Skip to content
Translation
King James Version
The sons of Anah; Dishon. And the sons of Dishon; Amram, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran.
Ask
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.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
The son of 'Anah: Dishon. The sons of Dishon: Hamran, Eshban, Yitran and K'ran.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
The son of Anah: Dishon. The sons of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.
Ask
American Standard Version
The sons of Anah: Dishon. And the sons of Dishon: Hamran, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
The sons of Anah: Dishon. The sons of Dishon: Hamran, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
The sonne of Anah was Dishon. And the sonnes of Dishon, Amran, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
The sons of Anah: Dishon. and sons of Dishon: Amram, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran.
Ask
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 10,294 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 1:41 meticulously chronicles a segment of the Horite lineage, specifically identifying Dishon as a son of Anah, and then enumerating Dishon's four sons: Amram, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. This verse, embedded within the extensive genealogies that commence the book of 1 Chronicles, serves to establish the historical continuity and intricate interconnectedness of various ancient peoples, including those outside the direct Israelite covenant line, thereby providing a comprehensive and divinely ordered historical backdrop for the subsequent narrative of God's redemptive plan.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: 1 Chronicles 1:41 is situated within the expansive genealogical records that open 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. The meticulous nature of these lists underscores the reliability of God's promises and the precise unfolding of His plan.
  • 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. 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 (compare Genesis 36:20-30). 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 1, 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 or the tribal lists of early Israel in Numbers 1.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • sons (Hebrew, bên, H1121): This term, derived from a root meaning "to build," signifies a son in the widest sense, encompassing literal and figurative relationships, including descendants, subjects, and even qualities. Its repeated use here emphasizes the patriarchal and patrilineal nature of these genealogies, highlighting the direct descent and familial relationships crucial for establishing identity, inheritance, and tribal structures in ancient societies. It underscores the meticulous nature of the record-keeping in tracing family lines.
  • Dishon (Hebrew, Dîyshôwn, H1787): As a proper noun, Dishon identifies a specific individual, the son of Anah, and the father of the four listed individuals. His name, which is also the name of another Edomite, 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 and its intermarriage with the Edomite descendants of Esau.
  • Anah (Hebrew, ‘Ănâh, H6034): This proper noun refers to a significant Horite chief, whose name probably means "an answer." Anah is notable for being the father of Dishon and also the father of Oholibamah, one of Esau's wives (Genesis 36:24-25). 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.

Verse Breakdown

  • "The sons of Anah; Dishon.": This initial clause establishes the direct paternal relationship between Anah and Dishon, identifying Dishon as a descendant of Anah. This situates Dishon within the Horite lineage that was prominent in the land of Seir, providing a crucial connection for understanding the broader context of Esau's descendants and their interactions with the indigenous population. It highlights the precise genealogical mapping undertaken by the chronicler.
  • "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—Amram (meaning "red," connecting to the land of Edom), Eshban (meaning "vigorous"), Ithran (meaning "excellent"), and Cheran (of uncertain derivation)—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 profound story of God's faithfulness across time and His sovereign oversight of all peoples, demonstrating His comprehensive knowledge of every individual and family line.

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, demonstrating His comprehensive knowledge and providential care for all creation.

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. Furthermore, it challenges us to recognize God's sovereignty extends beyond our immediate sphere, encompassing all peoples and their histories, fostering a broader perspective on His redemptive work in the world.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the meticulousness of biblical genealogies impact your trust in the historical reliability and divine inspiration 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 universal sovereignty and comprehensive 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 and contribute to the faith of future generations?

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, ensuring proper order and continuity after exile. 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 2 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 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, showing His providential hand in the unfolding of all human history.

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 and Luke 3:23-38 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), fulfilling the implicit truth that God's plan encompasses all humanity. Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, 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, bringing salvation to all who believe.

Copy as

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 1 verses 28–54

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 1:41 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.