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.

And these were the heads {H7218} of the house {H1004} of their fathers {H1}, even Epher {H6081}, and Ishi {H3469}, and Eliel {H447}, and Azriel {H5837}, and Jeremiah {H3414}, and Hodaviah {H1938}, and Jahdiel {H3164}, mighty {H1368} men {H582} of valour {H2428}, famous {H8034} men {H582}, and heads {H7218} of the house {H1004} of their fathers {H1}.

The leaders of their fathers' houses were: 'Efer, Yish'i, Eli'el, 'Azri'el, Yirmeyah, Hodavyah and Yachdi'el, strong, brave, famous men, leaders of their fathers' houses.

These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel.

And these were the heads of their fathers’ houses: even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty men of valor, famous men, heads of their fathers’ houses.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 5:24 is a verse from the extensive genealogical records found in the book of Chronicles, specifically focusing on the descendants of the half-tribe of Manasseh who settled east of the Jordan River. It highlights a group of prominent individuals, recognized not merely for their lineage but also for their significant personal qualities and roles within their communities.

Context

The book of 1 Chronicles meticulously details the genealogies of Israel, starting from Adam and progressing through the twelve tribes. Chapter 5, where this verse is located, focuses on the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who chose to settle in the fertile lands east of the Jordan. These genealogies served a crucial purpose for the post-exilic community in Judah, helping them re-establish their identity, land claims, and tribal connections after returning from Babylon. Verse 24 specifically lists key leaders from the eastern Manassehites, underscoring their importance in the tribal structure and military strength during their time.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Leadership and Valour: The verse emphasizes the esteemed qualities of these men, describing them as "mighty men of valour, famous men, and heads of the house of their fathers." This indicates they were not just lineage holders but active, influential leaders known for their courage and achievements. Their inclusion in this list serves as a testament to their contributions to the tribe.
  • Divine Remembrance: Even within long lists of names, God's Word singles out individuals who played significant roles. This suggests that God remembers and values the contributions of His people, particularly those who demonstrate faithfulness and strength in their callings.
  • Importance of Family and Tribal Structure: The repeated phrase "heads of the house of their fathers" reinforces the foundational role of family and clan leadership in ancient Israelite society, which was vital for maintaining order, justice, and tribal identity.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "mighty men of valour" translates the Hebrew gibborê ḥayil (גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל), a recurring term in the Old Testament. It denotes not just physical strength but also courage, military prowess, and often, wealth or influence. These were individuals of substance and capability. The term "famous men" (Hebrew: ’anshê shêmōt - אַנְשֵׁי שֵׁמוֹת, literally "men of names") signifies that they had a reputation, were well-known, and held positions of renown within their community, distinguishing them from the general population.

Significance and Application

While a genealogical list might seem dry, 1 Chronicles 5:24 offers valuable insights. It reminds us that God's plan often involves specific individuals raised up for leadership and service. The qualities attributed to these men—valour, fame, and leadership—are timeless virtues. For us today, this verse can encourage us to:

  • Embrace our God-given strengths: Like Epher, Ishi, and others, we are called to use our unique talents and courage for God's purposes, whether in our families, communities, or the wider world.
  • Recognize faithful service: The Bible highlights those who served well, encouraging us to honor and learn from those who lead with integrity and strength.
  • Understand our spiritual heritage: Just as these genealogies connected the Israelites to their past, understanding our spiritual lineage in Christ helps us appreciate God's faithfulness through generations (see Hebrews 12:1).

This verse, though brief, serves as a testament to the importance of strong, God-fearing leadership within God's people, and the divine recognition of those who live lives of impact and courage.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 4:38

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