1 Chronicles 4:24

KJV

¶ The sons of Simeon [were], Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, [and] Shaul:

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Simeon {H8095} were, Nemuel {H5241}, and Jamin {H3226}, Jarib {H3402}, Zerah {H2226}, and Shaul {H7586}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Shim'on: N'mu'el, Yamin, Yariv, Zerach and Sha'ul.

Berean Standard Bible

The descendants of Simeon: Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul.

American Standard Version

The sons of Simeon: Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 4:24 presents a concise but significant genealogical entry, listing the direct sons of Simeon: Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul. This verse is part of the extensive genealogical records that open the book of 1 Chronicles, serving to meticulously document the lineage of the Israelite tribes. For the post-exilic community, these lists were crucial for re-establishing tribal identities, affirming land claims, and, most importantly, reminding them of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness in preserving His people and their heritage through generations, even in the face of dispersion and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** First Chronicles 4:24 is situated within the expansive genealogical section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which meticulously traces the lineage from Adam through the various tribes of Israel. Specifically, chapter 4 focuses on the descendants of Judah (verses 1-23) and Simeon (verses 24-43). This verse, therefore, serves as the foundational entry for the tribe of Simeon, listing the direct progenitors from whom the subsequent clans and families would descend. The Chronicler's strategic placement of these genealogies at the beginning of the book underscores their foundational importance for understanding Israel's identity, continuity, and divine election, setting the stage for the narrative of David and subsequent kings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was written for the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile, likely in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. For this post-exilic audience, genealogies were not mere historical curiosities but vital documents that confirmed tribal identity, established rights to ancestral land, validated claims to priestly or Levitical service, and provided a sense of continuity with their pre-exilic heritage. The meticulous record-keeping, exemplified by verses like 1 Chronicles 4:24, served to remind a dislocated and discouraged people that their identity as God's covenant people remained intact, and that their history was part of a divinely orchestrated plan, connecting them back to their patriarchs and the promises made to them.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 4:24 within the broader genealogical framework highlights several key themes central to the Chronicler's message. First is the **Continuity of God's Covenant and Promises**, demonstrating that despite exile and dispersion, God remained faithful to His covenant with Abraham and Jacob, preserving the family lines of Israel. Second is **Identity and Belonging**, as these lists provided a tangible link for the post-exilic community to their tribal heritage and their place within God's chosen nation, a theme echoed in the detailed tribal allocations in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - Division of the Land"). Third, the meticulous nature of the record-keeping underscores **Divine Order and Sovereignty**, revealing a God who is intimately involved in the details of human history and who meticulously oversees the unfolding of His redemptive plan. The variations in Simeon's sons across different biblical accounts (e.g., [Genesis 46:10](/genesis/46-10 "Genesis 46:10 - Sons of Simeon") and [Numbers 26:12-13](/numbers/26-12 "Numbers 26:12-13 - Descendants of Simeon")) also highlight the dynamic nature of ancient genealogies, which could reflect clan names, prominent descendants, or variant spellings, yet consistently serve the overarching purpose of establishing legitimate lineage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Simeon (Hebrew, _Shim'on_):** The second son of Jacob and Leah, whose name means "he has heard" (see [Genesis 29:33](/genesis/29-33 "Genesis 29:33 - Leah Names Simeon")). In the context of 1 Chronicles, his name represents the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, whose lineage is being meticulously traced. The inclusion of his sons' names here is foundational for establishing the tribal identity and continuity of the Simeonites.
* **Sons (Hebrew, _banim_):** This term refers to the direct male offspring, establishing the immediate progenitors of the tribe of Simeon. In ancient Near Eastern genealogies, "sons" could sometimes refer to prominent descendants or clan leaders rather than exclusively direct biological sons, especially in later historical compilations like Chronicles. However, in this initial listing, it most likely refers to the foundational direct sons from whom the major clans of Simeon would derive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Simeon [were], Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, [and] Shaul:"** This clause presents a direct listing of five individuals identified as the immediate sons of Simeon. The purpose of this enumeration is to establish the foundational members from whom the tribe of Simeon would descend and be identified. A notable textual feature is the variation in the names listed for Simeon's sons when compared to other biblical passages. [Genesis 46:10](/genesis/46-10 "Genesis 46:10 - Sons of Simeon") lists "Nemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul." [Numbers 26:12-13](/numbers/26-12 "Numbers 26:12-13 - Descendants of Simeon") lists "Nemuel, and Jamin, Jachin, Zerah, and Shaul." The Chronicler's list includes "Jarib" instead of "Ohad" or "Jachin/Zohar" and includes "Zerah" as a direct son, consistent with Numbers but not Genesis. These variations are common in ancient genealogies and can be attributed to several factors: variant spellings of names over time, individuals having multiple names, the inclusion of prominent clan leaders or descendants as "sons," or minor scribal differences during transmission. Despite these differences, the core purpose of establishing the legitimate lineage of Simeon within the larger family of Israel remains consistent across all accounts.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 4:24, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a deliberate literary and theological choice by the Chronicler. Genealogies serve to establish historical continuity, legitimate tribal claims, and underscore the divine preservation of God's covenant people. The detailed listing of names, including those with variations across biblical texts, highlights the Chronicler's meticulous approach to **Historical Record** and his concern for accuracy, even while acknowledging the fluidity of ancient naming conventions. The very structure of the verse, a simple enumeration, exemplifies **List** as a literary form, designed for comprehensive cataloging rather than narrative development. This emphasis on lineage also subtly employs **Typology** by pointing forward to the ultimate genealogical fulfillment in the Messiah, whose lineage is meticulously traced in the New Testament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly simple listing of names in 1 Chronicles 4:24 resonates with profound theological implications. It serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous care and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. In a post-exilic context where identity and heritage were fractured, these genealogies provided a tangible link to the past, reminding the people that their existence was not accidental but part of a divinely ordained plan. God's preservation of these family lines, even through periods of national catastrophe and dispersion, underscores His commitment to His people and His redemptive purposes, demonstrating that His plans will always come to fruition. This meticulous attention to lineage also prefigures the ultimate importance of a specific lineage for the coming of the Messiah, tying the Old Testament's focus on family lines to the New Testament's revelation of Christ.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Families of Noah's Sons")
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 4:24 might appear as a mere historical record, its inclusion in the inspired Word of God offers significant spiritual nourishment for believers today. Just as the ancient Israelites found their identity and assurance in their meticulously preserved heritage, we are called to appreciate our spiritual heritage as adopted children of God through Christ. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order, detail, and unwavering faithfulness. He cares for the seemingly small, foundational elements of His grand plan, ensuring the continuity of His purposes across generations. Our lives, though seemingly insignificant in the vast sweep of history, are known and cherished by a God who meticulously orchestrates all things. This should inspire confidence in His providence, knowing that He has a purpose for each of us within His larger redemptive narrative, connecting us to the "great cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us and assuring us of our secure place in His eternal family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's faithfulness to ancient genealogies strengthen our trust in His promises for our lives today?**
* **In what ways does knowing our spiritual heritage as believers, adopted into God's family through Christ, provide a deep sense of identity and belonging?**
* **What "details" in our own lives or in the life of our church might seem insignificant but are meticulously cared for by God as part of His larger plan?**

### FAQ

**Why are there variations in the lists of Simeon's sons across different biblical books?**

Answer: The variations in the names of Simeon's sons across [Genesis 46:10](/genesis/46-10 "Genesis 46:10 - Sons of Simeon"), [Numbers 26:12-13](/numbers/26-12 "Numbers 26:12-13 - Descendants of Simeon"), and 1 Chronicles 4:24 are common in ancient genealogies and can be attributed to several factors. These include variant spellings or pronunciations of names over time, the possibility of individuals having multiple names or nicknames, the inclusion of prominent descendants or clan leaders in a list of "sons" (as genealogies could sometimes reflect clan structures rather than strict biological succession), and minor differences that might arise during the scribal transmission and copying of ancient texts. Despite these minor textual nuances, the core purpose of establishing the legitimate lineage and tribal identity of Simeon remains consistent across all accounts.

**What was the primary purpose of genealogies like this in ancient Israel, especially for the Chronicler's audience?**

Answer: For the ancient Israelites, particularly the post-exilic community to whom the Chronicler wrote, genealogies served several crucial purposes beyond mere historical record. They were vital for establishing and confirming tribal identity, which was fundamental to their social and religious structure. Genealogies validated claims to ancestral land inheritances, ensuring that families could reclaim their rightful portions. They were also essential for determining eligibility for priestly or Levitical service, as only those of specific lineages could serve in the temple (as seen in [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")). Most importantly, these lists served a theological purpose: they demonstrated God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, showing that He had preserved His people and their heritage through generations, even through periods of exile and dispersion, thus assuring them of His continued presence and plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:24 meticulously details the physical lineage of Simeon, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how it contributes to the broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His promises, culminating in the perfect lineage of Jesus Christ. The very existence of these genealogies, preserved through centuries of Israel's history, underscores God's commitment to a specific line through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. The meticulous tracing of ancestry in books like Chronicles foreshadows the New Testament's careful documentation of Jesus's lineage (e.g., [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - Genealogy of Jesus")), affirming Him as the promised Son of David and the heir to all God's covenants. In Christ, the focus shifts from physical descent to spiritual adoption. Through faith in Him, believers from every tribe and nation are grafted into God's family, becoming "sons of Abraham" by faith, not by birth (as taught in [Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28-29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). Thus, the meticulous care God showed in preserving the physical lines of Israel, as seen in 1 Chronicles 4:24, ultimately points to His even greater care in establishing a spiritual lineage in Christ, where all who believe are made fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

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.