1 Chronicles 4:16

KJV

And the sons of Jehaleleel; Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asareel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Jehaleleel {H3094}; Ziph {H2128}, and Ziphah {H2129}, Tiria {H8493}, and Asareel {H840}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Yehallel'el: Zif, Zifah, Tirya and Asar'el.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Jehallelel: Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Jehallelel: Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:16 is a concise genealogical entry within the extensive tribal records of Judah, listing four sons of Jehaleleel: Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asareel. This verse, though brief, contributes to the meticulous documentation of Israel's lineage, underscoring God's precise and faithful preservation of His covenant people and the historical continuity leading to the promised Davidic line. It highlights the divine attention to every individual, however seemingly minor, within the grand tapestry of salvation history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 4:16 is situated within the lengthy genealogies of the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically within the detailed record of the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:3-4:23). This chapter meticulously traces various family lines and their settlements, emphasizing the descendants of Caleb, a prominent figure in Judah. The verse follows other short, descriptive entries of families and their sons, maintaining a consistent pattern of listing names to establish tribal identity and continuity. It is part of a broader section that systematically chronicles the foundational families of Israel, setting the stage for the subsequent historical narratives of the united and divided monarchies.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was written in the post-exilic period, likely for the community that had returned to Judah. For this community, genealogies were not merely historical curiosities but vital documents that served several crucial purposes. They established legitimate claims to land, defined tribal identities, confirmed eligibility for priestly and Levitical service, and reaffirmed their connection to God's ancient covenant promises. In a time of rebuilding and re-establishing their national and religious identity, these detailed records provided a sense of continuity, heritage, and divine faithfulness, assuring them that God had not abandoned His people despite the exile.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of this verse, like all genealogies in 1 Chronicles, contributes to several overarching themes. Primarily, it underscores the **preservation of lineage**, particularly the line of Judah, from which the Davidic monarchy and ultimately the Messiah would descend, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Abraham ([Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2-3 - God's Covenant with Abraham")) and David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Secondly, it highlights **God's meticulous attention** to every individual, suggesting that even seemingly obscure persons are known and valued in His divine plan, reflecting His comprehensive knowledge as seen in [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days"). Lastly, these lists reinforce **historical continuity**, connecting the post-exilic community to their ancient roots and providing a tangible link to God's ongoing work throughout generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jehaleleel (Hebrew, _Yehallel'el_):** The name of the father, meaning "God praises" or "praised of God." This is a **theophoric** name, incorporating "El" (God), which was a common practice in ancient Israel. Such names often served as declarations of faith or reflected the circumstances of a child's birth, silently testifying to the presence and activity of God in the lives of individuals and families.
* **Asareel (Hebrew, _'Asar'el_):** One of the sons listed, meaning "God has bound" or "God has helped." Like Jehaleleel, this is a theophoric name, further emphasizing the pervasive understanding of divine involvement in human affairs and the individual's life. The meaning "God has helped" could signify a particular divine intervention or blessing associated with his birth or life.
* **Ziph (Hebrew, _Ziph_):** This name, also given to one of the sons, can mean "flowing" or "a place of flowing." Ziph is also a significant geographical location in Judah, notably associated with David's flight from Saul ([1 Samuel 23:14](/1_samuel/23-14 "1 Samuel 23:14 - David in the Wilderness of Ziph")). While the son's name doesn't necessarily imply a direct link to the town, the recurrence of such names in genealogies can sometimes reflect regional connections or popular naming conventions of the time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Jehaleleel;":** This introductory phrase establishes the familial relationship, identifying Jehaleleel as the progenitor of the subsequent names. It continues the pattern seen throughout the genealogies, systematically tracing the male lineage, which was crucial for establishing tribal and familial identity in ancient Israelite society.
* **"Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asareel.":** This clause provides the specific names of Jehaleleel's four sons. The inclusion of Ziph and Ziphah, names that are very similar, might indicate a close familial bond, a common naming practice within the family, or perhaps a connection to a specific place or characteristic. The meticulous listing of each name underscores the Chronicler's commitment to a comprehensive and accurate record of the tribal families.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 4:16, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a structured literary form that serves profound theological and historical purposes. It establishes lineage, validates claims, and provides a sense of identity and continuity for the community. Within the genealogical framework, the use of **Nomenclature** is significant, particularly the prevalence of **theophoric names** (like Jehaleleel and Asareel). These names, by incorporating divine elements, subtly embed theological statements within the very fabric of the lineage, testifying to God's character and His active presence in the lives of individuals. The consistent **Repetition** of the "sons of X" structure throughout the genealogies creates a rhythmic and authoritative tone, emphasizing the systematic and comprehensive nature of the record.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 4:16, though seemingly a simple list of names, is a testament to God's meticulous providence and unwavering faithfulness. It underscores the theological truth that every individual, regardless of their prominence in the broader biblical narrative, is known and valued by God. The preservation of these lineages was not merely for human record-keeping but was part of God's sovereign plan to maintain a distinct people through whom His covenant promises would be fulfilled. This verse reminds us that God works through generations, patiently unfolding His redemptive purposes, ensuring the continuity of His people and the eventual arrival of the Messiah. It reflects a divine commitment to details, assuring us that God's plan is precise and encompasses every seemingly minor element.

* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2-3 - God's Covenant with Abraham"): God's covenant with Abraham established the foundation for a chosen people, whose lineage would be meticulously preserved.
* [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days"): This verse affirms God's intimate knowledge of every individual, even before their birth, echoing the meticulous nature of the genealogies.
* [Romans 9:4-5](/romans/9-4 "Romans 9:4-5 - Privileges of Israel"): Paul highlights that the Israelites possessed "the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; whose are the patriarchs, and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came." This underscores the theological importance of their lineage.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often measures worth by fame, achievement, or public recognition, 1 Chronicles 4:16 offers a profound counter-cultural message: every life matters to God. The inclusion of "ordinary" names in these sacred records reminds us that our value is not contingent on our accomplishments or visibility, but on being known by a God who meticulously keeps track of every individual in His grand design. This verse encourages us to find our identity not in fleeting worldly accolades, but in our connection to God's enduring story of faithfulness across generations. It invites us to trust in His providence, knowing that if He cares enough to record the names of individuals from millennia past, He certainly cares for the intricate details of our own lives, even when we feel overlooked or insignificant. This deepens our appreciation for God's comprehensive love and His unwavering commitment to His people, past, present, and future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies challenge our modern perception of "insignificance" or "anonymity"?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God values every individual, even those briefly mentioned, impact your sense of self-worth and purpose?**
* **How can reflecting on God's faithfulness to ancient lineages strengthen your trust in His promises for your own life and future generations?**

### FAQ
**Why are these seemingly obscure names included in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of seemingly obscure names like those in 1 Chronicles 4:16 serves vital practical and theological purposes. For the post-exilic community, these genealogies were crucial for re-establishing tribal identity, confirming land rights, and validating eligibility for priestly and Levitical service. Theologically, they demonstrate God's meticulous care for every individual, underscoring that no one is forgotten in His divine plan. They also highlight His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises across countless generations, ensuring the historical continuity of His people. Ultimately, these detailed records provide a tangible link to the lineage from which the Messiah would come, reinforcing the reliability of God's redemptive plan as it unfolds through history, even in the smallest details. They show that God's plan is precise and encompasses every person, regardless of their prominence, all contributing to the grand narrative of salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The genealogies of 1 Chronicles, including the seemingly brief entry in 1 Chronicles 4:16, serve as foundational building blocks in the overarching narrative that culminates in Jesus Christ. While these names may seem distant, they are part of the meticulously preserved lineage of Judah, the tribe from which the Davidic monarchy and, ultimately, the Messiah would descend. Every individual listed, including Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asareel, represents a link in the unbroken chain of God's faithfulness, ensuring the continuity of the line that would bring forth the promised King and Savior. The Chronicler's emphasis on preserving these records underscores the historical reality of God's covenant promises, particularly those related to the seed of Abraham ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - All Nations Blessed Through Abraham's Seed")) and the house of David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The New Testament genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus") directly connect Him to these Old Testament records, affirming His rightful claim as the Son of David and the fulfillment of all messianic prophecies. Thus, 1 Chronicles 4:16, far from being an irrelevant detail, is a silent yet powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, meticulously preserving the human lineage through which the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") would enter the world to take away the sin of the world.

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.