1 Chronicles 4:20

KJV

And the sons of Shimon [were], Amnon, and Rinnah, Benhanan, and Tilon. And the sons of Ishi [were], Zoheth, and Benzoheth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Shimon {H7889} were, Amnon {H550}, and Rinnah {H7441}, Benhanan {H1135}, and Tilon {H8436}. And the sons {H1121} of Ishi {H3469} were, Zoheth {H2105}, and Benzoheth {H1132}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Shimon: Amnon, Rinah, Ben-Hanan and Tilon. The sons of Yish'i: Zochet and Ben-Zochet.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Shimon: Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon. The descendants of Ishi: Zoheth and Ben-zoheth.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Shimon: Amnon, and Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon. And the sons of Ishi: Zoheth, and Ben-zoheth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 4:20 is a concise yet significant entry within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing the descendants of two individuals, Shimon and Ishi. This verse, like many others in the early chapters of Chronicles, serves to meticulously document the lineage of Israel, reinforcing tribal identity, land inheritance rights, and the continuity of God's covenant promises through generations, even in seemingly minor branches of the family tree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** First Chronicles 4:20 is situated within the broader genealogical section of 1 Chronicles 1-9, which meticulously traces the ancestry of Israel from Adam through the various tribes. More specifically, chapter 4 focuses predominantly on the tribe of Judah, the royal tribe from which the Davidic dynasty would emerge. The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 4:1-19) list numerous other families and individuals within Judah, often highlighting their dwelling places, notable deeds, or unique characteristics. Following this verse, the narrative continues with further Judahite lineages before transitioning to the tribe of Simeon in 1 Chronicles 4:24. This consistent cataloging underscores the Chronicler's intent to establish a comprehensive record of the people of God, emphasizing continuity and identity for the post-exilic community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed after the Babylonian exile, during a period when the returned exiles were seeking to re-establish their national and religious identity. Genealogies were not mere historical curiosities but vital documents that confirmed tribal affiliation, justified claims to ancestral land, validated priestly and Levitical service, and provided a sense of continuity with God's historical promises. In ancient Israelite society, one's identity was deeply intertwined with their family and tribal lineage. Names themselves often carried meaning or commemorated events, and the meticulous recording of these lines, even for seemingly obscure individuals like Shimon and Ishi, affirmed the divine preservation of the community and its heritage, ensuring the proper re-ordering of society and worship in the restored land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the larger genealogical framework, contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. The most prominent is the **preservation of lineage**, which underscores God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant people, even through periods of exile and dispersion. The meticulous detail, though seemingly exhaustive, testifies to God's careful oversight of His chosen nation, ensuring the continuity of the promises made to Abraham and David. This theme is evident throughout the biblical narrative, from the early family trees in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - Genealogies from Adam to Noah") to the detailed records of the post-exilic community in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Exiles Who Returned"). Furthermore, the inclusion of even briefly mentioned individuals like Shimon and Ishi's sons highlights the theme of **individual significance within God's grand plan**. While their specific deeds are not recorded, their very existence and inclusion in the sacred record affirm that every life, however seemingly small, plays a part in the unfolding story of God's people and His redemptive purposes. This echoes the broader biblical truth that God knows and cares for each person, as seen in passages like [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalms/139-13 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's Intimate Knowledge of Individuals").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shimon (Hebrew, _Shimʻôn'_):** This name is a common Hebrew proper noun, meaning "he has heard" or "hearing." It is most famously associated with the patriarch Simeon, one of Jacob's twelve sons, and the tribe descended from him. In 1 Chronicles 4:20, "Shimon" refers to a distinct individual within the tribe of Judah, not the tribal patriarch. The name's meaning subtly reinforces the idea of God hearing and responding, a theme often woven into the fabric of Israel's history, even within the context of seemingly dry genealogies.
* **Ishi (Hebrew, _ʼÎshî'_):** Meaning "my husband" or "my man," this name, like Shimon, is a proper noun functioning as a personal name in this context. While its literal meaning might evoke marital or relational concepts, here it simply identifies an individual within the Judahite lineage. Its inclusion, alongside Shimon, demonstrates the Chronicler's commitment to detailing specific family lines, no matter how minor they might appear in the grand narrative.
* **Benhanan (Hebrew, _Ben-Ḥānān'_):** This name literally means "son of Hanan." The element "Hanan" (חָנַן, _ḥānan_) means "to be gracious" or "to show favor." Thus, "Benhanan" could be interpreted as "son of grace" or "son of favor." Such names often reflected a parent's hope, a characteristic of the child, or a divine blessing, adding a layer of subtle meaning to the otherwise straightforward list of names.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Shimon [were], Amnon, and Rinnah, Benhanan, and Tilon."**: This clause introduces the first set of descendants. Shimon is presented as a father, and his four sons—Amnon, Rinnah, Benhanan, and Tilon—are explicitly named. The simple enumeration serves to document the expansion of this particular family line within Judah. The absence of further details about these individuals emphasizes the Chronicler's primary purpose: to record the lineage itself, establishing connections and continuity rather than narrating individual biographies.
* **"And the sons of Ishi [were], Zoheth, and Benzoheth."**: This second clause follows the same pattern, introducing Ishi and his two sons, Zoheth and Benzoheth. The parallelism in structure ("And the sons of X [were], Y, and Z...") is typical of genealogical lists, providing clarity and rhythm. The name "Benzoheth" (son of Zoheth) suggests a patronymic naming convention, where the son is named after his father or an ancestor, further reinforcing the familial connections and the meticulous nature of the record-keeping.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 4:20, and indeed throughout the early chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form with specific functions. It serves as a historical record, establishing the continuity of a people from their earliest origins. The Chronicler uses genealogy to affirm the identity of the post-exilic community, connecting them directly to the patriarchs, the tribes, and the Davidic line. Furthermore, the meticulous nature of these lists, including seemingly minor branches, underscores the theological concept of God's **Providence** and **Faithfulness** in preserving His chosen people. The device of **Enumeration** is also central, as the verse simply lists names, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the record rather than narrative action. The **Repetition** of the phrase "And the sons of..." creates a rhythmic pattern characteristic of ancient registers, reinforcing the systematic presentation of familial lines.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous recording of genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including seemingly minor entries like 1 Chronicles 4:20, serves a profound theological purpose beyond mere historical record-keeping. It powerfully underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those concerning the preservation of a chosen people and the eventual emergence of the Davidic king. Even when individuals are only named, their inclusion signifies that every link in the chain is vital to God's overarching plan for salvation history. This divine attention to detail assures us that God is actively involved in the lives of individuals and the trajectory of nations, orchestrating events to fulfill His redemptive purposes. The very existence of these lists, compiled after the trauma of exile, offered hope and reassurance to a people seeking to reconnect with their heritage and God's enduring commitment to them.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Table of Nations")
* [Numbers 1:18](/numbers/1-18 "Numbers 1:18 - Census of the Tribes")
* [Matthew 1:17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:17 - Summary of Jesus' Genealogy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values notoriety and grand achievements, 1 Chronicles 4:20 reminds us of the profound significance of every individual life within God's vast tapestry. While the names Shimon, Ishi, Amnon, Rinnah, Benhanan, Tilon, Zoheth, and Benzoheth may not resonate with heroic tales, their inclusion in the inspired Word of God testifies to His meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign care over every generation. This verse invites us to consider that our lives, too, however seemingly ordinary, are known to God and play a part in His unfolding purposes. It encourages us to find our identity not in fleeting accomplishments or public recognition, but in our connection to God's eternal story and His covenant people. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of heritage, reminding us that we are beneficiaries of a long line of faith, called to faithfully pass on the legacy of God's truth to future generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 4:20, challenge my perception of what God considers important?**
* **In what ways can understanding my own spiritual heritage (the "family tree" of faith) strengthen my identity and purpose today?**
* **What does this verse teach me about God's faithfulness, even when specific details of His working are not explicitly revealed?**
* **How can I live my life in a way that acknowledges my small but significant part in God's grand narrative?**

### FAQ
**Why are there so many genealogies in the Bible, and what is their purpose?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 4:20, serve multiple crucial purposes. Historically, they provided a meticulous record of tribal identity, land inheritance rights, and priestly succession, especially vital for the post-exilic community. Theologically, they demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen people through generations, ensuring the continuity of His covenant promises. They also highlight the divine orchestration of history, culminating in the promised Messiah. For example, the genealogies in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Line of Seth") and [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations") establish humanity's origins and the spread of nations, while those in Chronicles and the Gospels ([Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus")) meticulously trace the lineage of the Messiah.

**Do these brief mentions of individuals, like Shimon and Ishi's sons, mean their lives were insignificant?**

Answer: Absolutely not. While the biblical narrative does not provide extensive details about every person mentioned in its genealogies, their very inclusion in the inspired Word of God signifies their importance within God's sovereign plan. For the Chronicler, every name was a vital link in the chain of God's people, contributing to the overall story of His faithfulness and the preservation of His covenant. This perspective reminds us that even lives that seem "small" or "unseen" in human terms are known and valued by God, playing a unique and necessary role in His grand design, as affirmed in passages like [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:20, with its list of names, may seem far removed from the person of Jesus Christ, its inclusion in the sacred text finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment within the broader biblical narrative. The meticulous preservation of these genealogies, particularly within the tribe of Judah, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, especially the promise of a "seed" or descendant who would ultimately bring salvation. Every name listed, from Adam to the obscure figures in Chronicles, is a testament to God's sovereign hand guiding history towards the arrival of the ultimate Son of David. The very purpose of these extensive records was to establish the legitimate lineage through which the Messiah would come, ensuring that Jesus, born of the tribe of Judah, was indeed the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies. The genealogies presented in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "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") meticulously trace this lineage, affirming that in Christ, all the promises made to Abraham, David, and indeed, all the faithful individuals recorded in these ancient lists, find their ultimate "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). Thus, even the brief mention of Shimon and Ishi's sons points to the divine faithfulness that meticulously prepared the way for the Lamb of God, who would take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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.