1 Chronicles 1:41

KJV

The sons of Anah; Dishon. And the sons of Dishon; Amram, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Anah {H6034}; Dishon {H1787}. And the sons {H1121} of Dishon {H1787}; Amram {H2566}, and Eshban {H790}, and Ithran {H3506}, and Cheran {H3763}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The son of 'Anah: Dishon. The sons of Dishon: Hamran, Eshban, Yitran and K'ran.

Berean Standard Bible

The son of Anah: Dishon. The sons of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.

American Standard Version

The sons of Anah: Dishon. And the sons of Dishon: Hamran, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:41 meticulously details a segment of the Horite lineage, specifically identifying Dishon as a son of Anah, and then listing Dishon’s four sons: Amram, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. This verse, embedded within the extensive genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles, serves to establish the historical continuity and interconnectedness of various ancient peoples, including those outside the direct Israelite covenant line, thereby providing a comprehensive historical backdrop for the subsequent narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 1:41 is situated within the expansive genealogical records that commence the book of 1 Chronicles, tracing humanity's lineage from Adam through Noah, Abraham, and then focusing intensely on the descendants of Ishmael, Keturah, and Esau. Specifically, verses 35-42 enumerate the generations and "dukes" (or chiefs) of Esau's family, highlighting their intermarriage with the indigenous Horite population of Seir. This verse, by detailing the Horite line of Anah and Dishon, contributes to the chronicler's overarching purpose of affirming the historical authenticity and continuity of biblical narratives for the post-exilic community in Judah, emphasizing their roots and the divine ordering of history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Horites were the original inhabitants of the mountainous region of Seir (modern Edom) before the descendants of Esau settled there and eventually displaced them, as recorded in [Deuteronomy 2:12](/deuteronomy/2-12 "Deuteronomy 2:12 - Edomites Displace the Horites"). Anah, mentioned as Dishon's father, is a prominent Horite duke whose family intermarried with Esau's lineage, further cementing the historical ties between these groups (cf. [Genesis 36:20-30](/genesis/36-20 "Genesis 36:20-30 - Horite Chiefs and Esau's Descendants")). In ancient Near Eastern societies, genealogies were not mere lists; they were vital for establishing identity, validating land claims, determining inheritance, and confirming tribal affiliations. For the post-exilic Jewish community, these detailed records were crucial for re-establishing their national and religious identity, demonstrating their unbroken connection to the patriarchs and the covenant promises.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader genealogies in 1 Chronicles, underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Historical Accuracy and Record-Keeping**, demonstrating the Bible's commitment to meticulous detail and the reliability of its historical accounts, which was particularly reassuring for a community seeking to re-establish its past. Secondly, the inclusion of non-Israelite lineages, such as the Horites and descendants of Esau, subtly emphasizes **God's Sovereignty Over All Peoples**, revealing His comprehensive knowledge and providential ordering of all nations, not just Israel. Finally, these lists illustrate the **Interconnectedness of Humanity**, showing how various families and nations are woven into the grand tapestry of biblical history, providing a deeper appreciation for the broader narrative of God's interaction with the world. This interconnectedness is also evident in other extensive biblical genealogies, such as the table of nations in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations") or the tribal lists of early Israel in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anah (Hebrew, _‘Anah_):** This is a proper noun referring to a significant Horite chief. Anah is notable for being the father of Dishon and also the father of Oholibamah, one of Esau's wives (Genesis 36:2, 24-25). His inclusion here firmly places Dishon and his sons within the Horite lineage that intermarried with the Edomites, underscoring the historical and familial connections between these peoples in the land of Seir.
* **Dishon (Hebrew, _Dishon_):** As a proper noun, Dishon identifies a specific individual, the son of Anah, and the father of the four listed individuals. His name, possibly meaning "thresher" or "antelope," is less significant than his genealogical role. He represents a critical link in the Horite lineage, demonstrating the continuation of this family line within the broader historical records.
* **Sons (Hebrew, _b'nei_):** The repeated use of "sons of" (בְּנֵי) emphasizes the patriarchal and patrilineal nature of these genealogies. It highlights the direct descent and familial relationships, which were paramount in ancient societies for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and tribal structures. This consistent phrasing reinforces the meticulous nature of the record-keeping.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Anah; Dishon":** This initial clause establishes the direct paternal relationship between Anah and Dishon. It identifies Dishon as a descendant of Anah, thereby situating him within the Horite lineage that was prominent in the land of Seir. This connection is crucial for understanding the broader context of Esau's descendants and their interactions with the indigenous population.
* **"And the sons of Dishon; Amram, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran":** This second clause further extends the genealogical line by listing Dishon's direct male offspring. These four names represent the next generation within this specific Horite family branch. The inclusion of these individual names highlights the meticulous detail of the chronicler's record, providing specific data points that contribute to the comprehensive historical and tribal mapping of the region.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:41, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This systematic listing of ancestors and descendants serves multiple functions: it establishes historical continuity from creation to the post-exilic period, validates claims to land and inheritance, and confirms tribal and national identities. The meticulous nature of these lists, including seemingly minor or non-Israelite lines, underscores the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and the divine ordering of human history. The device of **Repetition** is also evident in the recurring phrase "the sons of," which reinforces the patrilineal structure and the unbroken chain of generations. While not a narrative in the traditional sense, the genealogical structure itself tells a story of God's faithfulness across time and His sovereign oversight of all peoples.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 1:41, though a simple list of names, profoundly contributes to the theological understanding of God's meticulousness and His sovereign involvement in the affairs of all humanity. It underscores that God is not just the God of Israel, but the God of all nations, intimately aware of every family line and every individual within His vast creation. The careful preservation of these records, even for peoples outside the direct covenant line, testifies to the Bible's historical reliability and God's faithfulness to His overarching plan, which encompasses all peoples and generations. It reminds us that even seemingly insignificant details are known to God and play a part in His grand design.

* [Genesis 36:20-30](/genesis/36-20 "Genesis 36:20-30 - The Horite Chiefs")
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Genealogical Records for Returnees")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of ancient names might initially seem distant from contemporary life, 1 Chronicles 1:41 offers profound insights for reflection and application. It serves as a powerful reminder that every individual, every family, and every nation is known and accounted for in God's vast and intricate plan. The meticulous detail in these genealogies affirms the reliability and historical depth of Scripture, encouraging us to trust its record not only in grand narratives but also in its precise details. For believers, this verse can foster a sense of belonging within God's ongoing story, emphasizing that our lives, though seemingly small in the grand scheme, are significant in His eyes. It invites us to reflect on our own spiritual heritage—the legacy of faith passed down through generations—and to consider the importance of living a life that contributes positively to the spiritual inheritance of those who will follow us, much like the generations recorded in these ancient texts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulousness of biblical genealogies impact your trust in the historical reliability of Scripture?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God accounts for every individual, even those outside the direct covenant line, deepen your understanding of His sovereignty and care?**
* **What spiritual legacy are you building or inheriting, and how does this verse encourage you to value your place in God's ongoing story?**

### FAQ

**Why are these seemingly obscure genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: These genealogies are critically important for several reasons. For the post-exilic community to whom 1 Chronicles was addressed, they served to re-establish national and religious identity, linking them back to their foundational history and covenant promises. They validated claims to land, inheritance, and priestly succession. Theologically, they demonstrate God's faithfulness across generations, His meticulous ordering of history, and the reliability of His word. By tracing lines from Adam, they underscore the universal scope of God's plan, which encompasses all humanity, not just Israel. They also provide essential context for understanding the broader biblical narrative and the fulfillment of prophecies, particularly those related to the coming Messiah. The book of [Ezra](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - Return from Exile and Genealogies") also highlights the practical importance of these records for the returning exiles.

**Who were the Horites, and what is their significance here?**

Answer: The Horites were an ancient people group who inhabited the mountainous region of Seir (Edom) before the arrival of Esau's descendants. They are mentioned in [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Generations of Esau") as the "dukes" or chiefs of the land whom Esau's family intermarried with and eventually displaced. Their inclusion in 1 Chronicles 1:41 is significant because it provides a comprehensive historical context for the peoples connected to early Israelite history and the Edomite lineage. It demonstrates that the biblical record acknowledges and integrates the histories of other nations, not just Israel, into its grand narrative. This subtly reinforces God's overarching sovereignty and knowledge of all peoples and their interactions, even those not directly in the covenant line.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:41 details a non-Israelite lineage, its inclusion within the Bible's meticulous genealogies points to the comprehensive and sovereign plan of God that ultimately culminates in Christ. These ancient lists, though seemingly distant, underscore God's precise working through history, demonstrating His knowledge and control over all peoples and generations. This divine meticulousness finds its ultimate expression in the perfect lineage of Jesus Christ, whose own genealogies in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") meticulously trace His human ancestry, proving His rightful claim as the promised Messiah. The fact that God accounts for all peoples, even the Horites, foreshadows the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work. The gospel is not limited to one nation but extends to "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb Redeems All Peoples")), fulfilling the implicit truth that God's plan encompasses all humanity. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), stands as the culmination of all history, the one through whom all the meticulous details of God's providential ordering find their ultimate meaning and purpose.

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 36:25

And the children of Anah [were] these; Dishon, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah.

Genesis 36:26

And these [are] the children of Dishon; Hemdan, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran.