1 Chronicles 1:20

KJV

And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joktan {H3355} begat {H3205} Almodad {H486}, and Sheleph {H8026}, and Hazarmaveth {H2700}, and Jerah {H3392},

Complete Jewish Bible

Yoktan fathered Almodad, Shelef, Hatzar-Mavet, Yerach,

Berean Standard Bible

And Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah,

American Standard Version

And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:20 is an integral part of the extensive genealogical records that open the book, meticulously tracing the lineage of humanity from creation. This specific verse enumerates four of Joktan's thirteen sons—Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, and Jerah—who are identified as foundational progenitors of early tribal groups that settled various regions of the Arabian Peninsula. The verse thus contributes to the biblical account of the post-Flood dispersion of humanity, illustrating God's sovereign orchestration of nations and establishing a vital historical framework that undergirds the covenantal narrative of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles commences with an exhaustive genealogical record, stretching from Adam through Noah, the patriarchs, and eventually narrowing its focus to the tribes of Israel, culminating in the lineage of King David. This particular verse is situated within the "Table of Nations" (1 Chronicles 1:5-23), which directly parallels and often expands upon the foundational account found in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"). It specifically details the descendants of Shem, one of Noah's three sons, through Eber and his son Joktan. These opening chapters serve a crucial purpose for the returning exiles in post-exilic Judah, meticulously re-establishing their identity, validating land rights, and reaffirming their covenantal connection to their ancestral heritage and the enduring promises of God. The meticulous record-keeping underscores the historical continuity and divine faithfulness from creation to the re-establishment of the community in the land of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies held paramount importance in ancient Israelite society, functioning as essential legal and social documents. They served to establish tribal affiliation, validate claims to land inheritance, confirm eligibility for priestly service, and legitimize royal succession. For the community returning from Babylonian exile, these records were absolutely vital for reconstructing their national and religious identity, ensuring proper land distribution, and re-establishing the priestly order. The names listed in [1 Chronicles 1:20](/1_chronicles/1-20 "1 Chronicles 1:20 - The Sons of Joktan"), particularly Hazarmaveth, are widely associated with ancient South Arabian regions (modern-day Yemen and surrounding areas), historically known for their significant role in the lucrative frankincense and spice trade routes. This connection highlights the vast geographical scope of the post-Flood dispersion and the early formation of distinct peoples and cultures, all unfolding within the framework of God's overarching plan for humanity.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Continuity and Lineage:** The primary purpose of genealogies, including this verse, is to demonstrate the unbroken chain of human history and the preservation of specific family lines, particularly those leading to the covenant people of Israel. For the ancient Israelites, this was essential for establishing tribal identity, validating land claims, ensuring the purity of the priesthood, and legitimizing the Davidic monarchy. These lists affirm God's faithfulness in sustaining humanity and fulfilling His promises across generations, providing a tangible link between the past and the present. The meticulous detail, as seen in the extended genealogies of [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1-9 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - The Genealogies of Israel"), reinforces this theme.
* **Divine Order and Sovereignty:** These seemingly dry lists subtly underscore God's sovereign hand in commanding humanity to "[be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth](/genesis/9-1 "God's Blessing and Command to Noah")" and in overseeing the intricate spread and formation of nations across the globe. Every name and every lineage reflects a part of God's grand design for populating the earth, demonstrating His meticulous involvement in the details of human history and His overarching plan for all peoples, as also articulated in [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "God Determines the Times and Boundaries of Nations").
* **Historical Veracity and Covenantal Grounding:** The inclusion of such detailed genealogical records lends profound credibility to the historical claims of the biblical narrative. By meticulously tracing lineages back to Adam, the Chronicler grounds the covenant history of Israel within the broader context of universal human history. This grounding provided the returning exiles with a firm historical and theological foundation for their identity, reminding them that their existence and covenant relationship with God were rooted in real events and a continuous divine plan, as seen in the broader "Table of Nations" in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** This verb (H3205) is central to biblical genealogies, meaning "to bear young," "to bring forth," or causatively, "to beget" or "to father." Its repeated use in genealogical lists like [1 Chronicles 1:20](/1_chronicles/1-20 "1 Chronicles 1:20 - The Sons of Joktan") emphasizes the direct, biological line of descent and the continuity of generations. More than just a biological fact, "begat" signifies divine blessing upon procreation, the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply," and the legitimate transmission of heritage, identity, and covenantal promises from one generation to the next. It underscores the unbroken chain of human history under God's sovereign hand.
* **Hazarmaveth (Hebrew, _Chătsarmâveth'_):** This name (H2700) is particularly significant as it is widely identified with the ancient region of Hadramaut in southern Arabia (modern-day Yemen). Etymologically, it is derived from two Hebrew words meaning "village of death" or "enclosure of death," possibly referring to a specific type of settlement, a place of burial, or a region with a particular cult associated with the dead. Historically, Hadramaut was a prominent kingdom known for its control of the frankincense trade routes, making it a significant cultural and economic entity in the ancient world. Its inclusion in this genealogy links the biblical narrative to identifiable historical and geographical entities, illustrating the global scope of the post-Flood dispersion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joktan begat":** This phrase introduces Joktan (H3355), a son of Eber and a descendant of Shem (Noah's son), as the progenitor of a significant branch of humanity. This places Joktan's lineage squarely within the post-Flood expansion, highlighting the rapid proliferation of peoples from Noah's family. The act of "begetting" emphasizes the direct, legitimate lineage, establishing Joktan's role as a patriarch whose descendants would populate specific regions of the earth. This continuity is vital for the Chronicler's purpose of tracing Israel's origins.
* **"Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah":** These are the first four of Joktan's thirteen sons listed in the biblical text (the remaining nine are listed in [1 Chronicles 1:21-23](/1_chronicles/1-21-23 "1 Chronicles 1:21-23 - Remaining Sons of Joktan")). Each name represents a distinct tribal group or regional progenitor. Almodad (H486) and Sheleph (H8026) are less certainly identified geographically but are believed to be in the Arabian Peninsula. Hazarmaveth (H2700), as noted, is strongly linked to Hadramaut, while Jerah (H3392) is often associated with the moon-god worship prevalent in parts of ancient Arabia or a specific region. The enumeration of these names underscores the detailed record-keeping of the Chronicler, demonstrating the meticulous way in which the biblical narrative tracks the peopling of the earth, setting the stage for the later, more focused attention on the lineage of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [1 Chronicles 1:20](/1_chronicles/1-20 "1 Chronicles 1:20 - The Sons of Joktan"), and indeed throughout the opening chapters of the book, is **Genealogy** or **Enumeration**. This is not merely a dry listing of names but a purposeful literary form that serves profound theological and historical functions. The meticulous listing establishes **continuity** from creation through the patriarchs, demonstrating God's consistent involvement in human history. The **repetition** of the verb "begat" (or its equivalents) throughout these lists reinforces the unbroken chain of descent and the divine blessing upon procreation. Furthermore, the use of **onomastics** (the study of names) is significant, as many of the names, like Hazarmaveth, carry geographical, historical, or cultural associations that ground the narrative in a tangible, identifiable world. These devices collectively validate identity, legitimize claims, and underscore the historical veracity of God's covenant with His people, providing a foundational framework for the entire Chronicler's history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Chronicles 1:20](/1_chronicles/1-20 "1 Chronicles 1:20 - The Sons of Joktan"), embedded within the sweeping genealogies, highlights God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign orchestration of human history. It reminds us that the formation and dispersion of nations were not random events but part of a divine plan to populate the earth and ultimately to bring about His redemptive purposes. The focus on lineage underscores the importance of heritage and identity, not just for ancient Israel but for all humanity, as each person has a place within God's grand narrative. This verse, by detailing the descendants of Joktan who populated parts of Arabia, implicitly points to the global scope of God's plan, which extends beyond a single nation to encompass all peoples and tribes.

* [Genesis 10:26-29](/genesis/10-26-29 "Genesis 10:26-29 - The Sons of Joktan in the Table of Nations")
* [Luke 3:34-36](/luke/3-34-36 "Luke 3:34-36 - Jesus' Genealogy through Shem to Noah")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God Determines the Times and Boundaries of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of ancient names might initially seem distant or irrelevant, [1 Chronicles 1:20](/1_chronicles/1-20 "1 Chronicles 1:20 - The Sons of Joktan") offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of human history, from the grand movements of nations to the individual lives within them. This verse, part of the "Table of Nations," challenges us to recognize the vast diversity of humanity as part of God's design and to appreciate our own place within this continuous, divinely orchestrated story. Just as the Israelites valued their physical lineage as a testament to God's faithfulness and their identity, we are called to understand and cherish our spiritual heritage as part of God's family, a heritage that stretches back through Abraham to Christ. This understanding fosters a deep sense of belonging and purpose, knowing that we are part of a global community called to participate in God's ongoing work in the world, bringing His light to all peoples.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this seemingly dry list of names reveal God's meticulous care and involvement in human history, even in what might appear to be insignificant details?**
* **In what ways does understanding our spiritual heritage, as part of God's continuous plan and the global family of faith, impact our identity and purpose today?**
* **How does the "Table of Nations," which includes the descendants of Joktan, shape our perspective on God's heart for all peoples and the global scope of His redemptive mission?**

### FAQ
**Why are these extensive genealogies, like the one in [1 Chronicles 1:20](/1_chronicles/1-20 "1 Chronicles 1:20 - The Sons of Joktan"), so important in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: These genealogies serve multiple critical purposes. First, for the ancient Israelites, especially the post-exilic community to whom 1 Chronicles was addressed, they were vital for establishing and preserving tribal identity, validating land claims, ensuring the purity of the priesthood, and legitimizing the Davidic monarchy. They were essentially legal and historical documents. Second, the genealogies demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, particularly the command to "[be fruitful and multiply](/genesis/9-1 "God's Blessing and Command to Noah")" and His covenant with Abraham to make his descendants numerous. They show a continuous, unbroken line of divine activity in human history. Third, they provide a historical grounding for the biblical narrative, connecting the covenant people to the broader story of humanity from creation. Finally, they subtly reveal the global scope of God's plan, as seen in the "Table of Nations" (e.g., [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations")), which traces the origins of diverse peoples, all ultimately pointing to a future where God's blessing will extend to "[all families of the earth](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Abraham")" through Abraham's seed. The meticulous record-keeping, as seen in passages like [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59-63 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Genealogical Records and Purity of Priesthood"), underscores their practical and theological significance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 1:20](/1_chronicles/1-20 "1 Chronicles 1:20 - The Sons of Joktan") details lineages that predate the nation of Israel, it profoundly contributes to a Christ-centered understanding of salvation history. The meticulous tracing of human lineage, including the sons of Joktan who populated the Arabian Peninsula, sets the stage for the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. The "Table of Nations" in Genesis, echoed here, foreshadows that God's ultimate blessing would not be confined to one people but would extend to "[all the families of the earth](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Abraham")" – a promise explicitly tied to the coming of Christ ([Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "Galatians 3:8 - The Gospel Preached to Abraham")). Jesus' own genealogies in the New Testament ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"); [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - Jesus' Genealogy")) meticulously connect Him to this vast human story, demonstrating His true humanity and His rightful place as the Son of David and the Son of Man. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to multiply and bless, becoming the Lamb of God who redeems people "[from every tribe and language and people and nation](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe and Nation")", drawing together all the scattered descendants of Noah, including those from the lines of Joktan, into one new humanity in Him.

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 10:26

And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,

Genesis 10:27

And Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah,