1 Chronicles 4:6

KJV

And Naarah bare him Ahuzam, and Hepher, and Temeni, and Haahashtari. These [were] the sons of Naarah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Naarah {H5292} bare {H3205} him Ahuzam {H275}, and Hepher {H2660}, and Temeni {H8488}, and Haahashtari {H326}. These were the sons {H1121} of Naarah {H5292}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Na'arah bore him Achuzam, Hefer, Teimni and Achashtari; these were the sons of Na'arah.

Berean Standard Bible

Naarah bore to him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the descendants of Naarah.

American Standard Version

And Naarah bare him Ahuzzam, and Hepher, and Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:6 is a concise yet vital verse embedded within the extensive genealogies of Judah, specifically detailing the progeny of Naarah, one of Ashur's wives. It meticulously records the names of her four sons—Ahuzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari—underscoring the importance of lineage and the careful preservation of family lines within ancient Israelite society, which ultimately served God's overarching redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader genealogical records that dominate the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, spanning from [1 Chronicles 1:1](/1_chronicles/1-1 "1 Chronicles 1:1 - Adam to Abraham") through [1 Chronicles 9:44](/1_chronicles/9-44 "1 Chronicles 9:44 - Genealogies of Benjamin"). More specifically, [1 Chronicles 4:1-23](/1_chronicles/4-1 "1 Chronicles 4:1-23 - Descendants of Judah") focuses on the descendants of Judah, the tribe from which kingship would emerge. The meticulous listing of names, including those of various wives and their children, serves to establish tribal identities, confirm land rights, validate priestly and Levitical lineages, and, most critically, trace the Davidic line, which was foundational for the post-exilic community's hope and identity. The immediate preceding verse, [1 Chronicles 4:5](/1_chronicles/4-5 "1 Chronicles 4:5 - Ashur, Father of Tekoa"), introduces Ashur, "the father of Tekoa," and his two wives, Helah and Naarah, setting the stage for the enumeration of their respective offspring.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogies were far from mere lists; they were crucial legal and social documents. They affirmed a person's identity, their right to inherit land, their eligibility for specific roles (e.g., priest, priest, king), and their place within the covenant community. Polygamy, as evidenced by Ashur having multiple wives (Helah and Naarah), was a recognized, though not divinely ordained, practice in ancient Near Eastern societies, often driven by the desire for numerous offspring to ensure family strength and continuity. The detailed recording of each son born to each wife, even within a polygamous household, highlights the patriarchal structure of society and the profound cultural importance placed on male progeny for the preservation of the family name and tribal legacy. The mention of "Tekoa" in [1 Chronicles 4:5](/1_chronicles/4-5 "1 Chronicles 4:5 - Ashur, Father of Tekoa") grounds this lineage geographically, indicating a connection to a specific town in Judah, known later as the home of the prophet Amos ([Amos 1:1](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - Amos from Tekoa")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader genealogical record, contributes to several significant themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Importance of Lineage and Heritage**, demonstrating how identity, inheritance, and covenant participation were inextricably linked to one's family tree in ancient Israel. These lists were vital for the returned exiles to re-establish their place in the land and among God's people. Secondly, it subtly points to **God's Meticulous Providence in History**. Even in the seemingly mundane enumeration of names, there is an implicit affirmation of God's sovereign hand guiding the course of human history, preserving specific families and lines for His ultimate redemptive purposes, including the eventual establishment of the Davidic kingdom and the coming Messiah. Thirdly, the inclusion of every name, no matter how briefly mentioned, reinforces the theme that **Every Individual Matters** in God's grand narrative. Each person, whether a prominent figure or a seemingly obscure name in a list, contributes to the unfolding of God's plan, reminding us of His attentiveness to every life within His creation, as seen in the detailed census records found in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Naarah (Hebrew, _naʿarah_):** This Hebrew word literally means "young woman" or "girl." While it is used here as a proper name, its common meaning might subtly suggest that Naarah was a younger wife of Ashur, or perhaps it highlights her status within the household. In the context of genealogies, the focus is on her role as a mother, bearing sons who would continue the family line, rather than on her age or specific personal attributes. Her inclusion alongside Helah in [1 Chronicles 4:5](/1_chronicles/4-5 "1 Chronicles 4:5 - Ashur's Wives") emphasizes the distinct branches of Ashur's family.
* **bare (Hebrew, _yalədāh_):** The verb "bare" (יָלְדָה, _yalədāh_), derived from the root יָלַד (yalad), means "to give birth" or "to beget." In genealogical contexts, this verb is foundational, signifying the act of procreation and the continuation of a family line. Its consistent use throughout these lists underscores the vital importance of offspring for the survival, growth, and perpetuation of families, clans, and ultimately, the nation of Israel. The careful recording of who "bare" whom highlights the distinct maternal lines within a patriarchal system.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Naarah bare him Ahuzam, and Hepher, and Temeni, and Haahashtari.":** This clause directly attributes the birth of four specific sons to Naarah. The "him" refers to Ashur, introduced in the preceding verse, establishing the paternal link. The naming of each son—Ahuzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari—is crucial for the genealogical record. While the etymological meanings of these names are not explicitly expounded in the text, their very presence serves to meticulously document the expansion of Ashur's family through Naarah, creating a distinct branch within the larger tribe of Judah. This precise enumeration ensures the accurate tracking of lineage for purposes of identity, inheritance, and tribal affiliation.
* **"These [were] the sons of Naarah.":** This concluding phrase serves as a clear summation, unequivocally confirming that the four preceding names are indeed the offspring of Naarah. It functions as a definitive statement, separating her descendants from those of Ashur's other wife, Helah, mentioned in [1 Chronicles 4:5](/1_chronicles/4-5 "1 Chronicles 4:5 - Ashur's Wives"). This reinforces the distinct maternal lines within Ashur's household, which was important for maintaining clarity in the complex tribal genealogies. Such explicit statements are common in biblical genealogies to ensure precision and avoid ambiguity in the historical record.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 4:6, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list but a structured historical record designed to establish lineage, identity, and continuity. The meticulous **Enumeration** of names (Ahuzam, Hepher, Temeni, Haahashtari) serves to provide a comprehensive and authoritative account of tribal descent. The use of **Repetition** in phrases like "these were the sons of Naarah" reinforces the specific familial connection and aids in the clarity and memorability of the record. While seemingly dry, the overall genealogical structure functions as a form of **Historical Documentation**, validating the claims and heritage of the post-exilic community. Furthermore, the very existence of such detailed records, especially within the tribe of Judah, carries an indirect **Foreshadowing** of the ultimate Davidic lineage, pointing towards the coming Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 4:6, though a simple enumeration of names, speaks volumes about God's sovereign involvement in human history and His covenant faithfulness. It highlights that God works through generations and families, carefully preserving lines for His ultimate purposes. The recording of every individual, even those seemingly obscure, underscores the biblical truth that every life has significance in God's grand design. This attention to detail reflects God's own character—a God who knows each person intimately and orchestrates the seemingly mundane aspects of life to fulfill His overarching redemptive plan. The genealogies serve as a testament to God's faithfulness in upholding His promises, particularly concerning the seed of Abraham and the lineage of Judah, from which the Messiah would eventually come.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - Table of Nations Summary") - The "Table of Nations" demonstrates God's sovereign ordering of all peoples through their family lines.
* [Numbers 1:18](/numbers/1-18 "Numbers 1:18 - Registration by Families") - Illustrates the practice of registering individuals "by their families, by their fathers’ houses," emphasizing the importance of tribal and familial identity.
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") - Provides the genealogy of Jesus, demonstrating how God meticulously preserved a specific lineage through countless generations to bring forth the Messiah.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 4:6, despite its brevity and seemingly distant context, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our lives, like those of Ahuzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari, are not isolated incidents but are woven into a much larger, divine tapestry. This verse encourages us to appreciate the significance of our own heritage, whether familial, cultural, or spiritual, recognizing that we are beneficiaries of generations that came before us. It also powerfully illustrates God's incredible attention to detail and His sovereign hand at work in every aspect of life, even the seemingly mundane. If God meticulously recorded these ancient lineages, we can be assured that He knows us intimately, cares about the details of our lives, and has a purpose for each one of us. Our individual lives, no matter how small they may seem, contribute to God's overarching story of redemption and His ongoing work in the world. We are invited to find our place within this grand narrative, trusting that God's plan is unfolding precisely as He intends.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of genealogies, like that in 1 Chronicles 4:6, challenge my perception of "insignificant" details in God's plan?**
* **In what ways can understanding my own family or spiritual heritage deepen my sense of identity and purpose?**
* **How does the idea of God's sovereign attention to every individual, as seen in these detailed lists, bring comfort or challenge to my daily life?**
* **Considering that every name in these lists played a part, how can I better recognize and embrace my own unique contribution to God's larger story?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies, including 1 Chronicles 4:6, so detailed and seemingly repetitive?**

Answer: The detailed genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the specific listing of Naarah's sons in [1 Chronicles 4:6](/1_chronicles/4-6 "1 Chronicles 4:6 - Sons of Naarah"), served several critical purposes for the post-exilic community in Judah. They were not merely historical records but vital documents that re-established tribal identities, confirmed land rights, validated priestly and Levitical lineages, and, most importantly, meticulously traced the Davidic line from which the Messiah was prophesied to come. This meticulousness ensured legitimacy and continuity for a people returning from exile, helping them reclaim their heritage and understand their place within God's covenant promises. The repetition emphasizes accuracy and underscores the importance of each family branch in the overall national structure.

**Who was Naarah, and why is her lineage specifically mentioned?**

Answer: Naarah is identified in [1 Chronicles 4:5](/1_chronicles/4-5 "1 Chronicles 4:5 - Ashur's Wives") as one of the two wives of Ashur, who is called "the father of Tekoa." Her lineage is specifically mentioned to clearly delineate the different branches of Ashur's family. In a polygamous society, it was crucial to specify which sons belonged to which mother to avoid confusion regarding inheritance, tribal affiliation, and family identity. While the text provides no further personal details about Naarah, her role as a mother of four sons (Ahuzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari) highlights her contribution to the continuation and expansion of the tribe of Judah.

**Do the specific meanings of the sons' names (Ahuzam, Hepher, Temeni, Haahashtari) hold any particular significance?**

Answer: While many Hebrew names have inherent meanings (e.g., Hepher can mean "pit" or "well"), the biblical text in 1 Chronicles primarily focuses on the names' function within the genealogical record rather than their etymological significance. The emphasis is on their identity as individuals who contributed to the family line of Judah. Unlike some narrative passages where a name's meaning is explicitly highlighted to convey a theological point (e.g., "Jacob" meaning "supplanter" in [Genesis 27:36](/genesis/27-36 "Genesis 27:36 - Jacob's Name Meaning")), here the names serve as markers in a historical and legal document. Their collective significance lies in their contribution to the unbroken chain of generations leading to God's ultimate plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous recording of genealogies, exemplified by 1 Chronicles 4:6 and its listing of Naarah's sons within the tribe of Judah, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. These seemingly dry lists are not merely historical archives but are foundational to God's unfolding plan of redemption, demonstrating His sovereign hand in preserving the promised lineage. The detailed account of Judah's descendants, including those of Ashur and Naarah, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in maintaining the covenant line through which the Messiah would come. Every name, every generation, every branch of the family tree, however obscure, was providentially guided to ensure the birth of the "seed" promised in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium"). The New Testament genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Genealogy of Jesus") explicitly connect Him to the tribe of Judah and the house of David, validating His Messiahship. Thus, 1 Chronicles 4:6, far from being an isolated detail, is a small but essential thread in the vast tapestry of God's redemptive history, pointing forward to the arrival of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who would ultimately fulfill all the promises made to Abraham and David, bringing salvation to all who believe.

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.