1 Chronicles 1:31

KJV

Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jetur {H3195}, Naphish {H5305}, and Kedemah {H6929}. These are the sons {H1121} of Ishmael {H3458}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'tur, Nafish and Kedem. These are the sons of Yishma'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael.

American Standard Version

Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:31 meticulously concludes the enumeration of Ishmael's twelve sons, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah, thereby fulfilling God's ancient promise to Abraham that Ishmael would father a great nation and twelve princes. This verse, embedded within the sweeping genealogies that open the book of Chronicles, serves to establish the historical and tribal identity of these significant ancient peoples, underscoring God's sovereign hand in the unfolding of human history and His unwavering faithfulness to His word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the culmination of the genealogical record of Ishmael's descendants, which began in [1 Chronicles 1:29](/1_chronicles/1-29 "1 Chronicles 1:29 - Ishmael's Firstborn") and continued through [1 Chronicles 1:30](/1_chronicles/1-30 "1 Chronicles 1:30 - Ishmael's Sons Continued"). It forms part of the extensive opening chapter of 1 Chronicles, which meticulously traces humanity's lineage from Adam through Noah and Abraham, before narrowing its focus to the tribes of Israel. The Chronicler's deliberate inclusion of non-Israelite lineages, such as those of Ishmael, alongside the covenant line, highlights God's universal sovereignty and His providential care over all peoples, even as the narrative prepares to concentrate on the history of Israel. The precise listing of names here underscores the historical continuity and the divine fulfillment of promises across generations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, genealogies were foundational to identity, inheritance, and social structure. They served as vital records for establishing tribal claims, land rights, and national legitimacy. For the post-exilic Jewish community, for whom the book of Chronicles was primarily written, these detailed lineages were crucial for re-establishing their identity, reconnecting with their heritage, and affirming God's enduring covenant faithfulness despite the upheaval of exile. The Ishmaelites, descendants of Ishmael, were known nomadic and semi-nomadic groups inhabiting the desert regions to the east and south of Israel, often interacting, sometimes conflictually, with the Israelites. Their inclusion in this biblical genealogy acknowledges their historical reality and their shared patriarchal origin from Abraham, reinforcing the cultural significance of lineage as a marker of divine blessing and historical authenticity.

* **Key Themes:** The precise naming of Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah in [1 Chronicles 1:31](/1_chronicles/1-31 "1 Chronicles 1:31 - Ishmael's Sons") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is **God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises**. Despite Ishmael not being the son through whom the covenant line of blessing would pass, God had explicitly promised Abraham that Ishmael would become the father of twelve princes and a great nation, as recorded in [Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "Genesis 17:20 - God's Promise to Ishmael") and [Genesis 21:13](/genesis/21-13 "Genesis 21:13 - God's Promise to Make Ishmael a Great Nation"). The meticulous listing of his twelve sons here serves as a direct confirmation of that divine pledge. Secondly, this verse underscores **God's universal sovereignty**, demonstrating His active governance over all nations and peoples, not just Israel. By including these non-Israelite lineages in [the opening chapter](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam to Israel"), the Chronicler implicitly reminds readers that God's plan encompasses the entire world, orchestrating the rise and development of diverse peoples according to His divine will. Finally, the detailed nature of this record reinforces the **historical veracity and divine inspiration of Scripture**, affirming the meticulousness of God's revealed word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jetur (Hebrew, _Yᵉṭûwr_):** This name, likely meaning "encircled" or "inclosed," is associated with the Itureans, a people who later inhabited a region in Syria/Palestine, particularly known during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Their territory was situated north of Galilee and east of the Jordan River. The inclusion of Jetur here directly links this historically recognized group back to Ishmael, providing tangible evidence of the long-term fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding Ishmael's descendants.
* **Naphish (Hebrew, _Nâphîysh_):** Derived from a root meaning "refreshed," this name also appears in [1 Chronicles 5:19](/1_chronicles/5-19 "1 Chronicles 5:19 - Conflict with Naphish"), where the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh engaged in conflict with the Hagarites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. This indicates that Naphish developed into a distinct tribal entity among the Ishmaelites, known for their military encounters with Israelite tribes, further solidifying their historical existence as direct descendants of Ishmael.
* **Kedemah (Hebrew, _Qêdᵉmâh_):** Meaning "precedence" or implying "eastward" or "ancient," this name likely refers to a tribe whose territory was located in the eastern desert regions, consistent with the general habitation of many Ishmaelite groups. The name itself may suggest their geographical orientation or perhaps a connection to ancient origins, reinforcing their established place within the broader tapestry of peoples descended from Abraham.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.":** These three names complete the list of Ishmael's twelve sons, following the nine previously enumerated in [1 Chronicles 1:29-30](/1_chronicles/1-29 "1 Chronicles 1:29 - Ishmael's Firstborn"). Each name represents a distinct tribal group or lineage that emerged from Ishmael's progeny, serving as a powerful demonstration of the literal fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would be the father of "twelve princes" ([Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "Genesis 17:20 - God's Promise to Ishmael")). The specific naming of these individuals underscores the Bible's commitment to historical detail and the tangible reality of these ancient peoples.
* **"These are the sons of Ishmael.":** This concluding phrase functions as a definitive summary statement, unequivocally confirming that the preceding list (from [1 Chronicles 1:29](/1_chronicles/1-29 "1 Chronicles 1:29 - Ishmael's Firstborn") through [1 Chronicles 1:31](/1_chronicles/1-31 "1 Chronicles 1:31 - Ishmael's Sons")) encompasses the direct descendants of Ishmael. It provides a clear demarcation within the broader genealogy, setting apart this particular branch of Abraham's family tree. This repetition of the familial connection emphasizes the origin and identity of these tribes, linking them back to Abraham through his firstborn son, Ishmael, and affirming the completion of the promised lineage.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [1 Chronicles 1:31](/1_chronicles/1-31 "1 Chronicles 1:31 - Ishmael's Sons") and its surrounding context is **Genealogy** itself. This is not merely a dry list but a structured, divinely inspired historical record serving profound theological and narrative purposes. The meticulous **Enumeration** of names provides a sense of historical depth, precision, and divine fulfillment, affirming the reality of the people and the precise execution of God's promises. The concluding phrase, "These are the sons of Ishmael," functions as a form of **Inclusio**, framing the entire list of Ishmael's sons and providing a clear, definitive closure to this segment of the genealogy. Furthermore, the entire section acts as an **Allusion** to the earlier Genesis accounts, particularly the divine promises regarding Ishmael's numerous descendants, thereby reinforcing the continuity, coherence, and reliability of God's word across the biblical narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 1:31, though a simple enumeration of names, carries profound theological weight. It stands as a tangible testament to God's meticulous faithfulness, demonstrating that even promises made outside the primary covenant line are precisely and comprehensively fulfilled. The inclusion of Ishmael's descendants underscores God's universal sovereignty, acknowledging His governance over all nations and peoples, not just Israel. It reminds us that God's plan is vast and comprehensive, encompassing the formation and development of diverse peoples, all within His overarching design. This divine attention to detail in the biblical record affirms the inherent value God places on every life and lineage, even those that diverge from the central redemptive narrative, showcasing His providential hand in all of history.

* [Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "Genesis 17:20 - God's Promise to Ishmael to Make Ishmael a Great Nation")
* [Genesis 21:13](/genesis/21-13 "Genesis 21:13 - God's Promise to Make Ishmael a Great Nation")
* [Genesis 25:12-16](/genesis/25-12-16 "Genesis 25:12-16 - The Generations of Ishmael")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might initially appear dry or insignificant, 1 Chronicles 1:31 offers rich insights for contemporary believers. It powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His word. Every promise, no matter how seemingly minor or secondary to the main narrative, is fulfilled in His perfect timing and according to His precise plan. This encourages us to cultivate a deep, abiding trust in God's character and the absolute reliability of His promises in our own lives, knowing with certainty that He is faithful to complete what He has begun in us and through us. Furthermore, the Bible's meticulous attention to individual names, even within extensive genealogies, subtly reminds us that every person and every lineage holds significance in God's grand narrative. It calls us to recognize the inherent value of every individual life, known and cherished by God, and to appreciate the meticulous detail found throughout Scripture as part of His unfolding redemptive history, a testament to His sovereign care over all creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the fulfillment of God's promise to Ishmael, as evidenced in this verse, strengthen your trust in God's faithfulness regarding His promises to you personally?**
* **In what ways does the Bible's meticulous attention to genealogies, including those outside the direct covenant line, inform your understanding of God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples?**
* **What does the inclusion of seemingly "minor" details like these names teach us about the inspiration, authority, and historical precision of Scripture?**

### FAQ
**Why are these extensive genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 1, so important in the Bible?**

Answer: These genealogies are far from mere historical records; they serve crucial theological and practical purposes. First, they establish historical continuity, linking the present generation (especially the post-exilic community for whom Chronicles was written) directly to their ancestral roots, back to Abraham and even Adam. This provided a vital sense of identity and belonging. Second, they authenticate claims to land, tribal inheritance, and priestly lineage, which were essential for the re-establishment and proper functioning of Israelite society. Third, and most importantly, they powerfully demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His people and meticulously fulfilling His promises. The detailed record-keeping underscores the precision of God's plan and the absolute reliability of His word, showing how His promises, such as those to Abraham regarding his descendants, were literally fulfilled across generations. Ultimately, this detailed lineage points towards the coming of the Messiah, establishing His rightful place within the promised Davidic line, as seen in the genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:31 focuses on the lineage of Ishmael, seemingly distant from the direct messianic line, it contributes profoundly to the broader Christ-centered narrative by illustrating the comprehensive nature of God's faithfulness and His sovereign plan for all humanity. The meticulous fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham concerning Ishmael's descendants ([Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "Genesis 17:20 - God's Promise to Ishmael")) foreshadows the even greater faithfulness of God in bringing forth the ultimate Seed—Jesus Christ—through the covenant line of Isaac. The inclusion of non-Israelite lineages in these opening chapters of Chronicles subtly hints at the universal scope of God's redemptive work, which culminates in Christ. Just as God meticulously oversaw the formation of nations from Abraham's broader family, so too does His redemptive plan encompass "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe and Nation")). Christ, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), breaks down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) and offers salvation not only to the descendants of Isaac but to all who believe, fulfilling the promise that in Abraham, "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Thus, even the genealogies of Ishmael's sons point to the vastness and inclusivity of God's redemptive purpose, ultimately realized in the boundless grace of Jesus Christ.

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.