1 Chronicles 7:36

KJV

The sons of Zophah; Suah, and Harnepher, and Shual, and Beri, and Imrah,

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Zophah {H6690}; Suah {H5477}, and Harnepher {H2774}, and Shual {H7777}, and Beri {H1275}, and Imrah {H3236},

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Zofach were: Suach, Harnefer, Shu'al, Beri, Yimrah,

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Zophah:

American Standard Version

The sons of Zophah: Suah, and Harnepher, and Shual, and Beri, and Imrah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:36 is a concise verse within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Asher, meticulously listing five of Zophah's sons: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, and Imrah. While appearing as a simple enumeration of names, this verse, like others in the surrounding chapters, serves a crucial role in the post-exilic Chronicler's historical and theological narrative, affirming the continuity of God's covenant people, preserving tribal identity, and underscoring divine faithfulness in remembering every individual within Israel's lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 7, a chapter dedicated to detailing the genealogies of several northern Israelite tribes, including Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. The broader book of Chronicles, written after the Babylonian exile, served as a theological and historical reminder to the returning exiles of their heritage, their identity as God's chosen people, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel. The Chronicler's emphasis on genealogies, particularly those of the tribes and the royal and priestly lines, was foundational to re-establishing a sense of continuity and legitimacy for the nascent community. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 7:36 falls within the detailed enumeration of the descendants of Asher, highlighting the growth, structure, and distinct family units within this particular tribe, thereby contributing to the comprehensive record of Israel's tribal composition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period following the Babylonian exile (circa 538 BCE onwards) was one of profound re-establishment for the Jewish community. Genealogies were not mere historical curiosities but vital documents that confirmed tribal affiliations, established rights to land inheritance (especially crucial for reclaiming ancestral territories), validated priestly and royal lineages, and ensured the purity of the community. For a people returning from exile, a clear understanding of their lineage was paramount for restoring social order, religious practices, and national identity. The Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping, therefore, addressed the existential questions of who belonged to Israel, who could serve in the temple, and who had a claim to the land, reinforcing the idea that despite the exile, God's covenant people endured.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of names in 1 Chronicles 7:36, and indeed throughout the genealogies of Chronicles, contributes to several major theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Preservation of Lineage**, emphasizing the divine importance of maintaining the family lines of Israel, which was crucial for tribal distinctions, land inheritance, and ultimately, the fulfillment of messianic prophecies (see [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah")). Secondly, it reinforces **Tribal Identity and Continuity**, as the listing of sons and their descendants reaffirms the distinct identity of the tribe of Asher within the larger nation of Israel, emphasizing the enduring nature of God's people through generations, even after significant historical disruptions like the exile. Thirdly, the very existence of such precise genealogies speaks to **God's Meticulous Care** and His faithfulness in remembering every individual within His covenant people, reflecting a divine order and purpose in human history. Finally, these genealogies subtly lay the groundwork for **Messianic Anticipation**, as the preservation of specific tribal lines (like Judah's, highlighted in [1 Chronicles 2](/1_chronicles/2 "1 Chronicles 2 - Genealogy of Judah")) was essential for the eventual appearance of the promised Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sons (Hebrew: בְּנֵי, _b'nei_):** This term is fundamental, signifying not just male offspring but also descendants, heirs, and members of a family or clan. In genealogical contexts like 1 Chronicles 7:36, "sons" establishes the direct line of descent and continuity, indicating who inherits the family name, tribal identity, and potentially, land rights. It highlights the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society and the method by which lineage was traced and preserved.
* **Zophah (Hebrew: צוֹפָח, _Tzophach_):** As a proper noun, Zophah serves as a specific identifier for the patriarch whose sons are listed. While the etymological meaning of proper names can sometimes offer insights, in this context, "Zophah" primarily functions to anchor this particular family branch within the larger Asherite genealogy. It points to a distinct individual who was a recognized head of a household or clan within the tribe, ensuring that the lineage was precisely recorded and traceable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Zophah;":** This initial phrase immediately establishes the relationship and the lineage being traced. It indicates that the following names are the direct male descendants of a specific individual named Zophah, placing them within a defined family unit and, by extension, within the tribe of Asher. This structure is typical of biblical genealogies, providing a clear hierarchical organization.
* **"Suah, and Harnepher, and Shual, and Beri, and Imrah,":** This is a simple, unadorned list of five proper names. Each name represents an individual who was a son of Zophah. The lack of additional descriptive information (e.g., their deeds, their families, their roles) emphasizes that the primary purpose of this verse is to record and preserve the names for genealogical completeness. The conjunctive "and" (וְ, _v'_) links each name, creating a straightforward enumeration that contributes to the comprehensive record of the Asherite families.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:36, and indeed throughout much of Chronicles 7, is **Genealogy**. This is a specific literary form characterized by the systematic listing of ancestors and descendants. Its purpose here is not merely historical but deeply theological: to establish legitimacy, confirm tribal identity, demonstrate continuity from patriarchal times to the post-exilic era, and underscore God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people. The verse also employs **Enumeration** or **Litany**, presenting a simple list of names without elaboration, which serves to emphasize the sheer number and meticulous recording of individuals within the tribal structure. This repetitive listing of names, while seemingly mundane, reinforces the Chronicler's intent to provide a comprehensive and unbroken record, ensuring that no branch of the family tree is overlooked by divine providence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:36, though a simple list of names, profoundly connects to the overarching biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and His meticulous care for His people. The very act of preserving such detailed genealogies, even for seemingly minor figures, testifies to God's commitment to His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring the continuity of the chosen nation through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. These lists affirm the identity of Israel as a distinct people, chosen by God, whose lineage was divinely guarded. They serve as a testament to the fact that God remembers every individual within His covenant, even those whose stories are not extensively recorded, emphasizing that every life has significance in His grand design. Ultimately, these genealogies lay the essential groundwork for the coming of the Messiah, whose lineage would be traced through specific tribal lines.

* [Genesis 10:1-32](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations")
* [Numbers 1:1-46](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1-46 - The Census of Israel")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 7:36 might initially appear as a dry, uninteresting list of names, it offers profound spiritual lessons for the contemporary believer. The meticulous detail with which God's Word records these lineages speaks volumes about His character. It reminds us that every individual, regardless of their perceived prominence or historical impact, is known and valued by God. Just as Zophah's sons were not forgotten, neither are we. This verse encourages us to appreciate our spiritual heritage, recognizing that we are part of a continuous line of faith, connected to generations of believers who have gone before us. It reinforces the truth of God's enduring faithfulness across time, providing a solid foundation for our trust in His promises today. Our lives, though seemingly small in the grand tapestry of human history, are intricately woven into God's sovereign plan, and He remembers us by name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of names like those in 1 Chronicles 7:36 challenge our modern tendency to focus only on "important" or "famous" individuals?**
* **In what ways does understanding our spiritual heritage and the continuity of God's people strengthen our sense of identity and belonging in the body of Christ?**
* **What does God's faithfulness in preserving these ancient lineages teach us about His commitment to His promises in our own lives today?**
* **How can we live in a way that honors the legacy of faith passed down through generations, both biblically and personally?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 7:36, so prevalent and seemingly detailed, even for obscure figures?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies serve multiple critical purposes beyond mere historical record-keeping. Firstly, they establish **legitimacy and identity**, confirming tribal affiliations, land rights, and eligibility for priestly or royal service, especially vital for the post-exilic community. Secondly, they demonstrate **continuity and covenant faithfulness**, showing how God preserved His chosen people through generations, fulfilling His promises made to Abraham (see [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram")). Thirdly, they lay the **foundational groundwork for messianic expectation**, meticulously tracing the lineage through which the promised Messiah would come (as seen in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus")). Even seemingly obscure names underscore God's meticulous care for every individual within His covenant plan, ensuring that no one is forgotten and every piece of the divine tapestry is accounted for.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane list of names in 1 Chronicles 7:36, like all Old Testament genealogies, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. These meticulous records, preserving the distinct tribal lines and family units of Israel, were not merely historical curiosities but divinely orchestrated preparations for the Incarnation. They ensured that when the Messiah finally appeared, His lineage could be irrefutably traced back through the promised seed of Abraham (as highlighted in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")) and the royal line of David (foretold in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The fact that God cared enough to preserve the names of Zophah's sons in the tribe of Asher speaks to His comprehensive attention to every detail of His redemptive plan, a plan that culminated in the birth of Jesus. Both Matthew's and Luke's Gospels provide detailed genealogies of Christ ([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")), demonstrating how all these ancient lines converged in Him, confirming His identity as the promised Son of God and the rightful King, the one in whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). Thus, even a verse listing five obscure names points to the faithfulness of God in preparing the way for our Savior.

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.