1 Chronicles 7:19

KJV

And the sons of Shemida were, Ahian, and Shechem, and Likhi, and Aniam.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Shemida {H8061} were, Ahian {H291}, and Shechem {H7928}, and Likhi {H3949}, and Aniam {H593}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Sh'mida were Achyan, Sh'khem, Lik'chi and Ani'am.

Berean Standard Bible

And these were the sons of Shemida: Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Shemida were Ahian, and Shechem, and Likhi, and Aniam.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:19 continues the meticulous genealogical record of the tribe of Manasseh, specifically detailing four sons of Shemida: Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam. This verse, part of the extensive genealogies in the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, serves a crucial role in establishing the identity, tribal affiliations, and land inheritance rights of the post-exilic community. Beyond mere historical documentation, it subtly underscores God's meticulous care for every individual within His covenant people and affirms the unbroken continuity of His divine plan across generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the expansive genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which trace the lineage of Israel from Adam to the post-exilic period. More specifically, 1 Chronicles 7 focuses on the tribes of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. Verse 19 concludes the listing of the descendants of Manasseh, following the mention of Shemida in verse 19a (KJV) or being a direct continuation from the previous verses that detail Manasseh's lineage. The Chronicler's deliberate inclusion of such detailed lists, even for seemingly minor branches, highlights a profound concern for historical accuracy, tribal identity, and the continuity of God's covenant people. The immediate flow is a precise enumeration, demonstrating the thoroughness with which these records were maintained.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled after the Babylonian exile (538 BCE and onward), addressing a community grappling with questions of identity, land ownership, and their place in God's ongoing redemptive story. Genealogies were not merely family trees; they were vital legal and theological documents. They validated claims to land inheritance, established eligibility for priestly service, and affirmed tribal membership. For the returning exiles, these records provided a tangible link to their past, assuring them of their heritage and God's faithfulness despite the disruption of exile. The tribe of Manasseh, a son of Joseph, was particularly significant, having received substantial land on both sides of the Jordan River, as detailed in [Numbers 32:33](/numbers/32-33 "Numbers 32:33 - Manasseh's Inheritance East of Jordan") and [Joshua 17:1-6](/joshua/17-1 "Joshua 17:1-6 - Manasseh's Inheritance West of Jordan").
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous enumeration in 1 Chronicles 7:19 contributes to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it emphasizes **Historical Preservation**, showcasing the Chronicler's commitment to documenting the lineage of God's people, affirming that every individual, however briefly mentioned, plays a part in God's unfolding plan. Secondly, it underscores the **Continuity of God's Covenant People**, demonstrating an unbroken chain of generations from the patriarchs to the post-exilic community, thereby reinforcing God's enduring faithfulness to His promises (e.g., to Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram")). Lastly, the sheer detail reflects **God's Meticulous Care and Divine Oversight**. Even seemingly obscure names are recorded, suggesting that God knows and values every member of His people, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalm/139-1 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shemida (Hebrew, _Shᵉmîydaʻ_):** This proper noun, from which the sons listed in the verse descend, is likely derived from roots meaning "name of knowledge" or "renowned for knowledge." In ancient Hebrew culture, names often carried significant meaning, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or even prophetic insights. The prominence of a name like Shemida, even within a lengthy genealogy, subtly points to the importance of identity and lineage within the broader tribal structure.
* **Shechem (Hebrew, _Shᵉkhem_):** While a common proper name, "Shechem" also refers to a significant city in central Canaan, often translated as "shoulder" or "back." The name can connote strength, burden, or even a strategic position. Its inclusion here, as one of Shemida's sons, highlights the commonality of certain names across both individuals and geographical locations in ancient Israel, suggesting a connection to the land or a characteristic associated with the name's meaning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Shemida were,"**: This introductory clause clearly identifies the lineage being presented, linking these individuals directly to Shemida, who was previously mentioned as a descendant of Manasseh. It establishes the immediate genealogical context, indicating that the following names are direct offspring.
* **"Ahian, and Shechem, and Likhi, and Aniam."**: This segment provides the specific enumeration of Shemida's four sons. The listing of individual names, rather than a collective summary, emphasizes the Chronicler's commitment to precision and comprehensiveness in documenting the tribal branches. Each name represents a distinct family line within the larger tribe of Manasseh, contributing to the overall tapestry of Israel's identity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:19, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a foundational literary and theological tool. Genealogies serve to establish historical continuity, validate tribal and land claims, and reinforce the identity of God's covenant people. They are a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage. The device of **Enumeration** is also prominent, as the verse meticulously lists each son by name, emphasizing thoroughness and precision. This detailed listing, while seemingly repetitive, reinforces the concept of every individual's significance within the divine plan. Furthermore, the **Conciseness** of the presentation, focusing solely on names and lineage, highlights the functional purpose of these records over narrative embellishment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:19, though a simple list of names, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham regarding a numerous offspring and a land inheritance. The meticulous preservation of these genealogies, even for seemingly minor branches, underscores God's intimate knowledge and care for every individual within His people. It reminds us that no life is insignificant in God's grand narrative. The genealogies were essential for the post-exilic community to re-establish their identity, claim their inheritance, and understand their place in the ongoing story of God's redemption, affirming that despite exile and dispersion, God's people remained.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Families of Noah")
* [Numbers 26:29-34](/numbers/26-29 "Numbers 26:29-34 - The Clans of Manasseh")
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of ancient names might seem distant, 1 Chronicles 7:19 offers timeless truths for the contemporary believer. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, who knows each of us by name and has a place for us in His grand, unfolding story. Just as He faithfully preserved the lineage of Israel, ensuring the continuity of His people and the eventual arrival of the Messiah, so too does He uphold His promises to us. This verse encourages us to value our own spiritual heritage, recognizing that we are part of a continuous narrative of faith that spans millennia. It calls us to consider how our individual lives, however ordinary they may seem, contribute to God's larger purposes, and how we might live with a greater awareness of His watchful care and faithfulness across generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous record-keeping in genealogies encourage you about His personal care for your own life and story?**
* **In what ways does understanding your spiritual heritage, as part of God's continuous people, impact your sense of identity and purpose today?**
* **How can the principle that "every individual matters," evident in these detailed lists, inform your interactions and appreciation for others within your community or church?**

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

Answer: The extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including this verse, served several critical purposes for the post-exilic community. They were essential for re-establishing tribal identity and belonging after the disruption of exile, validating claims to ancestral land inheritances, and confirming eligibility for priestly and Levitical service. Theologically, they affirmed God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating the unbroken continuity of His people despite national catastrophe. They provided a historical anchor, connecting the returning exiles to their patriarchal roots and assuring them of their place in God's ongoing redemptive plan, as seen in the broader historical narrative of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - The Genealogies of Israel").

**Do the names in this verse have any special significance?**

Answer: While the text of 1 Chronicles 7:19 itself does not offer explicit commentary on the meanings of these names, ancient Hebrew names often carried significant meaning, reflecting hopes, circumstances, or characteristics. For instance, "Shechem" (שְׁכֶם) means "shoulder" or "back," often associated with strength or responsibility, and is also the name of an important biblical city. "Shemida" (שְׁמִידָע) can mean "name of knowledge" or "renowned for knowledge." While we cannot definitively apply these meanings to the individuals listed without further biblical context, understanding this cultural practice adds a layer of depth to these ancient records, suggesting that even seemingly obscure names were part of a rich tapestry of meaning.

**Is there a practical takeaway for me from a list of ancient names?**

Answer: Absolutely. 1 Chronicles 7:19 and similar passages offer profound spiritual lessons. Firstly, they highlight God's meticulous care for every individual; if He records seemingly minor figures in His grand narrative, how much more does He know and value your life? Secondly, they testify to God's enduring faithfulness across generations, assuring us that His promises are steadfast. Lastly, they underscore the importance of our spiritual heritage, reminding us that we are part of a continuous story of faith that began long before us and continues through us, providing context for understanding God's full redemptive plan. This historical grounding helps us appreciate our place in the unfolding story of salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:19 is a specific genealogical entry, its deeper significance is found in how it contributes to the overarching biblical narrative culminating in Christ. The meticulous preservation of these lineages, even for seemingly minor branches of Manasseh, underscores God's faithfulness in maintaining a chosen people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. Every name recorded, however obscure, is a thread in the tapestry leading to the ultimate "seed" promised to Abraham. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of these genealogies, the one in whom all the covenant 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")). He is the true Son of David, the heir to the throne of Israel, and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The very existence of these detailed records in the Old Testament, culminating in the genealogies of Jesus found in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus"), demonstrates God's precise and unswerving commitment to bringing forth the Messiah at the appointed time, ensuring that every generation played its part in the divine drama of salvation.

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.