TRV
Translation
King James Version
The sons of Shobal; Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of Zibeon; Aiah, and Anah.
Complete Jewish Bible
The sons of Shoval: 'Alyan, Manachat, 'Eival, Sh'fi and Onam. The sons of Tziv'on: Ayah and 'Anah.
Berean Standard Bible
The sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah.
American Standard Version
The sons of Shobal: Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of Zibeon: Aiah, and Anah.
World English Bible Messianic
The sons of Shobal: Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah, and Anah.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The sonnes of Shobal were Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sonnes of Zibeon, Aiah and Anah.
Young's Literal Translation
Sons of Shobal: Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And sons of Zideon: Aiah and Anah.
See also
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 10,293 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 1 verses 28–54
28 ¶ The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael.
29 These are their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,
30 Mishma, and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema,
31 Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael.
32 Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine: she bare Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan; Sheba, and Dedan.
33 And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these are the sons of Keturah.
34 And Abraham begat Isaac. The sons of Isaac; Esau and Israel.
35 The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah.
36 The sons of Eliphaz; Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.
37 The sons of Reuel; Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.
38 And the sons of Seir; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan.
39 And the sons of Lotan; Hori, and Homam: and Timna was Lotan's sister.
40 The sons of Shobal; Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of Zibeon; Aiah, and Anah.
41 The sons of Anah; Dishon. And the sons of Dishon; Amram, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran.
42 The sons of Ezer; Bilhan, and Zavan, and Jakan. The sons of Dishan; Uz, and Aran.
43 Now these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel; Bela the son of Beor: and the name of his city was Dinhabah.
44 And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
45 And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.
46 And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.
47 And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.
48 And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.
49 And when Shaul was dead, Baalhanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.
50 And when Baalhanan was dead, Hadad reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pai; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
51 Hadad died also. And the dukes of Edom were; duke Timnah, duke Aliah, duke Jetheth,
52 Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,
53 Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar,
54 Duke Magdiel, duke Iram. These are the dukes of Edom.
All nations but the seed of Abraham are already shaken off from this genealogy: they have no part nor lot in this matter. The Lord's portion is his people. Of them he keeps an account, knows them by name; but those who are strangers to him he beholds afar off. Not that we are to conclude that therefore no particular persons of any other nation but the seed of Abraham found favour with God. It was a truth, before Peter perceived it, that in every nation he that feared God and wrought righteousness was accepted of him. Multitudes will be brought to heaven out of all nations (Rev 7:9), and we are willing to hope there were many, very many, good people in the world, that lay out of the pale of God's covenant of peculiarity with Abraham, whose names were in the book of life, though not descended from any of the following families written in this book. The Lord knows those that are his. But Israel was a chosen nation, elect in type; and no other nation, in its national capacity, was so dignified and privileged as the Jewish nation was. That is the holy nation which is the subject of the sacred story; and therefore we are next to shake off all the seed of Abraham but the posterity of Jacob only, which were all incorporated into one nation and joined to the Lord, while the other descendants from Abraham, for aught that appears, were estranged both from God and from one another.
I. We shall have little to say of the Ishmaelites. They were the sons of the bondwoman, that were to be cast out and not to be heirs with the child of the promise; and their case was to represent that of the unbelieving Jews, who were rejected (Gal 4:22, etc.), and therefore there is little notice taken of that nation. Ishmael's twelve sons are just named here (Ch1 1:29-31), to show the performance of the promise God made to Abraham, in answer to his prayer for him, that, for Abraham's sake, he should become a great nation, and particularly that he should beget twelve princes, Gen 17:20.
II. We shall have little to say of the Midianites, who descended from Abraham's children by Keturah. They were children of the east (probably Job was one of them), and were separated from Isaac, the heir of the promise (Gen 25:6), and therefore they are only named here, Ch1 1:32. The sons of Jokshan, the son of Keturah, are named also, and the sons of Midian (Ch1 1:32, Ch1 1:33), who became most eminent, and perhaps gave denomination to all these families, as Judah to the Jews.
III. We shall not have much to say of the Edomites. They had an inveterate enmity to God's Israel; yet because they descended from Esau, the son of Isaac, we have here an account of their families, and the names of some of their famous men, Ch1 1:35 to the end. Some slight differences there are between some of the names here, and as we had them in Gen. 36, whence this whole account is taken. Three of four names that were written with a Vau there are written with a Jod here, probably the pronunciation being altered, as is usual in other languages. we now write many words very differently from what they were written but 200 years ago. Let us take occasion, from the reading of these genealogies, to think, 1. Of the multitudes that have gone through this world, have acted their part in it, and then quitted it. Job, even in his early day, saw not only every man drawing after him, but innumerable before him, Job 21:33. All these, and all theirs, had their day; many of them made a mighty noise and figure in the world; but their day came to fall, and their place knew them no more. The paths of death are trodden paths, but vestigia nulla retrorsum - none can retrace their steps. 2. Of the providence of God, which keeps up the generations of men, and so preserves that degenerate race, though guilty and obnoxious, in being upon earth. How easily could he cut it off without either a deluge or a conflagration! Write but all the children of men childless, as some are, and in a few years the earth will be eased of the burden under which it groans; but the divine patience lets the trees that cumber the ground not only grow, but propagate. As one generation, even of sinful men, passes away, another comes (Ecc 1:4; Num 32:14), and will do so while the earth remains. Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 28–54. Public domain.
Copy as
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON FIRST CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 1 Chronicles 1:40 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:40 is a succinct yet significant entry within the extensive genealogical records that initiate the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically detailing a segment of the Horite lineage. This verse meticulously enumerates the sons of Shobal and the sons of Zibeon, two prominent figures among the indigenous inhabitants of Seir. Its inclusion underscores the chronicler's commitment to providing a comprehensive historical and ethnic backdrop, acknowledging the diverse peoples within the broader divine narrative of human history and God's sovereign oversight of all creation.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: The book of 1 Chronicles begins with an unparalleled nine chapters devoted entirely to genealogies, meticulously tracing the lineage from Adam through the patriarchs, the tribes of Israel, and ultimately focusing on the royal line of David. This exhaustive record-keeping serves as the foundational bedrock for the historical narrative that follows, establishing continuity from creation to the post-exilic community for whom the book was written. Verse 40, nestled within this vast genealogical framework, specifically details a portion of the Horite lineage, a non-Israelite people group. Their inclusion, alongside the descendants of Esau in Genesis 36 and other nations, underscores the chronicler's interest in God's sovereign oversight of all humanity, not solely Israel. It also provides a comprehensive historical backdrop for the later interactions between Israel and its neighbors, demonstrating the interconnectedness of ancient peoples within God's unfolding plan.
Historical & Cultural Context: Composed for the post-exilic community returning to Jerusalem, 1 Chronicles aimed to re-establish national identity, validate land claims, and affirm the legitimacy of the priesthood and monarchy. Genealogies in the ancient Near East were indispensable documents, functioning as legal records, proof of inheritance, and validation of social, political, and religious standing. The Horites, whose chiefs are listed here, were the original inhabitants of Seir (later Edom), a mountainous region situated south of the Dead Sea. They are referenced in earlier Pentateuchal texts, such as Genesis 14:6, where they are defeated by the eastern kings, and extensively in Genesis 36:20-30 in connection with Esau's descendants, who intermarried with and eventually displaced them. The chronicler's inclusion of their lineage, even if brief, reflects a comprehensive historical scope, acknowledging the various peoples and their roles within God's unfolding, divinely ordained plan.
Key Themes: The meticulous recording of these lineages, including those of non-Israelite groups, highlights several profound theological themes. First, it emphasizes Divine Precision and Sovereignty, demonstrating that God's overarching plan encompasses all peoples and that every individual, regardless of their direct covenantal connection to Israel, is known and accounted for in His grand historical narrative. This speaks to a God who is intimately involved in the details of human history. Second, it reinforces the Historical Veracity of Scripture, grounding the biblical account in real people, places, and verifiable lineages. This affirms that the Bible is not merely a collection of myths but a factual record of God's active interaction with humanity from the very beginning. Finally, the sheer volume of genealogical data underscores the Significance of Lineage and Identity in ancient cultures, particularly for the Israelites. These lists were crucial for understanding their heritage, tribal affiliations, land rights, and, most importantly, the lineage through which the promised Messiah would ultimately come, as seen in later New Testament genealogies like those in Matthew 1 and Luke 3.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:40, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, is Genealogy (or Annalistic Listing). This device is characterized by the systematic enumeration of ancestors and descendants, serving not merely as a dry record but as a foundational narrative tool. It establishes historical continuity from creation to the chronicler's present, validates tribal and familial identities, and provides a comprehensive framework for understanding God's unfolding plan. The meticulous nature of these lists, including the specific names of individuals like Alian, Manahath, Ebal, Shephi, Onam, Aiah, and Anah, underscores the Precision and Veracity that the chronicler attributes to the divine record of human history. Furthermore, the use of Parallelism in listing "The sons of Shobal" and "And the sons of Zibeon" creates a rhythmic and organized presentation, aiding in the comprehension and retention of this extensive data, while also highlighting distinct but related family units.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 1:40 may appear as a simple list of names, its theological significance is profound, contributing to the broader narrative of God's meticulous sovereignty over all of creation and history. The inclusion of Horite lineages, a non-Israelite people, demonstrates unequivocally that God's knowledge and superintendence extend far beyond the chosen nation of Israel to encompass all humanity. It speaks to a divine record-keeping that is utterly comprehensive, affirming that every individual, regardless of their prominence or direct role in Israel's covenant history, is known and accounted for in God's grand design. This meticulous attention to detail, even for seemingly obscure figures, subtly reinforces the truth that no life is insignificant to the Creator, and every thread contributes to the unfolding tapestry of His eternal purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age where individual identity can often feel lost amidst vast populations and impersonal systems, 1 Chronicles 1:40, despite its seemingly dry content, offers a profound spiritual anchor. The chronicler's commitment to recording even the lineages of non-Israelite chiefs reminds us of God's comprehensive knowledge, personal interest, and unwavering care for every person. It challenges us to consider that if God meticulously records the names of individuals from ancient, seemingly peripheral tribes, how much more intimately does He know and care for each of us, who are made in His image and live within His active, loving providence? This verse invites us to embrace the enduring value of history, recognizing that our present faith is built upon a long, divinely orchestrated narrative. It encourages us to see ourselves as integral participants in God's ongoing story, where even our seemingly small contributions are woven into His grand, eternal purpose, assuring us that no life is overlooked or forgotten by the Divine Author.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are non-Israelite genealogies, like those of the Horites, included in 1 Chronicles?
Answer: The inclusion of non-Israelite genealogies, such as those of the Horites in 1 Chronicles 1:38-54, serves several crucial purposes for the chronicler and his post-exilic audience. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive historical context for Israel's place among the nations, demonstrating God's sovereign oversight of all peoples, not just the chosen nation. These lists often establish the lineage of neighboring peoples with whom Israel would interact, such as the Edomites (descendants of Esau), who intermarried with the Horites. Secondly, it reinforces the historical veracity of the biblical narrative, showing that the Bible is grounded in real historical figures and relationships, thereby affirming the reliability of the divine record. Finally, it subtly underscores God's universal plan of redemption, which ultimately culminates in the Messiah, whose redemptive work extends to all humanity, not just a single ethnic group, fulfilling the ancient promise that through Abraham's seed, all the families of the earth would be blessed, as prophesied in passages like Genesis 12:3.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:40, with its list of Horite sons, seems far removed from the person and work of Christ, it subtly contributes to the grand tapestry of God's meticulously unfolding plan that ultimately culminates in Jesus. The chronicler's exhaustive genealogical records, encompassing even non-Israelite lineages, underscore the divine precision and sovereignty over all of human history. Every name, every family, every nation, no matter how seemingly obscure, is part of a larger narrative orchestrated by God. This meticulous historical tracking ultimately finds its purpose and climax in the genealogies of Jesus Christ, as presented in Matthew 1 and Luke 3, which trace His lineage through Israel back to Adam, the father of all humanity. The inclusion of Horite chiefs reminds us that God's plan of salvation was never limited to one people but was always intended to encompass all tribes and nations, foreshadowing the universal scope of Christ's redemption. Just as God knew and recorded these ancient names, so too does He know and care for every individual, inviting all into the new family established through the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, fulfilling the ancient promises that through Abraham's seed, all the families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).