TRV
Translation
King James Version
All these were the children of Asher, heads of their father's house, choice and mighty men of valour, chief of the princes. And the number throughout the genealogy of them that were apt to the war and to battle was twenty and six thousand men.
KJV (with Strong's)
All these were the children H1121 of Asher H836, heads H7218 of their father's H1 house H1004, choice H1305 and mighty men H1368 of valour H2428, chief H7218 of the princes H5387. And the number H4557 throughout the genealogy H3187 of them that were apt to the war H6635 and to battle H4421 was twenty H6242 and six H8337 thousand H505 men H582.
Complete Jewish Bible
All these were descendants of Asher, leaders of their fathers'clans, elite, strong, brave men, the most important of the princes. Those fit for battle service, listed in genealogies, numbered 26,000 men.
Berean Standard Bible
All these were the descendants of Asher—heads of their families, choice and mighty men of valor, and chiefs among the leaders. The number of men fit for battle, recorded in their genealogies, was 26,000.
American Standard Version
All these were the children of Asher, heads of the fathers’ houses, choice and mighty men of valor, chief of the princes. And the number of them reckoned by genealogy for service in war was twenty and six thousand men.
World English Bible Messianic
All these were the children of Asher, heads of the fathers’ houses, choice and mighty men of valor, chief of the princes. The number of them reckoned by genealogy for service in war was twenty-six thousand men.
Geneva Bible (1599)
All these were the children of Asher, the heads of their fathers houses, noble men, valiant men of warre and chiefe princes, and they were rekoned by their genealogies for warre and for battell to the nomber of sixe and twentie thousand men.
Young's Literal Translation
All these are sons of Asher, heads of the house of the fathers, chosen ones, mighty in valour, heads of the princes, with their genealogy, for the host, for battle, their number is twenty and six thousand men.
In the KJVVerse 10,576 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 7 verses 20–40
20 ¶ And the sons of Ephraim; Shuthelah, and Bered his son, and Tahath his son, and Eladah his son, and Tahath his son,
21 And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath that were born in that land slew, because they came down to take away their cattle.
22 And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brethren came to comfort him.
23 And when he went in to his wife, she conceived, and bare a son, and he called his name Beriah, because it went evil with his house.
24 (And his daughter was Sherah, who built Bethhoron the nether, and the upper, and Uzzensherah.)
25 And Rephah was his son, also Resheph, and Telah his son, and Tahan his son,
26 Laadan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son,
27 Non his son, Jehoshua his son.
28 And their possessions and habitations were, Bethel and the towns thereof, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer, with the towns thereof; Shechem also and the towns thereof, unto Gaza and the towns thereof:
29 And by the borders of the children of Manasseh, Bethshean and her towns, Taanach and her towns, Megiddo and her towns, Dor and her towns. In these dwelt the children of Joseph the son of Israel.
30 The sons of Asher; Imnah, and Isuah, and Ishuai, and Beriah, and Serah their sister.
31 And the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel, who is the father of Birzavith.
32 And Heber begat Japhlet, and Shomer, and Hotham, and Shua their sister.
33 And the sons of Japhlet; Pasach, and Bimhal, and Ashvath. These are the children of Japhlet.
34 And the sons of Shamer; Ahi, and Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram.
35 And the sons of his brother Helem; Zophah, and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal.
36 The sons of Zophah; Suah, and Harnepher, and Shual, and Beri, and Imrah,
37 Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah, and Ithran, and Beera.
38 And the sons of Jether; Jephunneh, and Pispah, and Ara.
39 And the sons of Ulla; Arah, and Haniel, and Rezia.
40 All these were the children of Asher, heads of their father's house, choice and mighty men of valour, chief of the princes. And the number throughout the genealogy of them that were apt to the war and to battle was twenty and six thousand men.
We have here an account,
I. Of the tribe of Ephraim. Great things we read of that tribe when it came to maturity. Here we have an account of the disasters of its infancy, while it was in Egypt as it should seem; for Ephraim himself was alive when those things were done, which yet is hard to imagine if it were, as is here computed, seven generations off. Therefore I am apt to think that either it was another Ephraim or that those who were slain were the immediate sons of that Ephraim that was the son of Joseph. In this passage, which is related here only, we have, 1. The great breach that was made upon the family of Ephraim. The men of Gath, Philistines, giants, slew many of the sons of that family, because they came down to take away their cattle, Ch1 7:21. It is uncertain who were the aggressors here. Some make the men of Gath the aggressors, men born in the land of Egypt, but now resident in Gath, supposing that they came down into the land of Goshen, to drive away the Ephraimites' cattle, and slew the owners, because they stood up in the defence of them. Many a man's life has been exposed and betrayed by his wealth; so far is it from being a strong city. Others think that the Ephraimites made a descent upon the men of Gath to plunder them, presuming that the time had come when they should be put in possession of Canaan; but they paid dearly for their rashness and precipitation. Those that will not wait God's time cannot expect God's blessing. I rather think that the men of Gath came down upon the Ephraimites, because the Israelites in Egypt were shepherds, not soldiers, abounded in cattle of their own, and therefore were not likely to venture their lives for their neighbours' cattle: and the words may be read, The men of Gath slew them, for they came down to take away their cattle. Zabad the son of Ephraim, and Shuthelah, and Ezer, and Elead (his grandchildren), were, as Dr. Lightfoot thinks, the men that were slain. Jacob had foretold that the seed of Ephraim should become a multitude of nations (Gen 48:19), and yet that plant is thus nipped in the bud. God's providences often seem to contradict his promises; but, when they do so, they really magnify the promise, and make the performance of it, notwithstanding, so much more illustrious. The Ephraimites were the posterity of Joseph, and yet his power could not protect them, though some think he was yet living. The sword devours one as well as another. 2. The great grief which oppressed the father of the family hereupon: Ephraim mourned many days. Nothing brings the aged to the grave with more sorrow than their following the young that descend from them to the grave first, especially if in blood. It is often the burden of those that live to be old that they see those go before them of whom they said, These same shall comfort us. It was a brotherly friendly office which his brethren did, when they came to comfort him under this great affliction, to express their sympathy with him and concern for him, and to suggest that to him which would support and quiet him under this sad providence. Probably they reminded him of the promise of increase which Jacob had blessed him when he laid his right hand upon his head. Although his house was not so with God as he hoped, but a house of mourning, a shattered family, yet that promise was sure, Sa2 23:5. 3. The repair of this breach, in some measure, by addition of another son to his family in his old age (Ch1 7:23), like Seth, another seed instead of that of Abel whom Cain slew, Gen 4:25. When God thus restores comfort to his mourners, makes glad according to the days wherein he afflicted, setting the mercies over against the crosses, we ought therein to take notice of the kindness and tenderness of divine Providence; it is as if it repented God concerning his servants, Psa 90:13, Psa 90:15. Yet joy that a man was born into his family could not make him forget his grief; for he gives a melancholy name to his son, Beriah - in trouble, for he was born when the family was in mourning, when it went evil with his house. It is good to have in remembrance the affliction and the misery, the wormwood and the gall, that our souls may be humbled within us, Lam 3:19, Lam 3:20. What name more proper for man that is born of a woman than Beriah, because born into a troublesome world? It is added, as a further honour to the house of Ephraim, (1.) That a daughter of that tribe, Sherah by name, at the time of Israel's setting in Canaan, built some cities, either at her own charge or by her own care; one of them bore her name, Uzzen-sherah, Ch1 7:24. A virtuous woman may be as great an honour and blessing to a family as a mighty man. (2.) That a son of that tribe was employed in the conquest of Canaan, Joshua the son of Nun, Ch1 7:27. In this also the breach made on Ephraim's family was further repaired; and perhaps the resentment of this injury formerly done by the Canaanites to the Ephraimites might make him more vigorous in the war.
II. Of the tribe of Asher. Some men of note of that tribe are here named. Their militia was not numerous in comparison with some other tribes, only 26,000 men in all; but their princes were choice and mighty men of valour, chief of the princes (Ch1 7:40), and perhaps it was their wisdom that they coveted not to make their trained bands numerous, but rather to have a few, and those apt to the war and serviceable men.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–40. Public domain.
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Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON FIRST CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
This verse provides a concluding summary for the genealogical record of the tribe of Asher, meticulously detailing their leadership structure and military strength. It highlights that the descendants of Asher were not only organized under "heads of their father's house" and "chief of the princes" but also comprised a formidable fighting force of twenty-six thousand "choice and mighty men of valour" who were "apt to the war." Placed within the broader context of Chronicles' post-exilic genealogies, this enumeration underscores the enduring importance of tribal identity, divine faithfulness in preserving the nation, and the practical necessity of military readiness for the re-established community of Israel.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler's pervasive use of Enumeration and Cataloging is the most prominent literary device in 1 Chronicles 7:40, consistent with the broader genealogical sections of the book. The precise listing of "twenty and six thousand men" underscores the meticulous nature of the record-keeping and the profound importance placed on numerical strength and organizational structure within the re-established community. This detailed accounting serves to validate the post-exilic community's identity, resources, and potential. Furthermore, the strategic use of Descriptive Adjectives and Appositional Phrases—such as "choice," "mighty men of valour," "chief of the princes," and "apt to the war"—serves to elevate the status and highlight the exceptional capabilities of Asher's descendants. These phrases are not merely factual but function to glorify and emphasize the superior quality and readiness of the tribe, instilling a sense of pride and reassurance for the original audience. The consistent focus on military prowess across the genealogies also operates as a powerful Thematic Repetition, reinforcing the Chronicler's overarching message about the vital importance of strength, order, and readiness for God's people in fulfilling their divine mandate.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:40, while appearing as a straightforward list of names and numbers, carries profound theological weight. It stands as a powerful testament to God's meticulous care and unwavering faithfulness in preserving the lineage and distinct identity of His covenant people. Even after the devastating experience of exile, God ensures that the tribal records remain intact, affirming His enduring promises and the unbroken continuity of Israel's heritage. The emphasis on "mighty men of valour" and military readiness speaks directly to God's provision for His people's security and His expectation that they be prepared, both physically and spiritually, to defend His purposes in the world. This is not a call to aggression, but a recognition of the necessary strength and order required for God's people to thrive and fulfill their divine mandate in a fallen world. The detailed organization of "heads of their father's house" and "chief of the princes" further underscores the divine value of structure, leadership, and accountability within the community of faith, reflecting God's own orderly and sovereign character.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient record of Asher's military strength and leadership in 1 Chronicles 7:40 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today. Just as the post-exilic community needed to deeply understand their heritage and be prepared for the formidable challenges of their era, we are likewise called to grasp our spiritual lineage as children of God and co-heirs with Christ. This foundational understanding grounds our identity, clarifies our purpose, and provides a secure anchor in a shifting world. The emphasis on being "choice and mighty men of valour" and "apt to the war" can be powerfully applied to the Christian life, which is frequently described in Scripture as a spiritual battle. We are called to be vigilant, courageous, and thoroughly equipped with the "full armor of God" to stand firm against the spiritual forces of evil. Furthermore, the structured leadership within Asher's tribe serves as a potent reminder of the paramount importance of godly leadership, divine order, and mutual accountability within our families, local churches, and broader communities. Effective organization and strong, virtuous leaders are absolutely essential for the flourishing, mission, and spiritual health of God's people in every generation. This verse, therefore, encourages us to deeply embrace our spiritual heritage, diligently cultivate spiritual strength, and profoundly value the ordered leadership that enables us to effectively fulfill God's purposes in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does the Chronicler dedicate so much space to genealogies, and what is the significance of military counts like Asher's?
Answer: The extensive genealogies in Chronicles, particularly in 1 Chronicles 1-9, served a crucial and multifaceted purpose for the post-exilic community in Israel. After the devastating Babylonian captivity, the returning exiles desperately needed to re-establish their identity, validate their claims to ancestral land, confirm their tribal affiliations, and legitimize their priestly and Levitical lineages for temple service. These comprehensive lists provided a tangible and vital link to their past, affirming God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and demonstrating the unbroken continuity of His people. Military counts, such as the 26,000 men from Asher enumerated in 1 Chronicles 7:40, were significant for several key reasons. They powerfully demonstrated the nation's capacity for defense and security in a volatile geopolitical region, offering much-needed reassurance to a vulnerable community. They also highlighted the specific contributions of each tribe to the national strength, thereby reinforcing a vital sense of unity and shared responsibility in the monumental rebuilding process. Furthermore, such detailed records underscored the divine order and meticulousness in God's dealings with His people, showing that even in their dispersed state, their identity, potential, and future were divinely preserved.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:40 meticulously details the physical lineage and military strength of an Old Testament tribe, its underlying themes find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His spiritual kingdom. The meticulous preservation of Asher's genealogy foreshadows the perfect and unbroken lineage of Christ, who is the true "head of the house" for all humanity, tracing His ancestry back through Abraham and David, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew 1 and Luke 3. Jesus is the quintessential "mighty man of valour" (Hebrew: gibbor), not merely in physical strength, but supremely in His divine power to conquer sin, death, and the forces of evil, as powerfully prophesied in Isaiah 9:6. He is the "chief of the princes," the sovereign King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who reigns supreme over all creation (Revelation 19:16). Furthermore, the "twenty and six thousand men" of Asher, "apt to the war," find their spiritual counterpart in the Church, the body of Christ. Believers are called to be Christ's spiritual army, equipped not with carnal weapons but with the "full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:10-18) to engage in spiritual warfare against the true enemies of God. Through Christ, we are made strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God's people to advance His kingdom and display His glory to the world.