1 Chronicles 7:27

KJV

Non his son, Jehoshua his son.

KJV (with Strong's)

Non {H5126} his son {H1121}, Jehoshua {H3091} his son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

his son Nun and his son Y'hoshua.

Berean Standard Bible

Nun his son, and Joshua his son.

American Standard Version

Nun his son, Joshua his son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:27 is a concise yet profoundly significant entry within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Ephraim, stating, "Non his son, Jehoshua his son." This verse serves as a critical link in the ancestral line of Joshua, the divinely appointed successor to Moses who led Israel into the Promised Land. Its inclusion underscores the meticulous record-keeping vital for establishing tribal identity and inheritance in post-exilic Israel, while subtly highlighting God's sovereign hand in preparing and preserving the lineage of key figures in salvation history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 7:27 is embedded within a lengthy genealogical section spanning chapters 1-9, which meticulously traces the lineages of Israel from Adam through the various tribes. Specifically, chapter 7 focuses on the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. The verses immediately preceding 1 Chronicles 7:27 (1 Chronicles 7:20-26) detail the lineage of Ephraim, including a poignant mention of the death of some of Ephraim's sons and the subsequent birth of Beriah. Following this, the lineage continues, with verse 27 serving as a direct and crucial link in the line leading to Joshua. This precise placement within the Ephraimite genealogy emphasizes the importance of this particular line, even amidst hundreds of other names, demonstrating the Chronicler's intent to highlight significant figures and divine continuity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled and edited after the Babylonian exile, during a period when the returning exiles were seeking to re-establish their identity, heritage, and claims to land and tribal affiliations in the land of Israel. Genealogies were not mere lists; they were foundational legal and social documents. They validated land ownership, determined priestly and Levitical service, established tribal boundaries, and confirmed individual and communal identity. The meticulous detail, even for seemingly minor figures, reflects the cultural imperative to maintain clear distinctions and connections to the past, ensuring the continuity of God's covenant people. This post-exilic context explains the emphasis on lineage as a means of reaffirming God's faithfulness to His promises despite national upheaval.
* **Key Themes:** This brief verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Genealogical Continuity and Divine Preservation**, showing God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people by meticulously preserving their tribal lines, even through periods of dispersion and exile. Secondly, it highlights **God's Meticulous Providence**, demonstrating that every individual and every generation plays a part in God's overarching plan. The inclusion of such a concise yet pivotal ancestral link for a figure like Joshua underscores that God orchestrates human history with precision, preparing individuals over generations for specific roles. This is consistent with the broader Chronicler's emphasis on God's sovereignty over Israel's history, from the initial covenant with Abraham to the establishment of the Davidic kingdom, as seen in the extensive genealogies of [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies of Israel"). The verse also implicitly points to the theme of **Preparation for Leadership**, as it establishes the direct paternal line for the man chosen by God to succeed Moses and lead Israel into the Promised Land, a role detailed extensively in [the book of Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua - Conquest and Inheritance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Non (Hebrew, נוּן, _Nun_):** This name, meaning "fish" or "perpetuity," is primarily significant as the father of Joshua. While the KJV uses "Non" here, the more common and accurate transliteration is "Nun." The name itself, while seemingly simple, carries a subtle implication of fruitfulness or continuous existence, perhaps hinting at the enduring legacy of his son. His primary role in Scripture is to be the progenitor of one of Israel's most pivotal leaders, highlighting that even those whose lives are not extensively detailed play a crucial part in God's grand design.
* **Jehoshua (Hebrew, יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, _Yehoshua_):** This profound name means "Yahweh is salvation" or "The Lord saves." It is a compound name derived from "Yahweh" (the LORD) and "yasha" (to save, deliver). This is the original Hebrew name for the leader who succeeded Moses and led Israel into the Promised Land. Its theological weight is immense, as it directly foreshadows the saving work of God through human instrumentality. Furthermore, "Jehoshua" is the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek name "Iesous" (Ἰησοῦς), from which the English name "Jesus" is derived, establishing a direct linguistic and theological link between Joshua and Jesus Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Non his son":** This phrase establishes the direct paternal relationship. It identifies "Non" (Nun) as the father in this specific lineage, linking the subsequent name directly to him. In a genealogical context, this is a standard and essential connector, ensuring precision in tracing the family tree. The brevity here belies the profound significance of the individual it introduces.
* **"Jehoshua his son":** This clause completes the direct paternal link, identifying "Jehoshua" (Joshua) as the son of Nun. The primary importance of this entire verse rests on the identity of "Jehoshua." In the vast sea of names within the Chronicler's genealogies, the inclusion of this specific link to Joshua is not accidental. It serves to firmly root one of Israel's greatest deliverers and leaders within the established tribal framework, confirming his legitimate heritage and divine appointment within the covenant community.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:27 is **Genealogy**. This is the overarching structure of the early chapters of Chronicles, serving not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement. Genealogies in the Bible emphasize continuity, divine faithfulness in preserving a chosen people, and the legitimate succession of leadership and inheritance. The extreme **Conciseness** of this particular verse, stating only two names and their relationship, highlights the Chronicler's focus on what is essential. In a book filled with detailed lists, the brevity here draws attention to the significance of the individual mentioned. Furthermore, the name "Jehoshua" itself functions as a form of **Prophetic Naming** or **Symbolism**, as its meaning ("Yahweh is salvation") inherently points to the salvific role Joshua would play, and more profoundly, foreshadows the ultimate Savior, Jesus, whose name carries the same meaning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:27, though brief, powerfully encapsulates God's meticulous involvement in human history and His faithfulness to His redemptive plan. It reminds us that God works through specific individuals and their lineages, preparing them over generations for His purposes. The inclusion of Joshua's direct paternal line among countless other names underscores that no detail is too small for God's sovereign attention, and that even seemingly ordinary family records are part of His grand narrative. This verse affirms God's commitment to preserving His people and raising up leaders for them, demonstrating His providential care in ensuring the right person is in the right place at the right time to advance His kingdom.

* [Numbers 13:16](/numbers/13-16 "Numbers 13:16 - Moses Renames Hoshea to Joshua")
* [Deuteronomy 34:9](/deuteronomy/34-9 "Deuteronomy 34:9 - Joshua Filled with the Spirit of Wisdom")
* [Joshua 1:1-9](/joshua/1-1 "Joshua 1:1-9 - The Commissioning of Joshua")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 7:27 offers profound spiritual insights for contemporary believers. It teaches us that God is a God of intricate detail, who meticulously records and orchestrates the lives of individuals within the vast tapestry of human history. If He cares enough to preserve the lineage of a leader like Joshua, He certainly cares about the seemingly small details of our own lives, our heritage, and our place in His unfolding story. This verse encourages us to recognize that our lives, our families, and our spiritual heritage are not random but are part of God's intentional design. It calls us to consider how God has prepared us, through our unique backgrounds and experiences, for the specific purposes He has for us in His kingdom, even if those purposes feel small or unseen in the grand scheme. It fosters a sense of gratitude for our spiritual lineage, connecting us to a long line of faithful individuals through whom God has worked, and inspires us to live in a way that honors that heritage and contributes to the ongoing narrative of God's redemptive work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous record-keeping in Scripture impact your view of His care for the details of your own life?**
* **In what ways do you see your own heritage (familial, spiritual, cultural) as part of God's larger narrative and purpose?**
* **How does the preparation of Joshua's lineage encourage you about God's long-term plans for His people and for individuals He calls to serve Him?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible, particularly in Chronicles, serve multiple crucial purposes beyond mere historical record. They establish tribal identity and land claims for the returning exiles, confirming their legitimate place in the covenant community. They validate priestly and Levitical lines, ensuring proper worship. Theologically, they demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen people and His promises across generations, especially the Davidic line leading to the Messiah. They show God's sovereign hand in history, meticulously orchestrating events and individuals to fulfill His redemptive plan, as seen in the detailed list of names found in [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies of Israel").

**What is the significance of the name "Jehoshua" (Joshua)?**

Answer: The name "Jehoshua" (or Joshua) is highly significant because it means "Yahweh is salvation" or "The Lord saves." This name is a prophetic declaration of the role Joshua would play as the one chosen by God to lead Israel into the Promised Land, delivering them from their wilderness wandering and establishing them in their inheritance. More profoundly, "Jehoshua" is the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek name "Iesous," which is translated as "Jesus." This linguistic connection highlights Joshua as a type of Christ, foreshadowing the ultimate Savior whose very name, [Jesus, means "He saves his people from their sins"](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People").

**How does this brief verse contribute to the overall message of 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Despite its brevity, 1 Chronicles 7:27 contributes significantly to the overall message of Chronicles by reinforcing the themes of divine continuity and God's sovereign plan. The Chronicler's primary aim was to encourage the post-exilic community by reminding them of their rich heritage and God's unwavering faithfulness. By meticulously recording the lineage of a pivotal figure like Joshua, the verse subtly assures the readers that God is still at work, preserving His people and preparing leaders, just as He did in the past. It underscores that even seemingly small details in God's grand narrative are important, contributing to the larger story of His redemptive purposes for Israel and, ultimately, for all humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 7:27, by meticulously preserving the lineage of Joshua, subtly points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises and the true "Joshua" who leads His people into their eternal inheritance. Joshua, whose name means "Yahweh is salvation," serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Joshua led Israel out of the wilderness and into the physical Promised Land, Jesus, whose Greek name is derived directly from "Jehoshua," leads believers out of the wilderness of sin and into the spiritual Promised Land of salvation and eternal rest. The book of Hebrews explicitly draws this parallel, noting that [Joshua did not give them the ultimate rest](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8 - Joshua Did Not Give Ultimate Rest"), implying a greater rest yet to come through Christ. Jesus is the greater Joshua, the one truly filled with the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, who accomplishes a far greater salvation than merely conquering earthly territory. His lineage, meticulously recorded in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), confirms His rightful place as the Son of David, the promised Messiah, and the one whose very name proclaims that [He will save His people from their sins](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People"). Thus, this brief genealogical entry in Chronicles ultimately directs our gaze to the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, our true and final deliverer, Jesus 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.

Cross-References

Exodus 17:9

And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

Exodus 17:14

And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this [for] a memorial in a book, and rehearse [it] in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

Numbers 13:8

Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun.

Exodus 24:13

And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.

Numbers 13:16

These [are] the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.

Numbers 11:28

And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, [one] of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

Deuteronomy 31:23

And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.