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 serves as a concluding summary statement for the preceding genealogical record of the tribe of Simeon, highlighting the established leadership within their families and underscoring the significant growth and prosperity experienced by their ancestral households. This verse implicitly points to divine favor and the enduring importance of lineage and familial increase within ancient Israelite society, affirming their identity and continuity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 4:38 is situated at the close of a detailed genealogical account of the tribe of Simeon, specifically following the listing of various family heads and their settlements (1 Chronicles 4:24-37). The broader 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 not mere lists but serve as foundational documents for the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, re-establishing their identity, covenantal heritage, and continuity with their past. Verse 38 acts as a concluding summary, emphasizing the status and growth of these specific Simeonite families before the narrative shifts to their later exploits.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was written after the Babylonian exile, likely in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. The Chronicler's primary aim was to remind the returned exiles of their heritage, their covenant relationship with God, and the importance of the temple and proper worship. In this post-exilic context, genealogies were crucial for re-establishing land claims, tribal identities, and legitimate leadership. The tribe of Simeon, historically allotted territory within Judah's inheritance ([Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance")), faced challenges to 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 a sign of blessing and prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Blessing and Increase**, as 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 command to humanity to "be fruitful and multiply" in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate"). Secondly, it underscores the **Importance of Lineage and Leadership**, as 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 and guidance. Finally, the verse subtly points to **God's Faithfulness** in preserving His people and ensuring their continuation despite historical challenges, 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, _nāśî'_):** This term refers to a chieftain, leader, or prince, often denoting a person of high rank or authority within a tribe or clan. In the context of genealogies, a _nāśî'_ was typically the head of a paternal house or a significant family branch. Their mention here emphasizes the established and recognized 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.
* **Increased greatly (Hebrew, _rābâ_):** The verb _rābâ_ means "to be or become many, numerous, great." When used with an adverb like "greatly," it signifies a substantial multiplication or abundance. 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 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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These mentioned by [their] names [were] princes in their families":** This clause serves to identify the individuals listed in the preceding verses (1 Chronicles 4:34-37) as the recognized leaders 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.
* **"and the house of their fathers increased greatly":** This second clause provides a crucial summary statement regarding the outcome or status of these families. "The house of their fathers" refers to the extended family unit or clan, the foundational social and economic entity in ancient Israel. The declaration that this "increased greatly" signifies a period of significant prosperity, growth in numbers, and overall flourishing. This increase was 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.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 4:38 employs several literary devices. Primarily, it functions as a **Summary Statement**, providing a concise 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. The verse also utilizes **Emphasis** through the declaration that their "house... increased greatly," drawing 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. Furthermore, the entire section, including this verse, is an example of **Genealogy** as a literary form, which, while appearing straightforward, serves a profound theological purpose in establishing identity, continuity, and covenant connection for the post-exilic community.

### 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 ([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.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 4:38 is part of a 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. 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, and Christ-like character in our lives and in the church.

#### 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?**
* **In what ways are you called to be a "prince" or leader in your own "family" (whether biological, spiritual, or communal), stewarding 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?**

### 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. First, they establish **identity and continuity**, connecting later generations to their ancestors and to God's covenant promises, especially for the post-exilic community in 1 Chronicles. They confirm tribal affiliations, land rights, and eligibility for priestly or royal roles. Second, they demonstrate **God's faithfulness** in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises, such as the promise to make Abraham's descendants numerous ([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 ([Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus")). They show that God works through real people in real history.

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

Answer: The tribe of Simeon had a unique and somewhat challenging history. They were allotted territory within the larger inheritance of the tribe of Judah ([Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance")), indicating a close association and perhaps a gradual absorption into Judah. Unlike many other tribes, Simeon is largely absent from later 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.

### 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 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. 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 ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - 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" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen People")), fulfilling the ancient promises of multiplication and blessing in a new, spiritual dimension. He is the ultimate leader, the King of kings ([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.