1 Chronicles 7:33

KJV

And the sons of Japhlet; Pasach, and Bimhal, and Ashvath. These [are] the children of Japhlet.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Japhlet {H3310}; Pasach {H6457}, and Bimhal {H1118}, and Ashvath {H6220}. These are the children {H1121} of Japhlet {H3310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Yaflet were: Pasakh, Bimhal and 'Ashvat; these were the sons of Yaflet.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These were Japhlet’s sons.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Japhlet: Pasach, and Bimhal, and Ashvath. These are the children of Japhlet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:33 meticulously records a brief segment of the extensive genealogy of the tribe of Asher, specifically identifying Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath as the sons of Japhlet. This concise verse, though seemingly a mere list of names, serves to affirm familial connections, establish tribal identity, and underscore the chronicler's diligent preservation of Israel's historical and covenantal lineage within the broader narrative of God's faithfulness to His people, ensuring the continuity of the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the comprehensive genealogical records that dominate the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles ([1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1-9 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies of Israel")). These lists serve as the foundational bedrock for the historical narrative that follows, establishing the legitimate lineage of the Israelite tribes, particularly after the Babylonian exile when identity and heritage were paramount. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 7](/1_chronicles/7 "1 Chronicles 7 - Genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher") focuses on the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. Verse 33 falls within the detailed account of the tribe of Asher, which begins in [1 Chronicles 7:30](/1_chronicles/7-30 "1 Chronicles 7:30 - The Genealogy of Asher"). The chronicler's meticulous attention to these family trees underscores the historical continuity and divine preservation of the Israelite people, connecting the post-exilic community to their ancient roots and the covenant promises made to their forefathers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogies were far more than simple family trees; they were vital legal and theological documents. They established tribal identity, validated claims to land inheritance (as outlined in books like [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - Census and Land Distribution")), confirmed eligibility for priestly or Levitical service, and critically, traced the lineage leading to the promised Messiah. The post-exilic community, for whom 1 Chronicles was primarily written, faced challenges of identity and purity. These genealogies served to re-establish who belonged to the covenant community, differentiating them from foreign populations and ensuring the proper functioning of the temple worship. The precise recording of names like Japhlet, Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath, even without accompanying narratives, highlights the cultural importance of knowing one's heritage and place within the divinely ordered tribal structure and the broader covenant.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 7:33, like other genealogical entries, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Importance of Lineage and Identity**, showcasing how individual lives, no matter how briefly mentioned, form part of a larger, divinely ordained family history. These lists were not arbitrary but affirmed the covenant community's continuity. Secondly, the meticulous detail reflects **God's Attention to Detail and Sovereignty**, suggesting that even seemingly minor figures are known and recorded by God, demonstrating His comprehensive care for His people. This aligns with the biblical teaching that God knows each person intimately, as seen in [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalms/139-13-16 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's Intimate Knowledge of Us"). Finally, these genealogies serve as a testament to the **Preservation of History and God's Faithfulness**, ensuring that the historical continuity of Israel was maintained, connecting generations and affirming God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises across time, ultimately pointing towards the coming of the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** This noun (appearing in its plural form in the verse) fundamentally denotes a male offspring, but in its broader biblical usage, it encompasses a wide range of relationships, including descendants, members of a group, or even those characterized by a certain quality. In genealogies, "sons" are crucial for the continuation of the family name, the inheritance of land, and the preservation of tribal identity, signifying the perpetuation and expansion of the lineage.
* **Japhlet (Hebrew, _Yaphlêṭ_):** This proper noun identifies the patriarch from whom Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath descend. The name itself means "he will deliver," which, while not directly expounded upon in the text, subtly connects to the broader theme of God's deliverance and preservation of His people, whose lineage is meticulously recorded. In this context, Japhlet serves as a vital anchor point for this specific branch of Asher's family tree.
* **Ashvath (Hebrew, _ʻAshvâth_):** As one of the specific names listed, Ashvath (along with Pasach and Bimhal) represents an individual member of the tribe of Asher. The name means "bright." The very act of naming, even without accompanying narrative, underscores the value placed on each person within the covenant community. It signifies that these individuals were recognized members of God's people, contributing to the collective identity and history of Israel, and were not lost to obscurity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Japhlet;":** This opening phrase immediately establishes a direct lineage, introducing the male descendants of a specific individual named Japhlet. It sets the stage for the enumeration of his immediate offspring, highlighting the patriarchal structure central to Israelite genealogies and the importance of the father's line.
* **"Pasach, and Bimhal, and Ashvath.":** This is the core enumeration, listing the three named sons of Japhlet. The simple conjunction "and" connects each name, emphasizing their collective identity as brothers and direct descendants. The absence of further descriptive information is typical of genealogical lists, where the primary purpose is identification and connection, not narrative development or individual biography.
* **"These [are] the children of Japhlet.":** This concluding phrase serves as a reiteration and summary, confirming the relationship stated at the beginning of the verse. The repetition reinforces the identity of the listed individuals as belonging specifically to Japhlet's line, providing a clear and unambiguous closure to this particular genealogical entry and emphasizing the precise nature of the record.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:33 is **Genealogy**, which is a structured list of ancestors and descendants. This verse is a concise example of this device, typical of the broader chapters in 1 Chronicles, serving to establish lineage and continuity rather than narrative. The use of **Enumeration** is evident in the straightforward listing of names: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath, providing a clear and direct presentation of the family members. There is also a subtle use of **Repetition** or **Inclusio** in the framing of the verse, beginning with "sons of Japhlet" and concluding with "children of Japhlet." This literary technique serves to clearly define the scope of the entry and reinforce the familial connection, creating a neat, self-contained unit. The **Concision** of the verse, presenting only names without accompanying narrative, is also a deliberate stylistic choice, emphasizing the functional purpose of establishing lineage over storytelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:33, though a brief genealogical entry, resonates with profound theological and thematic connections throughout Scripture. It underscores the biblical emphasis on identity, belonging, and the meticulous nature of God's plan. The very act of recording these names, even seemingly obscure ones, speaks to God's comprehensive knowledge and care for every individual within His covenant people. It reinforces the idea that no life is insignificant in God's grand narrative. Furthermore, these genealogies serve to demonstrate the continuity of God's promises through generations, ensuring that the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come was preserved and verifiable. This meticulous record-keeping reflects God's faithfulness across time, assuring His people that His word endures and that His redemptive purposes will be fulfilled.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1-32 "Genesis 5 - The Genealogy from Adam to Noah") - Illustrates the foundational importance of genealogies in establishing human history and the lineage of promise from the earliest times, beginning with Adam.
* [Numbers 26:44-47](/numbers/26-44-47 "Numbers 26:44-47 - Census of Asher's Clans") - Provides the broader tribal context for Asher's lineage, showing how 1 Chronicles 7:33 fits into the larger census and tribal organization of Israel, particularly the clans of Asher.
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59-63 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry") - Highlights the critical importance of verifiable genealogies for establishing identity and eligibility for sacred service, especially for the returning exiles who needed to confirm their place in the covenant community.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 7:33 might appear to be a dry list of names, its inclusion in sacred scripture offers rich opportunities for reflection and application in our contemporary lives. This verse subtly reminds us that every individual, no matter how seemingly ordinary or briefly mentioned, holds significance in God's eyes and within His larger story. Just as Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath were important enough to be recorded, so too are our lives known and valued by God. This should instill in us a profound sense of worth and belonging, recognizing that we are not anonymous in the vastness of humanity but are intimately known by our Creator. Furthermore, this verse encourages us to consider our own place within the ongoing narrative of God's work in the world. We are part of a spiritual family, connected to a heritage of faith that spans millennia. Understanding this connection can inspire us to live faithfully, knowing that our lives, like those in the genealogies, contribute to a divine purpose that extends beyond ourselves. It also prompts us to appreciate the "mundane" acts of faithfulness—like diligent record-keeping or preserving family history—as they can serve a larger, God-ordained purpose in maintaining identity, truth, and continuity for future generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of seemingly "minor" individuals in genealogies like this verse challenge our perception of what is important to God?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God values individual identity and lineage encourage or comfort you in your own life today?**
* **How can we, in our own contexts, honor and preserve our spiritual heritage and the stories of those who came before us in faith?**
* **What "mundane" tasks or details in your life might God be using to contribute to a larger, unseen purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why are these names listed without more information or narrative?**

Answer: The primary purpose of genealogies in biblical texts, especially in 1 Chronicles, is not to provide narrative stories about individuals but to establish and confirm lineage, tribal identity, and historical continuity. For the post-exilic community, these lists were crucial for validating claims to land, priestly service, and ensuring the purity of the Israelite heritage. Names like Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath serve as markers in a chain, confirming the existence and connection of individuals within the larger tribal structure of Asher, which was vital for understanding who belonged to the covenant people. The chronicler's focus was on the overall structure and flow of Israel's history, leading ultimately to the Davidic line, rather than individual biographies.

**What is the broader significance of genealogies in the Bible, beyond just lists of names?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible hold immense theological and historical significance. They serve multiple purposes: establishing identity (e.g., [Numbers 1:1-46](/numbers/1-1-46 "Numbers 1:1-46 - Census of Israel")), validating inheritance (e.g., [Joshua 14:1-5](/joshua/14-1-5 "Joshua 14:1-5 - Division of the Land by Lot")), ensuring purity (especially after the exile, they helped maintain the distinctiveness of the Israelite community and proper lineage for religious offices (e.g., [Nehemiah 7:61-65](/nehemiah/7-61-65 "Nehemiah 7:61-65 - Priests Who Could Not Prove Their Lineage"))), demonstrating God's faithfulness (they show God's consistent work through generations, preserving a people and a lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold), and ultimately pointing to the Messiah (their most profound significance is their role in tracing the lineage of Jesus Christ, demonstrating His rightful claim as the promised Messiah (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-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:33 is a seemingly obscure genealogical entry from the Old Testament, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the grand narrative of God's meticulous preservation of lineage, which ultimately culminates in the person of Jesus Christ. The chronicler's diligent work in recording every name, no matter how brief the mention, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His sovereign oversight of human history. Every name in these genealogies, including Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath, forms part of the intricate tapestry that leads to the ultimate "seed" promised to Abraham ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). The New Testament genealogies in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus") demonstrate how God meticulously guided the lineage through David, through Judah, and ultimately to Jesus, establishing His rightful claim to the messianic throne. Furthermore, in Christ, the concept of belonging to God's family transcends biological lineage; through faith in Him, believers are spiritually adopted as "sons and daughters" of God ([Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26-29 "Galatians 3:26-29 - Children of God by Faith")) and become part of a new, spiritual genealogy that spans all nations and generations, fulfilling the promise that in Abraham's seed "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" ([Acts 3:25](/acts/3-25 "Acts 3:25 - Fulfillment of Abrahamic Covenant")). Thus, even a verse like 1 Chronicles 7:33, by affirming the continuity of God's people, subtly points to the one in 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.