1 Chronicles 4:36

KJV

And Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elioenai {H454}, and Jaakobah {H3291}, and Jeshohaiah {H3439}, and Asaiah {H6222}, and Adiel {H5717}, and Jesimiel {H3450}, and Benaiah {H1141},

Complete Jewish Bible

Elyo'einai, Ya'akovah, Y'shochayah,'Asayah, 'Adi'el, Y'simi'el, B'nayah,

Berean Standard Bible

Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, Benaiah,

American Standard Version

and Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:36 lists a series of names—Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, and Benaiah—as part of the extensive genealogy of the tribe of Simeon. This verse, embedded within the Chronicler's meticulous record of Israel's tribal lineages, serves to affirm the identity, continuity, and divine preservation of God's covenant people in the post-exilic era, underscoring the Lord's detailed knowledge and care for every individual within His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the lengthy genealogical records that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. Specifically, it falls within the detailed account of the tribe of Simeon, which begins in [1 Chronicles 4:24](/1_chronicles/4-24 "1 Chronicles 4:24 - Descendants of Simeon"). The Chronicler meticulously traces the lineage of Simeon's sons and their families, their settlements, and their expansion, culminating in the account of their victorious conquest of territory in [1 Chronicles 4:39-43](/1_chronicles/4-39 "1 Chronicles 4:39-43 - Simeon's Expansion and Conquest"). Verse 36, along with verses 34-37, presents a specific list of family heads or prominent individuals within the Simeonite clan, likely those who led the expansion or were significant in their generations, serving to concretize the tribal identity and historical continuity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was written for the post-exilic community in Jerusalem, likely in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. After the return from Babylonian captivity, a primary concern was the re-establishment of national and religious identity. Genealogies were not merely historical records; they served as crucial legal and social documents. They confirmed tribal affiliation, established rights to land inheritance (especially vital after the exile), validated claims to priestly or Levitical service, and affirmed one's legitimate place within the covenant community. For the returning exiles, these lists provided a tangible link to their heritage, assuring them that they were indeed the true heirs of God's promises to Abraham, despite the disruption of exile.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of such detailed genealogies, including seemingly obscure names like those in [1 Chronicles 4:36](/1_chronicles/4-36 "1 Chronicles 4:36 - Simeonite Genealogy"), highlights several key themes. First, it underscores the **Divine Preservation and Continuity** of God's people. Despite the exile and the scattering of the tribes, God faithfully maintained a remnant and preserved their lineages, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant. Second, these lists emphasize **Identity and Inheritance**, providing the returning exiles with a clear understanding of who they were as a people, their tribal affiliations, and their rightful claims to the land and temple service. Finally, the meticulous detail, even down to individual names, reveals God's **Sovereignty in Detail** and His profound care for every individual within His grand redemptive narrative, affirming that no one is forgotten in His divine plan, as seen in [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elioenai (Hebrew, _'elîw‘ênay'_):** Meaning "My eyes are toward the Lord" or "Unto the Lord are my eyes." This name beautifully expresses a posture of dependence, hope, and worship directed towards God. In a genealogical context, it might reflect the parents' faith or a hope for their child's future orientation towards divine reliance, subtly reinforcing the overarching theme of God's centrality in the lives of His people.
* **Benaiah (Hebrew, _bᵊnāyāhû'_):** Meaning "Yahweh has built" or "The Lord has built." This is a common and significant name in the Old Testament, often associated with individuals who played crucial roles, such as David's mighty warrior ([2 Samuel 23:20](/2_samuel/23-20 "2 Samuel 23:20 - Benaiah, Son of Jehoiada")). The name signifies God's active involvement in establishing, strengthening, and prospering, whether a family, a nation, or an individual life, thereby highlighting divine providence and blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah,"**: This clause presents a simple enumeration of seven distinct individuals. Each name represents a specific person, likely a head of a household or a prominent figure within the Simeonite tribe during a particular period. The repetitive use of the conjunction "and" (the Hebrew _waw_) serves to link these names together, forming a continuous list that emphasizes the thoroughness of the genealogical record. While the text provides no further details about these specific individuals, their inclusion signifies their importance in maintaining the tribal lineage and contributing to the historical fabric of God's people. The very act of listing them underscores the Chronicler's purpose: to affirm the unbroken chain of descent and the continued existence of the Simeonite families within Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 4:36 is **Enumeration**, which is the simple listing of items or names. This technique is characteristic of genealogical passages, serving the straightforward purpose of recording and preserving lineage. The repeated use of the conjunction "and" before each name exemplifies **Repetition**, creating a rhythmic flow that emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the record and the distinct identity of each individual within the collective. Furthermore, the entire passage functions as a **Genealogy**, a specific literary genre crucial in ancient Israel for establishing identity, land rights, and covenantal standing. While not explicitly stated, the inherent meanings of some of the names (e.g., Elioenai, Benaiah) introduce a subtle layer of **Onomastics**, where the study of names provides an implicit theological commentary on the hopes, beliefs, or circumstances of the individuals or their parents, enriching the otherwise terse list.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 4:36 carries profound theological weight. It testifies to God's meticulous memory and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Far from being insignificant, each name represents a thread in the intricate tapestry of salvation history, affirming that God's plan unfolds through specific individuals and their lineages. The Chronicler's emphasis on these genealogies reassures the post-exilic community of their legitimate heritage and their place within God's ongoing redemptive narrative. It highlights that God is not a God of chaos, but of order and detail, actively involved in the seemingly mundane aspects of human history to bring about His ultimate purposes. The preservation of these family lines underscores God's faithfulness to His promises, even when His people stray or face hardship, ensuring the continuity of the covenant community.

* [Genesis 46:8-27](/genesis/46-8 "Genesis 46:8-27 - The Sons of Jacob Entering Egypt")
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Exclusion from Priesthood Due to Unverified Genealogy")
* [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a simple list of names, 1 Chronicles 4:36 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that every individual, regardless of their perceived prominence, holds immense significance in God's eyes and within His grand redemptive plan. Just as God meticulously recorded these ancient names, He knows each of us intimately, our past, present, and future, as declared in [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalms/139-13 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's Intimate Knowledge of Us"). This verse encourages us to embrace our own unique place in God's story, recognizing that our lives, too, are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative. It fosters a sense of spiritual heritage, connecting us to the faithful lineage of God's people throughout history, and reinforcing our identity as children of God through Christ, which is a far greater lineage than any earthly one. Ultimately, it calls us to trust in God's meticulous care, knowing that if He remembers ancient, seemingly obscure names, He certainly remembers and cares for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of names in Scripture challenge our perception of "insignificant" individuals in God's plan?**
* **In what ways does understanding your spiritual lineage (the history of God's people) strengthen your own faith and identity today?**
* **What does God's attention to detail in these genealogies reveal about His character and His involvement in our lives?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so long and seemingly tedious?**

Answer: These genealogies, while appearing tedious to a modern reader, served multiple crucial purposes for the ancient Israelite community, especially the post-exilic audience of Chronicles. They were vital legal documents, establishing tribal identity, validating claims to land inheritance, and confirming eligibility for priestly or Levitical service. Theologically, they demonstrated God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people despite exile and dispersion, providing a tangible link to their historical roots and the promises made to Abraham. They also underscored the continuity of the nation and the divine order within God's plan, showing that God remembers and cares for every individual within His grand narrative.

**Do these names have any prophetic significance?**

Answer: Generally, the individual names listed in 1 Chronicles 4:36 do not carry direct prophetic significance in the sense of foretelling future events. Their primary purpose is historical and genealogical. However, the *existence* and *preservation* of these lineages are profoundly significant for the broader prophetic narrative, as they contribute to the unbroken line through which the Messiah would eventually come. Furthermore, as explored in the "Key Word Analysis," the meanings of some names (e.g., "My eyes are toward the Lord," "Yahweh has built") can offer subtle theological insights into the faith or hopes of the parents, or even reflect God's character and activity in their lives, subtly reinforcing the overarching divine narrative.

**How do we apply a verse like this to our lives today?**

Answer: While not a direct command or moral teaching, 1 Chronicles 4:36 offers several powerful applications. First, it reminds us of God's profound care for every individual; if He meticulously recorded these names, He certainly knows and values each one of us. Second, it encourages us to appreciate our spiritual heritage and the long line of faith that precedes us, finding our identity not in earthly lineage but in being children of God through Christ, as described in [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God"). Third, it reinforces the truth that God is a God of order and detail, actively involved in the seemingly small and ordinary aspects of life and history, giving us confidence that He is at work in our own lives, even in ways we may not perceive.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogies found in 1 Chronicles, including the seemingly obscure list in [1 Chronicles 4:36](/1_chronicles/4-36 "1 Chronicles 4:36 - Simeonite Genealogy"), find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While this specific verse lists Simeonite descendants, the overarching purpose of all biblical genealogies is to trace the lineage that culminates in the Messiah. The preservation of these tribal records, particularly the line of Judah, was essential for the coming of the promised "seed" ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed Refers to Christ")). The Chronicler's emphasis on continuity and divine preservation of the people of Israel directly points to God's faithfulness in preparing the way for His Son. Jesus Christ, as the ultimate Son of David and Son of Abraham, is the culmination of all these genealogies, as affirmed in the New Testament accounts of His lineage in [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 Christ"). He is the one in whom all the promises made to Israel find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), providing the ultimate identity and inheritance for all who believe, fulfilling the very purpose for which these ancient records were kept.

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.