1 Chronicles 4:25

KJV

Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son.

KJV (with Strong's)

Shallum {H7967} his son {H1121}, Mibsam {H4017} his son {H1121}, Mishma {H4927} his son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His son was Shalum, his son was Mivsam, and his son was Mishma.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Shaul: Shallum, Mibsam, and Mishma.

American Standard Version

Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:25 is a concise yet significant verse embedded within the extensive genealogical records of the book of 1 Chronicles. It meticulously continues the lineage within the tribe of Simeon, specifically listing three successive generations: Shallum, Mibsam, and Mishma, each explicitly identified as "his son." This brief enumeration serves to underscore the unbroken continuity of tribal identity and the divine preservation of the covenant line, even through seemingly minor historical details.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 4:25 is situated within the broader genealogical section of 1 Chronicles 1-9, which meticulously traces the lineage of Israel from Adam. More specifically, it falls within the detailed account of the descendants of Simeon, found in [1 Chronicles 4:24-27](/1_chronicles/4-24 "1 Chronicles 4:24-27 - The Sons of Simeon"). These verses provide a direct continuation of the family tree, establishing the direct succession of generations. The repetitive "his son" format, common in biblical genealogies, ensures clarity and precision in the record, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent within this particular tribal branch. This verse, like its surrounding context, serves as a foundational building block for understanding the composition and history of God's covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were of paramount importance in ancient Israelite society, serving as vital legal and social documents. They established tribal identity, confirmed rights to land and inheritance (as seen in [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance within Judah")), validated priestly or royal claims, and preserved the historical continuity of God's covenant people. The book of 1 Chronicles, written in the post-exilic period, aimed to reassure the returning exiles of their heritage and their place within God's ongoing plan. By meticulously listing these lineages, the chronicler affirmed the enduring nature of God's promises despite the nation's dispersion and provided a sense of identity and hope for a people rebuilding their lives and faith.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **The Importance of Lineage and Identity**. For the Israelites, identity was deeply communal and tied to one's family and tribal origins; these genealogies were not mere lists but vital affirmations of belonging to the covenant people. Secondly, it subtly speaks to **God's Faithfulness in Preservation**. The very existence and preservation of such detailed records, spanning centuries, attest to God's careful oversight of His chosen people, ensuring the continuity of the generations that would eventually lead to the Messiah, as exemplified in the genealogies of [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "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 through Mary"). Lastly, the verse underscores **Continuity and Succession**, with the repeated phrase "his son" ensuring a clear and unbroken historical and tribal record, essential for understanding the unfolding Old Testament narrative and God's progressive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, בֵּן, _ben_):** This ubiquitous Hebrew noun, appearing three times in 1 Chronicles 4:25, is fundamental to understanding the verse. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, "son" denoted not only biological offspring but also legal heir, successor, and maintainer of the family line and inheritance. Its repetition here emphasizes the direct, legitimate, and unbroken succession of generations within the Simeonites. The term carries significant weight, affirming the validity of the lineage and ensuring that the rights and responsibilities associated with the tribal identity were passed down correctly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Shallum his son":** This phrase introduces the first of the three named individuals, Shallum, identifying him as the direct descendant of the previously mentioned individual (likely Shaul from 1 Chronicles 4:24, though the immediate context implies a continuation from the preceding list of Simeon's descendants). It establishes a clear, singular line of descent, vital for genealogical accuracy.
* **"Mibsam his son":** Following Shallum, Mibsam is identified as Shallum's direct son. This continues the linear progression of the family tree, reinforcing the meticulous nature of the chronicler's record-keeping. Each "his son" acts as a clear marker of a new generation, ensuring no ambiguity in the succession.
* **"Mishma his son":** Finally, Mishma is listed as Mibsam's son, completing the three-generation sequence within this single verse. The consistent structure highlights the unbroken chain of descent, which was crucial for maintaining tribal identity, land rights, and the overall historical narrative of Israel's families.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 4:25, and indeed throughout the genealogical sections of Chronicles, is **Repetition**. The phrase "his son" is repeated three times within this short verse. This repetition serves to emphasize the direct, clear, and unbroken line of succession. It creates a rhythmic, almost formulaic, pattern that reinforces the meticulous nature of the record and the importance of each link in the ancestral chain. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as part of a larger **Genealogy**, which is itself a distinct literary form. Genealogies are not merely lists but narrative devices that establish identity, legitimize claims, and demonstrate divine faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage. The **Conciseness** and brevity of the verse, listing names without elaboration, underscore its factual, historical purpose, focusing solely on the transmission of lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While seemingly a dry list of names, 1 Chronicles 4:25 is deeply theological, revealing God's meticulous involvement in human history and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. It demonstrates that even in the most seemingly insignificant details—individual names in a long list—God's sovereign hand is at work, preserving the lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold. The chronicler’s emphasis on these genealogies reassures the post-exilic community that their identity and heritage as God’s people remained intact, even after exile. This attention to individual lives, however briefly mentioned, underscores the inherent value God places on every person within His grand narrative.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1 "The Genealogies from Adam to Noah")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "The Genealogy of David")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "The Genealogy of Jesus through Mary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 4:25, though a simple listing of names, invites profound reflection on God's character and our place within His ongoing story. It reminds us that God is a God of intricate detail, who cares about the individual lives that make up the tapestry of history. This meticulous record-keeping highlights divine precision and purpose, assuring us that no life, no matter how brief its mention, is overlooked by Him. Just as these genealogies provided identity for the Israelites, understanding our own spiritual heritage—our connection to a "cloud of witnesses" and our place within God's larger redemptive narrative—is crucial for believers today. We are part of a continuous line of faith, connected to those who came before us, and our lives contribute to the unfolding of God's kingdom. This verse ultimately underscores the immense value God places on every person, regardless of their prominence in human history, for each plays a part in His sovereign plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous record-keeping, even in seemingly "insignificant" details like genealogies, challenge our perception of the importance of the small things in our own lives?**
* **In what ways does our spiritual lineage, connecting us to believers throughout history, inform and encourage our faith and identity today?**
* **How does the value God places on every individual, even those briefly mentioned in ancient texts, shape our view of ourselves and others in the contemporary world?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prevalent in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer:Genealogies are foundational to 1 Chronicles for several critical reasons. Primarily, they served to establish and confirm the identity of the post-exilic community returning to Judah. After decades in Babylon, the meticulous records helped re-establish tribal affiliations, land rights, and the legitimacy of priestly and royal lines. They provided a sense of continuity with their past, affirming that they were indeed the same covenant people of God, despite the disruption of exile. Furthermore, these lists served a theological purpose, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen people and the lineage through which His promises, including the coming of the Messiah, would be fulfilled. They connect the present generation back to the foundational figures of Israel's history, from Adam to the patriarchs, to the kings, underscoring God's enduring covenant with His people, as seen in the broader context of [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - The Genealogies of Israel").

**What is the significance of the phrase "his son" repeated in this verse?**

Answer:The repeated phrase "his son" (Hebrew: _ben_) in 1 Chronicles 4:25 is crucial for establishing clear and unambiguous lineage. In ancient societies, direct succession was vital for legal, social, and religious purposes, particularly concerning inheritance, tribal identity, and the passing of authority. The repetition ensures that each named individual is explicitly identified as the direct, legitimate offspring of the preceding person. This eliminates any potential for confusion or gaps in the family tree, reinforcing the unbroken chain of descent within the Simeonites. It emphasizes the meticulous nature of the chronicler's record-keeping, ensuring the historical and theological integrity of the lineage, which ultimately points towards the faithfulness of God in preserving a line that would lead to the promised "seed" (e.g., [Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - All Nations Blessed Through Abraham's Seed")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:25 appears to be a simple list of names, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in its contribution to the grand narrative of God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage that culminates in Jesus Christ. Every name, every "his son" in these genealogies, however obscure, serves as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant. These seemingly dry lists are the very "dry bones" that God breathed life into, ensuring the continuity of the human family through whom the "seed" of the woman ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")) and the "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed of Abraham is Christ")) would ultimately come. The meticulous record of Shallum, Mibsam, and Mishma, alongside countless others, underscores the divine precision with which God orchestrated history to bring forth the Messiah. Jesus, born of the tribe of Judah ([Hebrews 7:14](/hebrews/7-14 "Hebrews 7:14 - Christ's Lineage from Judah")), is the ultimate fulfillment of these genealogies, the one through whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Thus, even a verse like 1 Chronicles 4:25, by affirming the unbroken continuity of God's people, implicitly points to the meticulous divine plan that led to the incarnation of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/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.