1 Chronicles 4:8

KJV

And Coz begat Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Coz {H6976} begat {H3205} Anub {H6036}, and Zobebah {H6637}, and the families {H4940} of Aharhel {H316} the son {H1121} of Harum {H2037}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kotz fathered 'Anuv, Tzovevah and the families of Acharchel the son of Harum.

Berean Standard Bible

and Koz, who was the father of Anub and Zobebah and of the clans of Aharhel son of Harum.

American Standard Version

And Hakkoz begat Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:8, embedded within the extensive genealogies of Judah, meticulously records the lineage of Coz, detailing his descendants Anub, Zobebah, and the families tracing back to Aharhel, son of Harum. This verse, though seemingly a simple list of names, serves as a vital component in the chronicler's overarching purpose: to re-establish the identity, heritage, and continuity of God's people in the post-exilic era, affirming divine faithfulness in preserving the tribal lines, particularly the one from which the promised Messiah would ultimately emerge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 4:8 is situated within the broader genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 1-9, which systematically trace the lineage of Israel from Adam through the various tribes, culminating in a detailed focus on the tribe of Judah. Specifically, chapter 4 elaborates on the descendants of Judah, following the primary list in [1 Chronicles 2](/1_chronicles/2 "1 Chronicles 2 - Descendants of Judah"). This section is not merely a dry list but serves to establish tribal identity, land inheritance rights, and the legitimacy of various families within the community. The meticulous detail, even for less prominent figures like Coz and his descendants, underscores the importance of every link in the chain, reinforcing the unbroken continuity of God's covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled after the Babylonian exile, addressing a community that had returned to Judah and was in the process of rebuilding its national and religious life. For this post-exilic audience, genealogies were paramount. They provided a tangible connection to their past, validating their claims to ancestral lands, confirming their tribal affiliations, and, crucially, establishing the legitimacy of priestly and Levitical lines for temple service. In a society where identity, inheritance, and social standing were intrinsically linked to one's lineage, these records were not just historical documents but foundational blueprints for re-establishing order and continuity. The emphasis on Judah's line was particularly significant, given the ancient promises regarding the Davidic monarchy.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous record-keeping in 1 Chronicles 4:8 and the surrounding chapters contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Preservation**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, preserving their lineage even through periods of dispersion and exile. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Identity and Belonging**, providing the returned exiles with a profound sense of rootedness and continuity, connecting them to their ancestral heritage and God's historical work. Lastly, implicitly, these genealogies contribute to the theme of **Preparation for the Messiah**, as the careful tracing of Judah's line lays the groundwork for the eventual fulfillment of God's promise of a king from David's lineage, a theme explicitly picked up in the New Testament genealogies of Jesus Christ found in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Coz (Hebrew, _Qôwts_):** This name, though obscure to modern readers, represents an individual within the extensive Judahite lineage. Its inclusion, along with his descendants, emphasizes the meticulous nature of the chronicler's record. The very act of naming signifies recognition and importance within the larger tribal structure, asserting that every link in the chain was known and valued in the divine and communal memory.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad_):** This verb is a standard and frequently used term in biblical genealogies, signifying direct paternal descent. Its consistent use throughout these lists underscores the unbroken chain of generations and the precise tracing of lineage, which was crucial for establishing legal and social claims in ancient Israel. It emphasizes the biological and social continuity of the family line.
* **families (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh_):** This term is significant because it shifts from individual "begat" to a collective "families." It suggests that the subsequent name, Aharhel, was a progenitor of a distinct clan or sub-group within the larger Judahite tribe. This highlights the multi-layered social structure of Israelite society, where individuals belonged to families, which in turn belonged to larger clans, and then to tribes. The chronicler is not just listing individuals but mapping out the intricate network of kinship that formed the backbone of the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Coz begat Anub, and Zobebah":** This clause establishes a direct paternal relationship, identifying Coz as the father of Anub and Zobebah. These names, though not prominent elsewhere in Scripture, were vital markers for the original audience, connecting specific individuals and their descendants to the broader tribal records. It highlights the continuation of the family line through direct offspring.
* **"and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum":** This second part of the verse expands the scope beyond direct individual offspring to include "families." This indicates that Aharhel, identified as the son of Harum, was the head or progenitor of a significant family unit or clan. The inclusion of "families" suggests a more extensive group of descendants, emphasizing the collective identity and perpetuation of the lineage through a broader kinship group rather than just individual sons. This detail would have been crucial for understanding land distribution, tribal responsibilities, and social organization.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 4:8, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy (or Pedigree)**. This systematic listing of ancestors and descendants serves multiple purposes: it establishes lineage and legitimacy, confirms tribal identity, and provides historical continuity for the community. The meticulous nature of the record, including seemingly obscure names, demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive historical preservation. Another subtle device is **Nominalism**, where the very act of naming and listing individuals, even those without accompanying narratives, imbues them with significance and acknowledges their place within the divine plan and the collective memory of Israel. The repetition inherent in genealogical lists, though not fully evident in a single verse, also serves to emphasize the unbroken chain of generations and God's faithfulness in preserving His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 4:8, as part of the extensive genealogies, underscores a profound theological truth: God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Even in the seemingly mundane listing of names, we see the divine hand at work, preserving the lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold. These records were not merely historical archives but living testimonies to God's sovereignty over history, ensuring the continuity of His people and the eventual arrival of the promised Messiah. They affirm that every individual, no matter how obscure to human eyes, holds a place in God's grand narrative, contributing to the tapestry of His unfolding purposes.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Table of Nations"): This verse concludes the "Table of Nations," demonstrating God's broad interest in the origins and dispersion of all humanity, setting the stage for the focused lineage of Abraham.
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of Perez to David"): This short genealogy explicitly traces the line from Perez (son of Judah) to David, illustrating how seemingly minor individuals contribute to the crucial lineage of the Davidic covenant.
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59-63 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry"): This passage highlights the practical importance of genealogies for the post-exilic community, particularly for those claiming priestly roles, demonstrating how crucial these records were for establishing identity and legitimate service.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names like 1 Chronicles 4:8 might initially strike a modern reader as tedious, for the original audience, it was foundational—a tangible link to their past, a confirmation of their identity, and a validation of their inheritance rights. For us today, this verse, embedded within the larger biblical narrative, serves as a powerful reminder that God is intimately interested in the details of every life. No person is insignificant in His eyes, and every individual, no matter how seemingly small their contribution, plays a part in His unfolding story. It encourages us to find our own place within the vast, interconnected family of God, recognizing that our lives, our heritage, and our contributions are known and valued by Him, contributing to the larger tapestry of His redemptive work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the purpose of biblical genealogies change your perspective on seemingly "dry" parts of Scripture?**
* **In what ways does God's meticulous record-keeping of ancient families encourage you about His attention to the details of your own life and lineage?**
* **How can we, like the original audience, find our identity and sense of belonging within God's larger story, even when our personal histories seem insignificant?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so extensive and detailed in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive and detailed genealogies in 1 Chronicles served several critical purposes for the post-exilic community returning to Judah. They were essential for re-establishing tribal identity and boundaries, confirming land ownership and inheritance rights, and, most importantly, validating the legitimacy of those claiming priestly and Levitical roles for temple service. By meticulously tracing these lines, the chronicler affirmed God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and the Davidic line, providing a sense of continuity and hope for a community rebuilding its national and religious life.

**Do these genealogies have any relevance for Christians today?**

Answer: Absolutely. While not directly applicable to our personal lineage in the same way, these genealogies underscore profound theological truths relevant for Christians. They demonstrate God's sovereignty over history, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His meticulous care in orchestrating events and preserving lines of descent to bring about His redemptive plan. Crucially, they provide the historical framework for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, whose own genealogies are recorded in the New Testament (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). They remind us that every life, no matter how seemingly minor, is part of God's grand narrative, culminating in the person and work of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane names in 1 Chronicles 4:8, like Coz, Anub, Zobebah, Aharhel, and Harum, are more than just historical records; they are vital threads in the intricate tapestry of God's redemptive plan, ultimately finding their Christ-centered fulfillment. The meticulous preservation of the Judahite lineage, even through obscure individuals, underscores God's providential hand guiding history to ensure the promised seed would come. This unbroken chain of generations, carefully documented by the chronicler, culminates in Jesus, the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), who is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant and the hope of Israel. Every name, every "begat," points to the faithfulness of God in bringing forth the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). In Christ, the focus shifts from physical lineage to spiritual adoption, as all who believe are now [children of God by faith in Christ Jesus](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Children of God by Faith"), becoming part of God's eternal family, the church, which is the body of Christ (e.g., [Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - The Church as Christ's Body")). Thus, the ancient genealogies, far from being irrelevant, serve as a testament to the divine faithfulness that meticulously prepared the way for the [Savior of the world](/john/4-42 "John 4:42 - Jesus, the Savior of the World").

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.