1 Chronicles 4:27

KJV

And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brethren had not many children, neither did all their family multiply, like to the children of Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shimei {H8096} had sixteen {H8337}{H6240} sons {H1121} and six {H8337} daughters {H1323}; but his brethren {H251} had not many {H7227} children {H1121}, neither did all their family {H4940} multiply {H7235}, like to the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shim'i had sixteen sons and six daughters, but his brothers did not have many children, so their clans did not increase like those of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, but his brothers did not have many children, so their whole clan did not become as numerous as the sons of Judah.

American Standard Version

And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brethren had not many children, neither did all their family multiply like to the children of Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:27 provides a specific genealogical detail within the tribe of Simeon, highlighting the exceptional fertility of one individual, Shimei, who had twenty-two children. This notable proliferation stands in stark contrast to his kinsmen, who had few children, and to the overall growth of the tribe of Simeon, which did not multiply significantly. The verse concludes by drawing a crucial comparison, emphasizing that Simeon's growth was not comparable to the abundant increase of the tribe of Judah, subtly underscoring Judah's preeminence and its central role in God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the extensive genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles, spanning chapters 1-9. These chapters meticulously trace the lineage of Israel from Adam through various tribes, culminating in the family of King Saul and the descendants of David. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 4 focuses on the descendants of Judah (verses 1-23) and Simeon (verses 24-43). The inclusion of detailed family records, even seemingly minor ones like Shimei's, serves to establish tribal identity, land claims, and the continuity of God’s covenant promises through specific families. Verse 27, therefore, is not an isolated detail but a specific data point within the broader genealogical record of Simeon, setting up a contrast that has theological implications.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period (c. 5th-4th century BC), a time when the returned exiles were seeking to re-establish their national and religious identity in Judah. Genealogies were vital for this purpose, confirming who belonged to which tribe, who had legitimate claims to land, and who was eligible for priestly or Levitical service. In ancient Israelite culture, a large family was universally regarded as a profound blessing from God, a sign of divine favor and prosperity, and a fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant promise of numerous descendants (e.g., [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Conversely, a lack of progeny could be seen as a sign of disfavor or a diminished future. The demographic details in this verse, therefore, carried significant weight for the original audience, reflecting divine blessing or its absence.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Blessing in Progeny**, where the size of a family is often a visible manifestation of God's favor, echoing the foundational promises to the patriarchs that their descendants would be as numerous as the stars or sand (e.g., [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "Genesis 22:17 - God's Oath to Abraham")). Shimei's large family exemplifies this blessing within his tribe. Secondly, it underscores **Tribal Distinction and Demographics**, illustrating the varied growth and prominence of the tribes, which foreshadowed their historical roles and eventual fates within Israel. The explicit comparison between Simeon and Judah draws attention to their differing trajectories. Thirdly, and most significantly, the verse emphasizes the **Preeminence of Judah**. The concluding phrase, "like to the children of Judah," serves as a powerful comparative benchmark. Judah was the tribe from which the royal line of David would emerge, and ultimately, the Messiah. This contrast subtly reinforces Judah's unique status and its central role in God's plan, as prophesied in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy of Judah's Scepter").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Multiply (Hebrew, _rabah'_):** The Hebrew verb רָבָה (_rabah_) means "to be or become great, numerous, abundant." It is a key term used throughout the Old Testament to describe God's blessing of fertility and growth, particularly in relation to the patriarchal promises of a numerous offspring (e.g., [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate to Be Fruitful and Multiply")). Its use here, in the negative ("neither did all their family multiply"), underscores that the lack of significant increase for Shimei's brethren and the tribe of Simeon was a notable demographic and, implicitly, a theological observation, especially when compared to the thriving tribe of Judah. It speaks to the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of the divine blessing of progeny.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters":** This clause immediately highlights Shimei as an anomaly within his broader family and tribe. A total of twenty-two children was an exceptionally large family in ancient Israel, indicating remarkable fertility and, by cultural understanding, a significant divine blessing upon Shimei. This detail sets him apart and draws attention to his lineage within the Simeonites.
* **"but his brethren had not many children":** This phrase introduces a striking contrast. Despite Shimei's abundant progeny, his immediate kinsmen, his "brethren" (likely referring to his close relatives or other branches of his family), experienced limited fertility. This internal tribal disparity suggests that the blessing of numerous offspring was not uniformly distributed within Simeon, hinting at a broader demographic trend for the tribe.
* **"neither did all their family multiply, like to the children of Judah":** This final clause broadens the scope of the comparison from Shimei's immediate family to the entire tribe of Simeon ("all their family") and then contrasts it with the tribe of Judah. The phrase "multiply" (Hebrew _rabah_) signifies overall growth and increase. The explicit comparison to Judah, known for its rapid growth and prominence, underscores Simeon's relative demographic stagnation. This comparison is not merely statistical but carries theological weight, as Judah was the tribe destined for leadership and the royal line.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast** and **Comparison** as its central literary devices. The author first contrasts the prolific family of Shimei with the limited offspring of his brethren, creating an internal tribal distinction. This is then expanded into a broader **Comparison** between the overall multiplication of the tribe of Simeon and the abundant growth of the tribe of Judah. This comparative structure serves to highlight Judah's preeminence, a recurring theme in the Chronicler's work. The use of **Numerical Detail** ("sixteen sons and six daughters") lends specificity and credibility to the genealogical record, emphasizing the factual basis of the demographic observations. The verse also functions as a specific detail within the larger literary device of **Genealogy**, which itself serves as a foundational structure for the Chronicler, establishing identity, continuity, and divine faithfulness through lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly minor genealogical note carries significant theological weight. It speaks to God's sovereign hand in the affairs of families and nations, demonstrating that even demographic trends are under His control. The blessing of numerous offspring was a hallmark of God's covenant with Abraham, signifying faithfulness and future prosperity. Shimei's large family is a testament to this blessing, while the general lack of multiplication for Simeon, especially in contrast to Judah, subtly foreshadows Simeon's eventual absorption into Judah and its diminished role in Israelite history. This highlights the importance of lineage not just for identity, but as a vehicle for God's unfolding redemptive plan, culminating in the tribe of Judah.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The First Command: Be Fruitful and Multiply")
* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham to Make Him a Great Nation")
* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy of Judah's Scepter")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though deeply rooted in ancient genealogies, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives, even in seemingly mundane aspects like family size and lineage. While we no longer view large families as the sole or primary sign of God's blessing, the principle remains: God's favor manifests in diverse ways, often in areas we might overlook. The contrast between Shimei and his brethren, and between Simeon and Judah, encourages us to recognize that God's work and blessings are not uniform; He has unique purposes for individuals, families, and communities. It calls us to trust in His sovereign plan, even when our circumstances differ from others, and to find our identity not merely in earthly lineage but in our spiritual heritage as children of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of divine blessing in contemporary life?**
* **In what ways do you see God's sovereignty at work in the "details" of your own life or community?**
* **How can we find contentment and purpose in God's unique plan for us, even when our "multiplication" or success might not appear "like to" others?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies, especially such specific details about family sizes, included in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed genealogies, like this one in 1 Chronicles 4:27, served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they established legitimate tribal identities, land claims, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service, which were vital for rebuilding the nation. Secondly, they demonstrated the faithfulness of God in preserving His covenant people and fulfilling His promises, particularly the promise to Abraham that his descendants would be numerous ([Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - God's Promise of Numerous Descendants to Abraham")). Thirdly, they meticulously traced the lineage leading to the Davidic monarchy, underscoring the continuity of the royal covenant and, ultimately, the line through which the Messiah would come ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Even seemingly small details like family size contribute to the larger narrative of God's sovereign oversight of history and His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:27 is a genealogical detail, its emphasis on lineage, divine blessing in progeny, and the preeminence of Judah finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "multiplication" and "children of Judah" ultimately point to Jesus Christ, who is the Lion of the tribe of Judah ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")). The meticulous tracing of lineages, particularly through Judah, culminates in the birth of Jesus, the Son of David, who fulfills all the promises made to Abraham and David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Furthermore, the concept of "multiplication" is transformed in the New Covenant from physical descendants to spiritual progeny. Through Christ, believers from every tribe and nation are adopted into God's family, becoming spiritual children of Abraham by faith ([Galatians 3:7](/galatians/3-7 "Galatians 3:7 - Children of Abraham by Faith")). The true and ultimate "multiplication" is not merely biological but the exponential growth of God's kingdom through the church, established by Christ's sacrifice and empowered by the Holy Spirit, gathering a multitude that no one can number ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude from Every Nation")). Thus, the ancient demographic details foreshadow the spiritual abundance and universal reach of God's redemptive plan in Christ.

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

Numbers 26:14

These [are] the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred.

Numbers 26:22

These [are] the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred.

Numbers 2:13

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, [were] fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.

Numbers 2:4

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, [were] threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.