1 Chronicles 4:19

KJV

And the sons of [his] wife Hodiah the sister of Naham, the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maachathite.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of his wife {H802} Hodiah {H1940} the sister {H269} of Naham {H5163}, the father {H1} of Keilah {H7084} the Garmite {H1636}, and Eshtemoa {H851} the Maachathite {H4602}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of the wife of Hodiyah the sister of Nacham were the father of Ke'ilah the Garmi and Esht'moa the Ma'akhati.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Hodiah’s wife, the sister of Naham, were the fathers of Keilah the Garmite and of Eshtemoa the Maacathite.

American Standard Version

And the sons of the wife of Hodiah, the sister of Naham, were the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maacathite.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:19 is a concise yet significant verse embedded within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Judah, meticulously recorded in the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles. It specifically details the lineage connected to Hodiah, identifying her sons with the prominent Judean towns of Keilah and Eshtemoa. This verse, like the surrounding genealogical data, serves to affirm the continuity of Israelite identity, land claims, and the divine preservation of the covenant line, ultimately pointing towards the eventual arrival of the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles are predominantly composed of genealogies, a unique literary feature that sets the book apart. This extensive record serves as the foundation for the historical narrative that follows, establishing the identity and heritage of the post-exilic community. Chapter 4 specifically focuses on the descendants of Judah, the royal tribe from which King David emerged. Within this detailed enumeration, 1 Chronicles 4:19 functions as a specific link in a complex family tree, connecting individuals like Hodiah and Naham to significant geographical locations. The Chronicler’s meticulous attention to these family lines underscores the continuity of God’s covenant promises and the importance of tribal purity and land inheritance for the returned exiles. The verse is part of a broader section (1 Chronicles 4:1-23) that lists various families and their settlements, often highlighting those with particular skills or prominence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written after the Babylonian exile, likely in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE, 1 Chronicles addresses a community striving to re-establish its identity and legitimate claims in the land of Israel. Genealogies were not merely historical records but vital legal and social documents. They determined tribal affiliation, land ownership (crucial for re-settlement), eligibility for priestly service, and social standing. The mention of specific towns like Keilah and Eshtemoa is significant, as these were known Judean settlements, with Eshtemoa notably being a Levitical city. This detail would have helped the returning exiles identify their ancestral lands and validate their claims. The meticulous preservation of such details reflects a culture deeply rooted in lineage and heritage, where one's place in the community was intrinsically tied to their ancestry.
* **Key Themes:** This seemingly dry genealogical entry contributes to several profound themes woven throughout 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Preservation of Lineage**. Even in the minutiae of family records, God’s hand is evident, meticulously preserving the lines that would eventually lead to the Davidic dynasty and, ultimately, to the Messiah. This attention to detail speaks to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, as seen in the promises made to [Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant") and [David](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"). Secondly, the genealogies provide a profound sense of **Identity and Heritage**. For the post-exilic community, these lists were their roots, connecting them to their past, their land, and their covenant relationship with God. Knowing their ancestry provided a foundation for their restored national and spiritual identity. Finally, the inclusion of seemingly obscure names and their geographical associations highlights **God's Sovereignty in Detail**. Every individual, every family, and every place mentioned, no matter how briefly, plays a role in God's overarching plan, demonstrating His meticulous care for His people and the unfolding of His redemptive purposes through human history, as [Paul later articulates](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God's Perfect Timing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hodiah (Hebrew, _hōdîyâ_):** This name means "majesty of Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my splendor." The inclusion of a name with such a theological meaning within a genealogical list, even without a narrative account of the individual, subtly reinforces the Chronicler's overarching theme: God's presence and glory are inherent in the very fabric of Israel's lineage and history. It suggests that even the seemingly mundane details of family lines are imbued with divine significance.
* **Keilah (Hebrew, _qəʿîlâ_):** A significant fortified city located in the Shephelah (lowlands) of Judah. Keilah is famously mentioned in the narrative of David's life, where he [rescued its inhabitants from the Philistines](/1_samuel/23-5 "1 Samuel 23:5 - David Rescues Keilah") before its ungrateful citizens nearly betrayed him to Saul. Its inclusion here, along with the designation "Garmite" (likely a clan or family associated with Keilah), grounds this genealogical entry in a tangible, historically recognized location, providing a sense of geographical and tribal rootedness for the Chronicler's audience.
* **Eshtemoa (Hebrew, _ʾeštəmōaʿ_):** A Levitical city in the hill country of Judah, listed among the cities given to the priests descended from Aaron ([Joshua 21:14](/joshua/21-14 "Joshua 21:14 - Eshtemoa as a Levitical City")). It is also mentioned as one of the places to which David sent spoils after his victory over the Amalekites ([1 Samuel 30:28](/1_samuel/30-28 "1 Samuel 30:28 - David Sends Spoils to Eshtemoa")). The designation "Maachathite" likely indicates an association with the region of Maacah, possibly through intermarriage or migration, further illustrating the complex interconnections within the tribal structures. Its Levitical status adds another layer of significance, hinting at the intertwining of tribal, territorial, and religious identities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of [his] wife Hodiah the sister of Naham":** This clause introduces the specific lineage being traced. The phrase "[his] wife" refers back to the unnamed husband of Hodiah, whose identity is implied by the preceding verses (likely a descendant of Judah, perhaps from the line of Caleb). Hodiah is further identified by her familial relationship to Naham, her brother. This detailed identification by both marital and sibling ties emphasizes the intricate web of kinship that defined ancient Israelite society and was crucial for establishing legal and social standing.
* **"the father of Keilah the Garmite":** This phrase identifies Naham as the "father" (likely meaning ancestor or founder) of the clan associated with Keilah, specifically the "Garmite" branch. This highlights the connection between individuals, clans, and specific geographical locations. It suggests that Naham's lineage was foundational to the identity of those living in or associated with Keilah, a significant Judean city.
* **"and Eshtemoa the Maachathite":** This final clause introduces another significant geographical and tribal association. It implies that the sons of Hodiah (or their descendants) were also connected to Eshtemoa, identified with the "Maachathite" clan or region. The conjunction "and" links this association directly with the previous one, indicating a shared or closely related lineage that spanned these two important Judean localities. This further reinforces the Chronicler's purpose of mapping out the tribal settlements and their inhabitants.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 4:19, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form designed to establish lineage, validate claims, and preserve historical memory. The Chronicler employs **Onomastics**, the study of names, as seen in the potential theological significance of "Hodiah." Furthermore, the text utilizes **Toponymy**, the study of place names, by linking individuals and clans to specific, historically recognizable locations like Keilah and Eshtemoa. This grounds the abstract genealogical data in concrete geographical realities, making the connections more tangible for the original audience. The detailed enumeration serves a **Didactic** purpose, instructing the post-exilic community about their heritage and God's faithfulness, while also functioning as a form of **Historical Record**, albeit one with a distinct theological agenda.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 4:19, though a single line in a vast genealogical record, powerfully communicates foundational theological truths. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and their lineage. For the Chronicler's audience, this verse, along with the surrounding lists, was a tangible reminder that despite exile and dispersion, God had maintained their identity and their connection to the land and the promises. It teaches us that every individual, every family, and every seemingly minor detail is known to God and plays a part in His grand, unfolding redemptive plan. The very existence of such precise records testifies to a divine providence that oversees human history, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled through the generations, culminating in the promised Messiah.

* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Romans 9:4-5](/romans/9-4 "Romans 9:4-5 - The Privileges of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 4:19 might appear as a distant and impersonal list, it offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, who knows each of us intimately, not just as a statistic but as a beloved individual woven into the fabric of His grand design. Just as He preserved the lineage of Israel, ensuring the continuity of His covenant promises, He meticulously orchestrates the details of our lives, our families, and our spiritual heritage. This verse encourages us to value our spiritual ancestry, recognizing the faithfulness of God through generations of believers who have gone before us. It challenges us to consider how our lives, however seemingly ordinary, contribute to God's ongoing story, and to trust in His sovereign plan, even when we don't fully understand the intricate connections. Ultimately, it invites us to find our identity not just in our earthly lineage, but primarily in our spiritual adoption as children of God, heirs to an eternal inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of genealogies like 1 Chronicles 4:19 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways does recognizing your spiritual heritage (the faith passed down through generations) impact your present-day walk with God?**
* **If God pays such close attention to seemingly minor details in ancient lineages, how might that inform your perspective on the significance of your own life and seemingly small contributions?**
* **How does the concept of God's faithfulness across generations, as seen in this verse, encourage you in times of uncertainty or waiting?**

### FAQ
**Why are the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including this verse, so extensive and seemingly tedious?**

Answer: The extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they re-established **identity and belonging** for a people returning from exile, helping them understand their tribal affiliations and their place within the restored nation. Secondly, they were essential for **validating land claims**, as land inheritance was tied to tribal lineage. Thirdly, they ensured the **purity and legitimacy of the priesthood** and other religious offices, as only those from specific lineages could serve. Finally, and most profoundly, they demonstrated God's **unwavering faithfulness** in preserving His covenant people and the specific lineage of Judah, from which the Davidic kings and ultimately the Messiah would come. These lists, therefore, are not tedious but are foundational to the Chronicler's theological message of continuity and hope.

**What is the significance of mentioning specific places like Keilah and Eshtemoa in a genealogical list?**

Answer: The inclusion of specific geographical locations like Keilah and Eshtemoa grounds the genealogies in tangible reality. For the original audience, these names were not abstract but represented real, known Judean cities. Keilah was a fortified city with historical significance, notably in the life of [King David](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David's Time in Keilah"). Eshtemoa was a Levitical city, highlighting its religious importance. By linking individuals and clans to these places, the Chronicler was not only providing a historical record but also affirming the **territorial claims** of the returning exiles and illustrating the **interconnectedness of tribal, family, and geographical identities**. It shows how the people were rooted in the land promised by God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 4:19 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of lineages, particularly that of Judah, was not an end in itself but a divine orchestration pointing towards the long-awaited Messiah. Every name, every family connection, and every geographical detail in these ancient records contributed to the intricate tapestry of God's redemptive plan, ensuring that when the "fullness of time had come," God would send His Son, born of a woman, born under the law ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sends His Son")). The genealogies in the Gospels of [Matthew](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus") painstakingly trace Jesus' lineage back through David, Abraham, and even to Adam, demonstrating His perfect fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies and promises. Thus, 1 Chronicles 4:19, by affirming the continuity and integrity of the Judahite line, stands as a testament to God's sovereign faithfulness in preparing the way for the incarnation of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), through whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The detailed record of human families ultimately serves to highlight the divine precision in bringing forth the one true Son, the heir of all things, through whom God spoke to us in these last days ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")).

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

Joshua 15:44

And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:

1 Samuel 23:1

¶ Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.

1 Samuel 23:13

Then David and his men, [which were] about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth.