineage from Adam to the post-exilic community. This specific entry, "And Arphaxad begat Shelah, and Shelah begat Eber," serves as a crucial link in the patriarchal line, connecting the descendants of Noah's son Shem through Arphaxad and Shelah to Eber, the traditional progenitor of the Hebrew people. It underscores the divine continuity of God's redemptive plan and the historical grounding of Israel's identity, demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles begins with nine chapters of detailed genealogies, a unique and extensive feature. These lists are not mere historical records but foundational documents for the returning Jewish exiles. They establish the identity of the community, legitimizing their claims to land, priestly roles, and royal lineage after the Babylonian exile. This particular verse, 1 Chronicles 1:18, is situated within the "Table of Nations" (Genesis 10) and the subsequent lineage of Shem (Genesis 11), specifically tracing the line from Noah's son Shem through Arphaxad and Shelah to Eber. The repetition of these names from Genesis highlights the Chronicler's reliance on and affirmation of earlier biblical traditions, emphasizing continuity and divine faithfulness through an unbroken ancestral chain. The meticulous detail serves to anchor the post-exilic community firmly within God's historical narrative and covenant promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written primarily after the Babylonian exile (c. 538 BCE onwards), 1 Chronicles addressed a dislocated and disheartened community. The returning exiles faced challenges in re-establishing their national and religious identity, re-occupying their ancestral lands, and reorganizing their temple worship and governance. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, genealogies were vital for establishing social status, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliations. For the Jewish people, these lists were even more profound, serving as a theological anchor. They reminded the people of their covenant relationship with God, tracing their origins back to Adam and Noah, and then through Abraham, solidifying their unique status as God's chosen people. The inclusion of specific figures like Eber, from whom the "Hebrews" derive their name, was crucial for reinforcing their distinct heritage and divine election in a world of diverse nations.
* **Key Themes:** The genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 1:18, contribute significantly to several overarching themes. Firstly, they emphasize the **Continuity of God's Plan**, demonstrating His meticulous and unbroken work through history, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises across generations, even through periods of exile and dispersion. Secondly, they underscore the **Historical Veracity** of the biblical narrative, grounding faith in real individuals and events, not myths. The specific naming of Arphaxad, Shelah, and Eber reinforces the concrete nature of this history. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Ancestry of the Hebrews**, with Eber traditionally recognized as the eponymous ancestor of the "Hebrew" people. This connection is vital for understanding the origins and unique identity of God's covenant people, as seen in the broader narrative of God calling [Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - The Call of Abraham") and forming the nation of [Israel](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Kingdom of Priests"). The Chronicler's emphasis on these lineages assured the returning exiles that they were indeed the rightful heirs to God's promises, part of an ancient and divinely ordained lineage stretching back to the dawn of humanity, as detailed in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations") and [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - From Shem to Abram").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yalad_):** This verb is fundamental to the structure and purpose of biblical genealogies. It means "to bear," "to give birth to," or "to beget." In the context of male-lineage genealogies, it signifies direct paternal descent, emphasizing the physical and legal transmission of lineage from one generation to the next. The repeated use of _yalad_ throughout 1 Chronicles 1 underscores the unbroken chain of generations, reinforcing the historical accuracy and continuity of God's redemptive plan. It highlights the divine orchestration of human history, where each generation plays a crucial role in the unfolding narrative.
* **Eber (Hebrew, _'Eber_):** The name _'Eber_ is highly significant as it is widely considered the eponymous ancestor of the "Hebrews" (עִבְרִי, _'Ivri_). While the precise etymological link is debated, the traditional understanding connects the two, implying that the Hebrew people are literally the "descendants of Eber." This connection gives the verse profound importance for understanding the origins of God's chosen people, tracing their lineage back to a specific individual in the post-Flood era, distinct from other nations listed in the Table of Nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Arphaxad begat Shelah":** This clause establishes the first link in the specific segment of the genealogy presented in this verse. Arphaxad is identified in [Genesis 10:22](/genesis/10-22 "Genesis 10:22 - Sons of Shem") as one of the sons of Shem, Noah's son. By stating that Arphaxad "begat" Shelah, the text affirms the direct, legitimate descent, continuing the sacred lineage that would eventually lead to Abraham and the nation of Israel. This link is vital for maintaining the chronological and theological integrity of the patriarchal history.
* **"and Shelah begat Eber":** This second clause completes the immediate lineage, bringing us to Eber. Shelah is the son of Arphaxad, and his son Eber represents a crucial point in the genealogical record. As discussed in the "Key Word Analysis," Eber is traditionally understood as the ancestor from whom the "Hebrews" derive their name. This connection makes the clause particularly significant, marking the point at which the lineage of the future covenant people begins to take on its distinctive identity, setting the stage for the call of Abraham and the formation of the nation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:18, and indeed in the opening chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is a specific literary form used to establish lineage, heritage, and historical continuity. Genealogies in the Bible are not merely dry lists of names; they serve profound theological and historical purposes, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen line through which His promises will be fulfilled. The **Repetition** of the verb "begat" (Hebrew _yalad_) throughout these lists is another key device, creating a rhythmic, almost incantatory effect that emphasizes the unbroken chain of generations and the meticulous nature of the record. This repetition underscores the divine precision in orchestrating human history. Furthermore, the entire section functions as a **Historical Record**, asserting the factual basis of Israel's origins and their connection to the broader human story from creation onward, thereby grounding their identity and faith in concrete, verifiable history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 1:18, though a seemingly simple genealogical entry, is rich with theological implications. It powerfully illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold. The very existence of such a precise record speaks to God's sovereignty over history, demonstrating that every individual, even those briefly mentioned, plays a part in His grand narrative. This verse, nestled within the broader genealogies, reminds us that God works through specific people, in specific times, to achieve His eternal purposes. It provides a historical foundation for the covenant people, reinforcing their identity and divine election, and assuring them that God's promises, though long-term, are sure to be fulfilled. The continuity from Arphaxad to Shelah to Eber underscores the unbroken thread of God's providential care for humanity, leading inexorably towards the ultimate revelation of His salvation.

* [Genesis 10:24](/genesis/10-24 "Genesis 10:24 - Shem's Descendants to Eber")
* [Genesis 11:12](/genesis/11-12 "Genesis 11:12 - Shelah Begets Eber")
* [Luke 3:35](/luke/3-35 "Luke 3:35 - Jesus' Genealogy through Shelah and Eber")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane nature of genealogies often causes modern readers to overlook their profound spiritual significance. 1 Chronicles 1:18, like the entire genealogical record, serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous attention to detail and His long-term faithfulness across generations. It teaches us that God's plans unfold over vast spans of time, often through seemingly ordinary individuals, each playing a vital, divinely appointed role. This verse encourages us to consider our own place within God's ongoing story, recognizing that our lives, our families, and our communities are part of a larger divine purpose. Just as Arphaxad, Shelah, and Eber were integral to the lineage that eventually brought forth the Messiah, so too are our lives woven into God's tapestry of redemption. This unbroken chain of generations ultimately points to the faithfulness of God in bringing about His ultimate salvation plan, reminding us that even in periods of waiting or uncertainty, God is at work, orchestrating every detail for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 1:18, challenge our modern, often impatient, view of time and God's work?**
* **In what ways does understanding our place within God's larger historical narrative encourage us in our daily lives?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the value God places on individual lives, even those briefly mentioned in scripture?**
* **How can we better appreciate the "ordinary" or "mundane" aspects of our own lives as part of God's unfolding plan?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies, especially 1 Chronicles 1:18, so important for understanding the Bible?**

Answer: These genealogies are critically important for several reasons. For the post-exilic community to whom 1 Chronicles was written, they served as a vital record for re-establishing their identity, legitimizing land claims, and confirming priestly and royal lineages after returning from Babylon. Theologically, they demonstrate God's faithfulness and continuity in His covenant promises, showing an unbroken thread of divine activity from creation to the present. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 1:18, by connecting Arphaxad to Shelah and then to Eber, highlights the direct line from Noah's son Shem to the traditional ancestor of the "Hebrews." This meticulously recorded lineage underscores the historical grounding of Israel's existence and their unique status as God's chosen people, providing a concrete foundation for their faith and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

**Who was Eber, and why is his mention in 1 Chronicles 1:18 significant?**

Answer: Eber (עֵבֶר, _'Eber_) is a descendant of Shem, Noah's son, mentioned in [Genesis 10:24](/genesis/10-24 "Genesis 10:24 - Shem's Descendants to Eber") and [Genesis 11:14](/genesis/11-14 "Genesis 11:14 - Eber Begets Peleg"). He is traditionally considered the eponymous ancestor of the "Hebrews" (עִבְרִי, _'Ivri_), from whom the name "Hebrew" is derived. His significance in 1 Chronicles 1:18 lies in this direct connection to the origins of God's covenant people. By tracing the lineage through Eber, the Chronicler emphasizes the distinct and ancient heritage of Israel, setting them apart from other nations. This connection reinforces their unique calling and role in God's plan, providing a clear ancestral link that grounds their identity in a specific historical figure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:18 appears to be a simple genealogical entry, its true Christ-centered fulfillment lies in its contribution to the meticulously preserved lineage that ultimately culminates in the birth of Jesus Christ. Every name in these ancient lists, including Arphaxad, Shelah, and Eber, represents a divinely ordained link in the chain leading to the Messiah. The Chronicler's painstaking effort to record these generations underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign control over human history, ensuring that the promised "seed" would come. This seemingly mundane record is, in fact, a testament to God's long-term plan to bring salvation through a specific lineage, fulfilling the promises made to [Abraham](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Promise to Abraham") and [David](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - Davidic Covenant"). The New Testament genealogies in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - Genealogy of Jesus") pick up this very thread, with Luke's account explicitly tracing Jesus' ancestry back through Shelah and Eber, all the way to Adam, affirming that Jesus is indeed the promised descendant, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), through whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). Thus, 1 Chronicles 1:18 points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive purpose in Jesus Christ, the one who brings salvation to all who believe.

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 10:24

And Arphaxad begat Salah; and Salah begat Eber.

Genesis 11:12

And Arphaxad lived five and thirty years, and begat Salah:

Genesis 11:15

And Salah lived after he begat Eber four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters.