1 Chronicles 4:38

KJV

These mentioned by [their] names [were] princes in their families: and the house of their fathers increased greatly.

KJV (with Strong's)

These mentioned {H935} by their names {H8034} were princes {H5387} in their families {H4940}: and the house {H1004} of their fathers {H1} increased {H6555} greatly {H7230}.

Complete Jewish Bible

these mentioned by name were princes in their clans, and their fathers' houses increased greatly.

Berean Standard Bible

These men listed by name were the leaders of their clans. Their families increased greatly,

American Standard Version

these mentioned by name were princes in their families: and their fathers’ houses increased greatly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:38 concludes the detailed genealogical record of the tribe of Simeon, serving as a powerful summary statement that affirms the established leadership within their families and highlights the significant growth and prosperity experienced by their ancestral households. This verse implicitly points to God's providential favor and the enduring importance of lineage, familial increase, and recognized authority within ancient Israelite society, thereby re-establishing their identity and continuity for the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 4:38 is strategically placed at the culmination of a meticulous genealogical account of the tribe of Simeon, specifically following the enumeration of various family heads and their settlements (1 Chronicles 4:24-37). This verse acts as a summarizing declaration, underscoring the status and numerical growth of these particular Simeonite families before the Chronicler shifts focus to their later exploits and migrations. The broader literary context is the extensive opening section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which meticulously traces the lineage of Israel from Adam through the patriarchs and into the twelve tribes. These genealogies are far from mere lists; they function as foundational documents for the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, serving to re-establish their identity, covenantal heritage, and continuity with their past, providing a theological framework for their present and future.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was composed after the Babylonian exile, likely in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. The Chronicler's primary objective was to remind the returned exiles of their rich heritage, their enduring covenant relationship with God, and the central importance of the temple and proper worship. In this challenging post-exilic environment, genealogies were absolutely crucial for re-establishing land claims, tribal identities, and legitimate leadership, especially as the community sought to rebuild. The tribe of Simeon, historically allotted territory within Judah's inheritance (as detailed in [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1-9 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance")), faced unique challenges to maintaining its distinct identity. The mention of "princes in their families" underscores the patriarchal and clan-based social structure of Israel, where family heads held significant authority and responsibility. The "house of their fathers" refers to the extended family or clan, the fundamental unit of Israelite society, whose increase was unequivocally seen as a sign of divine blessing and prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** Though concise, 1 Chronicles 4:38 contributes significantly to several overarching themes prevalent in 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Divine Blessing and Increase**. The phrase "increased greatly" signifies God's favor leading to numerical growth and prosperity, a recurring motif of covenant blessing seen from the very beginning of the biblical story, as in God's foundational command to humanity to "be fruitful and multiply" in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Importance of Lineage and Leadership**. Genealogies were vital for maintaining tribal identity, confirming land rights, and establishing legitimate leadership through the "princes" or heads of families. These figures were essential for governance, guidance, and the preservation of the social order. Finally, the verse subtly points to **God's Faithfulness** in preserving His people and ensuring their continuation despite historical challenges, thereby fulfilling His promises to make them a numerous nation, a promise famously given to Abraham in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Princes (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ'_):** This term (H5387) refers to an exalted one, a chief, governor, or prince. It denotes a person of high rank or authority within a tribe or clan. In the context of genealogies, a _nâsîyʼ'_ was typically the recognized head of a paternal house or a significant family branch. Their mention here emphasizes the established and legitimate leadership structure within the Simeonite families, indicating their prominence and influence. This was not merely a list of names, but a record of those who held positions of responsibility and guidance, crucial for the social and religious order of Israel.
* **Increased (Hebrew, _pârats'_):** The verb (H6555) means "to break out," "burst forth," or "increase." It implies a rapid, forceful, or abundant expansion. In biblical usage, this term is frequently associated with divine blessing and covenant fulfillment, particularly concerning population growth and prosperity. Its use in 1 Chronicles 4:38, coupled with "greatly," indicates that the families of these Simeonite princes experienced significant numerical growth and, by implication, a corresponding increase in strength, resources, and influence, which was understood as a direct result of God's favor and active hand.
* **Greatly (Hebrew, _rôb'_):** This noun (H7230) derives from a root meaning "to be numerous" and signifies "abundance" or "multitude." When used adverbially, as it is here in conjunction with "increased," it intensifies the sense of multiplication, indicating a vast or substantial increase. The combination of _pârats_ and _rôb_ in "increased greatly" paints a vivid picture of a flourishing and expanding population, highlighting the extent of the blessing bestowed upon these families and reinforcing the theme of divine faithfulness in fulfilling promises of fruitfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These mentioned by [their] names [were] princes in their families":** This opening clause serves to identify the specific individuals listed in the preceding verses (1 Chronicles 4:34-37) as the recognized leaders, chieftains, or heads of their respective ancestral households. The phrase "mentioned by their names" emphasizes the specificity and importance of the record, affirming their legitimate status and authority within the tribal structure. It highlights that these were not just any individuals, but those holding significant positions of leadership and responsibility within the Simeonite clans, validating their roles and the lineage they represented.
* **"and the house of their fathers increased greatly":** This second clause provides a crucial summary statement regarding the outcome or status of these families under the leadership of the mentioned princes. "The house of their fathers" refers to the extended family unit or clan, which was the foundational social, economic, and religious entity in ancient Israel. The declaration that this "increased greatly" signifies a period of remarkable prosperity, significant growth in numbers, and overall flourishing. This increase was understood as a clear sign of divine blessing and a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying His people, even within the context of seemingly dry genealogical lists, affirming His covenant promises.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 4:38 employs several effective literary devices to convey its message. Primarily, it functions as a **Summary Statement**, providing a concise and impactful conclusion to the detailed list of Simeonite families and their leaders. This allows the Chronicler to distill the essence of the preceding information into a potent declaration of their status and blessing, providing closure to the section. The verse also utilizes **Emphasis** through the strong declaration that their "house... increased greatly," drawing particular attention to the prosperity and divine favor bestowed upon these families. This emphasis serves to underscore the theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises of multiplication and growth. Furthermore, the entire section, including this verse, is a prime example of **Genealogy** as a literary form. While appearing straightforward, this form serves a profound theological and historical purpose in establishing identity, continuity, and covenant connection for the post-exilic community, rooting their present in God's past dealings with His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly simple genealogical statement in 1 Chronicles 4:38 carries significant theological weight, affirming God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises. The "great increase" of the Simeonite families reflects God's consistent pattern of blessing and multiplication, a theme deeply rooted in the Abrahamic covenant where God promised to make Abraham's descendants as numerous as the stars, as recorded in [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - God's Promise to Abraham"). This verse demonstrates that even amidst the detailed and sometimes obscure records of lineage, God's hand was actively at work, preserving and prospering His people. It highlights that God's care extends to the individual families and clans within His larger nation, ensuring their continuity and strength. The presence of "princes" also speaks to God's ordering of society and His provision of leadership for His people, ensuring stability and guidance within the covenant community.

* [Genesis 17:6](/genesis/17-6 "God's Covenant with Abraham")
* [Deuteronomy 7:13](/deuteronomy/7-13 "Blessings of Obedience")
* [Psalm 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Children are a Heritage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 4:38 is part of an ancient genealogical record, its underlying messages of divine blessing, faithful leadership, and the importance of spiritual legacy remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives and communities, orchestrating growth and prosperity in ways we may not always perceive. Just as the "princes" were stewards of their families' increase, we are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts, resources, and influence God entrusts to us, whether in our personal lives, our families, or our churches. Our focus should be on building a spiritual "house" that honors Him, investing in the spiritual growth of our families and communities, and leaving a legacy of faith for future generations. The "great increase" can be seen not just in numerical terms, but in the multiplication of spiritual fruit, wisdom, Christ-like character, and the spread of the Gospel in our lives and in the church, demonstrating God's ongoing favor and empowering presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying His people, even through seemingly dry genealogies, encourage you in your own walk of faith and in times of waiting?**
* **In what ways are you called to exercise "prince-like" leadership or stewardship in your own "family" (whether biological, spiritual, or communal), leveraging the blessings and influence God has given you for His glory?**
* **What does "increasing greatly" look like in a spiritual sense for you personally, and for your church or faith community, and what steps can be taken to foster such growth?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 4, so important in the Bible?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve several crucial purposes, particularly for the post-exilic community to whom 1 Chronicles was addressed. First, they establish **identity and continuity**, connecting later generations to their ancestors and to God's covenant promises, thereby confirming tribal affiliations, land rights, and eligibility for priestly or royal roles. Second, they powerfully demonstrate **God's faithfulness** in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises, such as the promise to make Abraham's descendants numerous, as seen in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham"). Third, they provide a **historical framework** for understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, ultimately leading to the lineage of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, as meticulously traced in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus"). They underscore that God works through real people in real history to accomplish His divine purposes.

**What happened to the tribe of Simeon mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The tribe of Simeon had a unique and somewhat challenging history within Israel. They were allotted territory within the larger inheritance of the tribe of Judah, as detailed in [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1-9 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance"), indicating a close association and perhaps a gradual absorption into Judah. Unlike many other tribes, Simeon is notably absent from later prominent historical narratives in the books of Kings and Chronicles, suggesting they did not maintain a strong, independent tribal identity or significant political power. While 1 Chronicles 4:38 notes their "great increase" at one point, later verses in the same chapter (1 Chronicles 4:39-43) describe their expansion into new territories and their successful campaigns against various peoples, indicating a period of strength and activity. However, over time, their distinct identity seems to have faded, and they are not mentioned among the tribes that returned from exile in the same prominent way as Judah and Benjamin, suggesting their assimilation into the larger Judahite population.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The themes of lineage, leadership, and divine increase found in 1 Chronicles 4:38 find their ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While 1 Chronicles meticulously traces the physical lineage of Israel, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the culmination of all these genealogies, the promised Son of David and the true "Prince" of God's people, as seen in the opening lines of [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke's Gospel](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus"). He is the one through whom God's promises of a vast and blessed family are truly realized, not through physical descent alone, but through spiritual rebirth and adoption. The "great increase" of the "house of their fathers" foreshadows the exponential growth of God's spiritual family, the Church, which is built upon Christ as the cornerstone, as beautifully described in [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints"). Through Christ, believers from every tribe and nation are adopted into God's household, becoming a "royal priesthood, a holy nation," as proclaimed in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen People"), thereby fulfilling the ancient promises of multiplication and blessing in a new, spiritual dimension. He is the ultimate leader, the King of kings, as affirmed in [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), under whom all of God's people find their true identity, purpose, and eternal increase.

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

1 Chronicles 5:24

And these [were] the heads of the house of their fathers, even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty men of valour, famous men, [and] heads of the house of their fathers.

Genesis 6:4

¶ There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare [children] to them, the same [became] mighty men which [were] of old, men of renown.