1 Chronicles 4:7

KJV

And the sons of Helah [were], Zereth, and Jezoar, and Ethnan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Helah {H2458} were, Zereth {H6889}, and Jezoar {H6714}{H3328}, and Ethnan {H869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Hel'ah were Tzeret, Tzochar and Etnan.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Helah were Zereth, Zohar, Ethnan,

American Standard Version

And the sons of Helah were Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:7 is a concise genealogical entry within the extensive records of the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing the immediate offspring of Helah. This verse meticulously lists Zereth, Jezoar, and Ethnan as her sons, contributing to the Chronicler's overarching purpose of preserving the tribal identities, land inheritances, and, crucially, the unbroken lineage that would ultimately lead to the Davidic monarchy and the promised Messiah. Its inclusion, though brief, underscores the divine attention to detail in the historical unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles chapter 4, which is dedicated to the genealogies of the tribe of Judah, following the broader genealogical survey that begins the book in [1 Chronicles 1](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Extensive Genealogies"). The immediate preceding verses (1 Chronicles 4:1-6) also detail descendants of Judah, specifically through his son Perez and then through Caleb, son of Hezron. Verse 7 then introduces a new branch of this lineage, focusing on the sons of Helah. The chapter continues by listing various families and their settlements within Judah's territory, emphasizing the tribe's prominence and its role in Israel's history. The relentless listing of names, even those without accompanying narratives, serves to establish a comprehensive and unbroken chain of descent, vital for the post-exilic community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled during the post-exilic period, possibly by Ezra, for a community returning to Jerusalem and seeking to re-establish their identity and heritage. For ancient Israel, genealogies were far more than mere historical records; they were foundational documents that affirmed tribal affiliation, established land rights, validated priestly claims, and, most significantly, preserved the lineage of the Davidic monarchy. The meticulous detail, even for seemingly minor figures like Helah and her sons, reflects the cultural importance of family and lineage in defining one's place within the covenant community. These records helped the returning exiles understand their past, affirm their present claims, and look forward to the future fulfillment of God's promises, particularly concerning the Davidic king.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 4:7 contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **the importance of genealogy** as a divine and human endeavor, demonstrating God's meticulous care in preserving the lineage of His people and the Davidic covenant. This meticulous record-keeping underscores **God's faithfulness** to His promises across generations, even through periods of exile and dispersion. Secondly, within the broader context of Judah's genealogy, this verse subtly reinforces the **centrality of the tribe of Judah** as the royal tribe, from which the promised king would emerge. Every listed name, no matter how briefly mentioned, is a thread in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan, ultimately pointing towards the [Messiah's advent](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). The very act of recording these names, even without accompanying narratives, signifies that every individual life is known and valued by God within His sovereign plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sons (Hebrew, בָּנִים _bānîm_):** This plural noun, derived from the singular "son" (בֵּן, _bēn_), is fundamental to the genealogical purpose of 1 Chronicles. It signifies direct male offspring, crucial for tracing lineage, inheritance, and tribal identity. In this context, it explicitly links Zereth, Jezoar, and Ethnan to Helah, establishing their place within the broader family tree of Judah. The emphasis on "sons" highlights the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society and the importance of male lines for the continuity of the family and tribe.
* **Helah (Hebrew, חֶלְאָה _ḥelʾāh_):** This is a proper noun, referring to an individual within the Judahite lineage. While the name itself may not carry a widely recognized meaning or significant theological implication in this context, its inclusion is paramount for the genealogical record. Helah serves as a nodal point, connecting her descendants to the larger tribal structure and ensuring the unbroken chain of the family tree. The Chronicler's purpose is not to elaborate on Helah's life but to precisely document her contribution to the lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Helah [were]":** This opening clause serves as the introduction to a new branch of the genealogical record. The conjunction "And" (וְ, _wə_) connects this entry to the preceding lists, indicating a continuation of the lineage of Judah. "The sons of Helah" clearly identifies the parent and signals that the following names are her direct male descendants, establishing their familial relationship within the tribe. The verb "were" is supplied in English translations for clarity, as the Hebrew often uses a simple juxtaposition for such lists.
* **"Zereth":** The first son of Helah mentioned. His name, like the others, is presented without further elaboration, emphasizing the Chronicler's focus on enumeration rather than narrative. His inclusion is solely for the purpose of maintaining the integrity and completeness of the genealogical record.
* **"and Jezoar":** The second son listed, connected by the conjunction "and." This continues the pattern of simple enumeration, adding another individual to Helah's direct offspring.
* **"and Ethnan":** The third and final son of Helah listed in this verse. His mention completes the immediate family unit being documented, concluding this specific branch of the Judahite genealogy before the text moves on to other descendants.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 4:7, like much of the opening chapters of the book, primarily employs **Enumeration**, a straightforward listing of names, to fulfill its genealogical purpose. This device is evident in the simple "A, and B, and C" structure of the verse, which efficiently conveys the familial relationships without narrative embellishment. The entire section functions as a **Genealogy**, which is a literary genre in itself, serving to establish lineage, identity, and historical continuity. The **Repetition** of the conjunction "and" (וְ, _wə_) before each subsequent name ("and Jezoar, and Ethnan") is a common Hebrew stylistic feature in lists, creating a rhythmic flow and emphasizing the additive nature of the enumeration. While seemingly dry, these devices are crucial for the Chronicler's aim of meticulously preserving the sacred history and the divinely ordained lines of descent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 4:7 might appear as a mere list of names, its theological significance lies in its contribution to the overarching narrative of God's faithfulness and the meticulous preservation of the covenant line. The very act of recording these seemingly obscure names underscores a profound truth: every individual, regardless of their historical prominence, is known to God and plays a part, however small, in His grand redemptive plan. This verse, therefore, is a testament to God's sovereign hand guiding history, ensuring the continuity of the lineage through which His promises would be fulfilled. It reminds us that God's purposes are vast and extend across generations, meticulously woven into the fabric of human history.

* [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Book of the Generations of Adam") - An extensive genealogy from Adam to Noah, demonstrating God's preservation of humanity and a righteous line.
* [Ruth 4:18](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of Perez to David") - A specific genealogy tracing the lineage from Perez (Judah's son) to David, highlighting the importance of individual names in the Messianic line.
* [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - Finding the Book of the Genealogy") - Illustrates the practical importance of genealogical records for the post-exilic community in re-establishing their identity and place in Israel.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 4:7, a verse that simply lists three names, serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign involvement in every aspect of human history, even in what might seem insignificant to us. It challenges us to consider that if God cares enough to record the names of individuals who performed no great deeds, how much more does He know and value each one of us? This verse encourages us to see our own lives, our families, and our heritage as part of a larger divine tapestry, recognizing that God works through generations to accomplish His purposes. It fosters a sense of belonging within God's vast family and instills confidence in His enduring faithfulness, knowing that His plans, though they may span millennia, are always precisely executed. Our lives, no matter how ordinary they may seem, are known, valued, and purposed by the Creator of the universe.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 4:7, challenge our modern understanding of "significance" or "importance"?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage us to appreciate our own family heritage and the generations that came before us?**
* **What does God's careful preservation of these names, even without narratives, teach us about His knowledge and care for every individual life?**
* **How can recognizing our place within God's ongoing story, as illuminated by such genealogies, impact our sense of purpose and belonging today?**

### FAQ
**Why are such seemingly insignificant names included in the biblical record, especially when no stories or deeds are associated with them?**

Answer: The inclusion of names like Zereth, Jezoar, and Ethnan, even without accompanying narratives, serves several crucial purposes within the biblical record, particularly for the Chronicler. Firstly, these genealogies were vital for the post-exilic community to re-establish their tribal identities, land rights, and priestly eligibility after returning from Babylon. They provided a verifiable link to their heritage and the promises made to their ancestors. Secondly, from a theological perspective, these lists demonstrate God's meticulous care and faithfulness in preserving the lineage of His covenant people. Every name, no matter how briefly mentioned, is a thread in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan, ensuring the unbroken chain leading to the Messiah. It underscores that God's work is not only through prominent figures but through the continuity of generations, affirming that every individual life is known and valued by Him, even if their specific deeds are not recorded. This attention to detail highlights God's sovereign control over history, ensuring His promises are fulfilled precisely as intended, as seen in the ultimate fulfillment of the [Davidic line in Jesus Christ](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:7 is a seemingly obscure genealogical entry, its profound Christ-centered fulfillment lies in its contribution to the unbroken lineage that ultimately culminates in Jesus Christ. The meticulous recording of names within the tribe of Judah, even those without accompanying narratives, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a King from David's line who would reign forever (as prophesied in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Every name, including Zereth, Jezoar, and Ethnan, serves as a vital link in the chain, demonstrating God's sovereign hand guiding history through countless generations to ensure the arrival of His Son. The very existence of such detailed genealogies in the Old Testament provides the historical and legal framework for the New Testament's claims about Jesus's identity as the promised Messiah, the true Son of David and the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, even in these brief mentions, we see the meticulous precision of God's plan unfolding, culminating in the incarnation of Christ, through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes 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.