1 Chronicles 7:38

KJV

And the sons of Jether; Jephunneh, and Pispah, and Ara.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Jether {H3500}; Jephunneh {H3312}, and Pispah {H6462}, and Ara {H690}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Yeter were: Y'funeh, Pispah and Ara.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Jether: Jephunneh, and Pispa, and Ara.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:38 is a concise genealogical entry, listing "Jephunneh, Pispah, and Ara" as the sons of Jether within the tribe of Asher. This verse, though brief, serves as a vital component of the extensive genealogical records found in the early chapters of 1 Chronicles. It meticulously preserves the lineage of one of Israel's twelve tribes, reinforcing the post-exilic community's identity, their connection to their ancestral heritage, and the unbroken continuity of God's covenant faithfulness through generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the lengthy and detailed genealogical records of 1 Chronicles chapters 1-9, which primarily enumerate the descendants of Israel's twelve tribes. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 7 focuses on the tribes of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh (half-tribe), Ephraim, and Asher. Verses [1 Chronicles 7:30-40](/1_chronicles/7-30 "1 Chronicles 7:30-40 - The Genealogy of Asher") are dedicated to the genealogy of Asher, a tribe known for its fertile land and coastal dwelling. The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 7:38, listing the sons of Jether, underscores the meticulousness with which the Chronicler records even seemingly minor family lines, ensuring a comprehensive account of tribal identity and continuity. These lists are not mere dry records but foundational documents for the re-establishment of Israelite society after the Babylonian exile, emphasizing their heritage and divine election.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was compiled in the post-exilic period, likely around the 5th to 4th century BCE, after the return of the Jewish people from Babylon. For a community rebuilding its national and religious identity, these genealogies were indispensable. They served several critical functions: establishing land rights and tribal boundaries, confirming eligibility for priestly and Levitical service, and reaffirming the continuity of God's covenant people. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, lineage was paramount, determining social status, inheritance, and political legitimacy. The detailed recording of names, even those without accompanying narratives, was a testament to the importance of every individual's place within the collective history and divine plan, providing a tangible link to the patriarchs and the covenant promises.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous enumeration of names in 1 Chronicles 7:38, like other genealogical entries, contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. First, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Meticulousness**, demonstrating God's precise attention to every detail of His people's history and His unwavering commitment to preserving their lineage. Even seemingly obscure individuals like Jephunneh, Pispah, and Ara are known and recorded in God's grand narrative. Second, it underscores the **Importance of Lineage and Identity**, providing a concrete foundation for the post-exilic community's tribal identity and their claim to the land promised to their forefathers, as seen in the broader context of the tribal allotments in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - Division of the Land"). Finally, these genealogies emphasize **Historical Continuity**, serving as a bridge that connects the returning exiles to their rich past, the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the unbroken thread of God's work through human generations, ultimately pointing towards the fulfillment of His redemptive plan, a theme woven throughout the biblical narrative from [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abram") onward.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sons (Hebrew, בְּנֵי _b'nei_):** This common Hebrew term, meaning "sons" or "descendants," is fundamental to genealogical lists. Its consistent use here underscores the patrilineal nature of Israelite society and the method by which lineage, inheritance, and tribal identity were passed down. The focus is on the male line, which was crucial for establishing legal claims and maintaining tribal structures.
* **Jether (Hebrew, יֶתֶר _Yeter_):** The name Jether means "abundance," "remainder," or "excellence." While the etymology of individual names in genealogies is not always explicitly expounded in the text, their inclusion signifies the individual's existence and their place within the family tree. In this context, Jether is the progenitor of the three individuals listed, serving as a nodal point in the Asherite lineage, linking a specific family unit to the larger tribal structure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Jether;":** This introductory clause identifies Jether as the father or progenitor. In ancient genealogies, "sons of" could also refer to broader descendants, but in this immediate context, it most likely refers to his direct male offspring. This phrase serves to precisely locate the following names within the larger family tree of Asher, ensuring clarity and order in the record.
* **"Jephunneh, and Pispah, and Ara.":** These are the three specific individuals listed as Jether's sons. Their names, while not accompanied by any narrative or historical details, are meticulously recorded. The act of listing them, even without further elaboration, signifies their existence and their integral, though perhaps minor, role in the continuity of the tribe of Asher. Their inclusion reinforces the Chronicler's commitment to a comprehensive and unbroken record of Israel's heritage.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:38, and indeed throughout the genealogical sections of Chronicles, is **Enumeration**. This involves the systematic listing of names and lineages. While seemingly dry, this detailed enumeration serves profound theological and historical purposes. It emphasizes the **Meticulousness** of divine record-keeping and the human effort to preserve history. The sheer volume of names, often without accompanying narratives, highlights the **Continuity** of God's people through generations, even through periods of exile and hardship. The names themselves, though not individually explored for their meaning in this verse, collectively contribute to the **Symbolism** of identity, heritage, and the unfolding of God's covenant promises through specific family lines. The repetitive nature of these lists also creates a sense of **Rhythm** and **Completeness**, reinforcing the idea that no part of Israel's divinely ordained history is overlooked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of seemingly minor names like Jephunneh, Pispah, and Ara in the biblical record speaks volumes about God's character and His relationship with humanity. It underscores the profound truth that God is intimately acquainted with every individual, not merely with nations or grand historical movements. This meticulous preservation of lineage reflects God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people across generations, even when human history might forget specific individuals. It reminds us that every life, however briefly mentioned or seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme, holds value and a place in God's overarching narrative, contributing to the tapestry of His redemptive plan.

* [Psalm 139:16](/psalm/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days")
* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Covenant Faithfulness")
* [Philippians 4:3](/philippians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Names in the Book of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief entry of 1 Chronicles 7:38, though a simple list of names, offers profound spiritual insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's knowledge is not generic but profoundly personal. Just as He meticulously recorded the lineage of Jephunneh, Pispah, and Ara, He knows each one of us by name, our heritage, our struggles, and our aspirations. This truth should instill a deep sense of security and value, knowing that we are not overlooked or forgotten in the vastness of human history. Furthermore, understanding our place within God's spiritual lineage, connected to His people through Christ, provides a rich foundation for our identity and purpose. Every believer, regardless of their perceived impact, contributes to the ongoing work of God's kingdom, just as every name in these genealogies contributed to the continuity of Israel. Our lives, lived faithfully, are part of a grand, divine narrative that spans generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of these genealogies affirm God's personal knowledge of you and His care for every detail of your life?**
* **In what ways does understanding your spiritual heritage in Christ strengthen your identity and sense of belonging within God's family?**
* **How can you live out the truth that every life, however seemingly small, contributes to God's kingdom and His unfolding plan?**

### FAQ

**Why are these seemingly insignificant names included in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of names like Jephunneh, Pispah, and Ara, even without accompanying narratives, serves several crucial purposes within the biblical text, particularly in the book of Chronicles. Primarily, these genealogies provided the post-exilic community with a vital link to their past, affirming their tribal identity, establishing land rights, and confirming eligibility for priestly and Levitical service. They demonstrated the continuity of God's covenant people despite the exile. Theologically, these lists underscore God's meticulous attention to detail and His faithfulness in preserving the lineage of His chosen people. Every individual, no matter how obscure to human history, is known and recorded by God, reinforcing the truth that no one is forgotten in His divine plan. This precision also highlights the historical reliability of the biblical record and God's sovereign oversight of human history, a theme seen throughout the Old Testament, from the detailed family trees in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") to the tribal lists in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Census of Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:38, a specific genealogical entry within the tribe of Asher, does not directly trace the Messianic lineage (which primarily flows through Judah), it contributes to the broader Christ-centered fulfillment of the biblical narrative in profound ways. The meticulous preservation of these extensive genealogies throughout Chronicles underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His sovereign control over human history. This divine faithfulness, evident in the careful recording of every family line, culminates in the ultimate preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would come. The very existence of a people, meticulously documented through generations despite trials and exiles, points to God's steadfast purpose to bring forth His Anointed One. The genealogies of Jesus in the New Testament, such as those found in [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"), are the ultimate fulfillment of this divine record-keeping, demonstrating that God's plan, meticulously detailed and preserved from the earliest days of Israel, perfectly unfolded to bring forth the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, thereby fulfilling all the promises made to Abraham and David (as seen in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed") and [Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Concerning His Son, who was born of the seed of David")).

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.