TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the number of them, after their genealogy by their generations, heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valour, was twenty thousand and two hundred.
Complete Jewish Bible
Listed in genealogical records by generations under leaders of fathers' clans, who were strong, brave men, were 20,200.
Berean Standard Bible
Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth; all these were Becher’s sons. Their genealogies were recorded according to the heads of their families—20,200 mighty men of valor.
American Standard Version
And they were reckoned by genealogy, after their generations, heads of their fathers’ houses, mighty men of valor, twenty thousand and two hundred.
World English Bible Messianic
They were reckoned by genealogy, after their generations, heads of their fathers’ houses, mighty men of valor, twenty thousand two hundred.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they were nombred by their genealogies according to their generations, and the chiefe of the houses of their fathers, valiant men of warre, twenty thousand and two hundreth.
Young's Literal Translation
with their genealogy, after their generations, heads of a house of their fathers, mighty of valour, twenty thousand and two hundred.
In the KJVVerse 10,545 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 7 verses 1–19
1 ¶ Now the sons of Issachar were, Tola, and Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four.
2 And the sons of Tola; Uzzi, and Rephaiah, and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and Jibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their father's house, to wit, of Tola: they were valiant men of might in their generations; whose number was in the days of David two and twenty thousand and six hundred.
3 And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men.
4 And with them, by their generations, after the house of their fathers, were bands of soldiers for war, six and thirty thousand men: for they had many wives and sons.
5 And their brethren among all the families of Issachar were valiant men of might, reckoned in all by their genealogies fourscore and seven thousand.
6 The sons of Benjamin; Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three.
7 And the sons of Bela; Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valour; and were reckoned by their genealogies twenty and two thousand and thirty and four.
8 And the sons of Becher; Zemira, and Joash, and Eliezer, and Elioenai, and Omri, and Jerimoth, and Abiah, and Anathoth, and Alameth. All these are the sons of Becher.
9 And the number of them, after their genealogy by their generations, heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valour, was twenty thousand and two hundred.
10 The sons also of Jediael; Bilhan: and the sons of Bilhan; Jeush, and Benjamin, and Ehud, and Chenaanah, and Zethan, and Tharshish, and Ahishahar.
11 All these the sons of Jediael, by the heads of their fathers, mighty men of valour, were seventeen thousand and two hundred soldiers, fit to go out for war and battle.
12 Shuppim also, and Huppim, the children of Ir, and Hushim, the sons of Aher.
13 The sons of Naphtali; Jahziel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shallum, the sons of Bilhah.
14 The sons of Manasseh; Ashriel, whom she bare: (but his concubine the Aramitess bare Machir the father of Gilead:
15 And Machir took to wife the sister of Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister's name was Maachah;) and the name of the second was Zelophehad: and Zelophehad had daughters.
16 And Maachah the wife of Machir bare a son, and she called his name Peresh; and the name of his brother was Sheresh; and his sons were Ulam and Rakem.
17 And the sons of Ulam; Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh.
18 And his sister Hammoleketh bare Ishod, and Abiezer, and Mahalah.
19 And the sons of Shemida were, Ahian, and Shechem, and Likhi, and Aniam.
We have here a short view given us,
I. Of the tribe of Issachar, whom Jacob had compared to a strong ass, couching between two burdens (Gen 49:14), an industrious tribe, that minded their country business very closely and rejoiced in their tents, Deu 33:18. And here it appears, 1. That they were a numerous tribe; for they had many wives. So fruitful their country was that they saw no danger of over-stocking the pasture, and so ingenious the people were that they could find work for all hands. Let no people complain of their numbers, provided they suffer none to be idle. 2. That they were a valiant tribe, men of might (Ch1 7:2, Ch1 7:5), chief men, Ch1 7:3. Those that were inured to labour and business were of all men the fittest to serve their country when there was occasion, The number of the respective families, as taken in the days of David, is here set down, amounting in the whole to above 145,000 men fit for war. The account, some think, was taken when Joab numbered the people, 2 Sa. 24. But I rather think it refers to some other computation that was made, perhaps among themselves, because it is said (Ch1 27:24) that that account was not inserted in the chronicles of king David, it having offended God.
II. Of the tribe of Benjamin. Some account is here given of this tribe, but much larger in the next chapter. The militia of this tribe scarcely reached to 60,000; but they are said to be mighty men of valour, Ch1 7:7, Ch1 7:9, Ch1 7:11. Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf, Gen 49:27. It was the honour of this tribe that it produced Saul the first king, and more its honour that it adhered to the rightful kings of the house of David when the other tribes revolted. Here is mention (Ch1 7:12) of Hushim the sons of Aher. The sons of Dan are said to be Hushim (Gen 46:23), and therefore some read Aher appellatively, Hushim - the sons of another (that is, another of Jacob's sons) or the sons of a stranger, which Israelites should not be, but such the Danites were when they set up Micah's graven and molten image among them.
III. Of the tribe of Naphtali, Ch1 7:13. The first fathers only of that tribe are named, the very same that we shall find, Gen 46:24, only that Shillem there is Shallum here. None of their descendents are named, perhaps because their genealogies were lost.
IV. Of the tribe of Manasseh, that part of it which was seated within Jordan; for of the other part we had some account before, Ch1 5:23, etc. Of this tribe observe, 1. That one of them married an Aramitess, that is, a Syrian, Ch1 7:14. This was during their bondage in Egypt, so early did they begin to mingle with the nations. 2. That, though the father married a Syrian, Machir, the son of that marriage, perhaps seeing the inconvenience of it in his father's house, took to wife a daughter of Benjamin, Ch1 7:15. It is good for the children to take warning by their father's mistakes and not stumble at the same stone. 3. Here is mention of Bedan (Ch1 7:17), who perhaps is the same with that Bedan who is mentioned as one of Israel's deliverers, Sa1 12:11. Jair perhaps, who was of Manasseh (Jdg 10:3), was the man.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–19. 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
1 Chronicles 7:9 is a precise genealogical record within the extensive tribal registers of Ephraim, meticulously detailing a specific lineage and enumerating twenty thousand and two hundred "mighty men of valour." This verse transcends a mere numerical count, serving as a powerful testament to the strength, vitality, and enduring presence of this particular family line within the tribe, thereby underscoring the Chronicler's profound emphasis on tribal identity, military capacity, and God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant people amidst historical challenges and the aftermath of exile.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: 1 Chronicles 7:9 is embedded within the expansive genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles 1-9, which form the foundational preamble to the Chronicler's overarching historical and theological narrative. These initial chapters are far from dry lists; they serve a crucial theological and historical purpose for the post-exilic community, re-establishing identity and continuity. Chapter 7 specifically delineates the genealogies of several northern tribes, including Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. While verses 20-29 provide a more detailed account of Ephraim's descendants, verse 9 appears earlier, functioning as a summary enumeration for a significant branch of Ephraim's lineage. Its placement, potentially preceding a more detailed account of Ephraim's losses (as hinted at in 1 Chronicles 7:21), highlights the enduring strength and resilience of the tribe despite setbacks, reinforcing the Chronicler's overarching themes of continuity, divine preservation, and the enduring vitality of God's people.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, genealogies were indispensable documents, serving vital legal, social, and religious functions. They were not merely family trees but authoritative records that established tribal identity, confirmed rights to land inheritance (a concept thoroughly explored in books like Numbers and Joshua), validated priestly succession, and demonstrably affirmed the continuity of God's covenant with His chosen people. The post-exilic community, for whom the Chronicler wrote, desperately needed these meticulous records to reconstruct their societal fabric, re-establish their identity in the land of Israel, and confirm their place within the covenant. The designation "mighty men of valour" (Hebrew: gibborê ḥayil) was a common and significant descriptor for men deemed fit for military service, leadership roles, or possessing considerable influence and wealth. The enumeration of such individuals was a critical method of assessing a tribe's military strength, its capacity for defense, and its overall societal contribution, reflecting the paramount importance of military readiness in the often volatile geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East.
Key Themes: The meticulous recording in 1 Chronicles 7:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Chronicles. Foremost is Genealogical Precision and Identity, underscoring the profound importance of lineage for establishing tribal and family identity, securing land rights, and affirming the unbroken continuity of God's covenant people. Secondly, the emphasis on Strength and Valor, conveyed through the recurring phrase "mighty men of valour," highlights the military prowess, leadership capabilities, and overall vitality within these specific families. This is not merely a quantitative count but a qualitative assessment of their character and abilities, signifying the tribe's capacity for defense and its contribution to the national well-being. Lastly, and perhaps most profoundly, these detailed genealogies, even those acknowledging past losses or challenges, subtly convey the theme of Divine Faithfulness and Preservation. Despite internal conflicts, foreign invasions, exiles, and various setbacks, God faithfully preserved His people and their distinct tribal identities, ensuring the continuation of His covenant promises. This preservation ultimately points towards the lineage from which the Messiah would come, a theme beautifully echoed in the genealogies presented in Matthew 1 and Luke 3.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device prominently featured in 1 Chronicles 7:9, and indeed throughout the extensive genealogical sections of Chronicles, is Enumeration. This device involves the detailed listing or precise counting of items, in this specific instance, individuals and their numbers within particular lineages. Its purpose here extends beyond mere information; it is deeply theological and practical, serving to establish identity, validate claims to land and heritage, and demonstrably showcase the continuity and strength of God's covenant people. Closely related to this is Repetition, particularly evident in the recurring phrase "mighty men of valour" (which appears elsewhere in Chronicles, such as in 1 Chronicles 7:5 regarding Issachar). This repetition serves to emphasize the profound significance of this quality and to highlight the military and leadership potential consistently found within the listed tribes. Furthermore, there is an element of Synecdoche at play, where the "mighty men of valour" represent the broader strength, vitality, and enduring presence of the entire lineage or tribe. The part (the warriors) stands in for the whole (the tribe's overall power, resilience, and capacity for defense and societal contribution).
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:9, despite its seemingly dry statistical nature, is profoundly theological. It underscores God's meticulous care for His people, even extending to the most granular details of their lineage and numbers. The very act of preserving these extensive genealogies, particularly for a community returning from a devastating exile, speaks volumes about God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It serves as a powerful reminder that every individual, every family, and every generation plays an integral part in God's unfolding story of redemption. The emphasis on "mighty men of valour" also subtly points to the divine principle that God raises up and empowers individuals for specific purposes, whether for physical defense in ancient times or, in a broader sense, for spiritual strength, courageous living, and faithful service within His kingdom today. This verse asserts the enduring identity and strength of God's people, not merely as a historical fact, but as a vibrant testament to His sovereign hand guiding their destiny through all generations.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While contemporary believers do not trace their spiritual lineage through physical genealogies in the same manner as ancient Israel, 1 Chronicles 7:9 offers profound and enduring lessons for us today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of intricate detail and divine purpose; He knows each of us intimately, and our lives are not random or inconsequential. Just as the Ephraimites found their identity, purpose, and place within their meticulously recorded tribal structure, we find our truest identity and ultimate purpose as adopted sons and daughters in Christ, members of His spiritual family. The concept of "mighty men of valour" challenges us to deeply consider what spiritual valor looks like in our own lives. It is not about physical prowess or military might, but about cultivating courage in faith, demonstrating resilience in the face of spiritual challenges, and possessing the strength to stand firm in truth and righteousness in a world often hostile to the Gospel. We are called to be spiritually strong, equipped by God's indwelling Spirit to navigate a fallen world, to contend earnestly for the faith, and to live lives that authentically reflect the character and mission of Christ. This verse encourages us to embrace our unique place in God's grand narrative, recognizing that our individual lives, empowered by Him, contribute significantly to the ongoing story of His kingdom, and that He faithfully preserves and empowers His people for His eternal glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are genealogies so prevalent in Chronicles, and what was their purpose for the original audience?
Answer: Genealogies are central to the book of Chronicles, especially in chapters 1-9, because they served critical purposes for the post-exilic community in Judah. After returning from Babylonian exile, the people desperately needed to re-establish their identity, land claims, and religious order. These meticulous lists provided a vital historical anchor, confirming who belonged to which tribe, validating land inheritance (as seen in Joshua 13-19), and ensuring the purity and legitimacy of priestly and Levitical lines for proper temple service. Crucially, they also demonstrated the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, assuring them that despite the exile, God had faithfully preserved a remnant and remained true to His promises, including the enduring promise of a Davidic king (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
What does "mighty men of valour" imply beyond mere physical strength?
Answer: The Hebrew phrase gibborê ḥayil (גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל) signifies far more than just physical prowess. While it certainly includes the ability to fight and withstand hardship, it also profoundly implies qualities of character, leadership, and comprehensive competence. These were individuals who possessed courage, strategic thinking, and often, a degree of influence or wealth that enabled them to lead, equip, or significantly contribute to their community. They were not merely strong in body, but effective, honorable, and influential individuals who played crucial roles in the well-being, defense, and societal structure of their tribe. This term frequently describes men of significant standing and reputation within their society, such as Gideon, whom the angel of the Lord addressed as a "mighty man of valor" in Judges 6:12.
How does a seemingly dry list like this contribute to our understanding of God's character?
Answer: Even in what appears to be a mundane or statistical list, 1 Chronicles 7:9 reveals profound aspects of God's character. First, it demonstrates God's meticulousness and orderliness; He is a God who cares about intricate details and maintains divine order even within complex human histories and societal structures. Second, it highlights His unwavering faithfulness and preservation; despite the numerous challenges, conflicts, and exiles Israel faced, God consistently preserved a remnant and maintained their distinct identity, ensuring the continuity of His covenant people. Third, it powerfully speaks to His sovereignty over history; these genealogies are not random compilations but are part of His grand, unfolding redemptive design, ultimately pointing towards the lineage through which the Messiah would come, as clearly established in Matthew 1:1. Thus, even a precise numerical count underscores God's active involvement and unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan for humanity.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:9 focuses on the physical lineage and military strength of a branch of the tribe of Ephraim, its deeper significance finds profound and ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of genealogies throughout the Old Testament, including this one, ultimately points to the arrival of the promised Seed, the Messiah, through whom all the promises of God find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). Jesus is the quintessential "Mighty Man of Valour," not merely in physical strength, but as the conquering King who decisively triumphed over sin, death, and the principalities and powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15). He is the true head of a new, spiritual household, the Church, into which believers are adopted, gaining an eternal identity and inheritance not based on physical lineage or tribal affiliation, but solely on faith in Him (Galatians 3:26-29). The historical preservation of the Ephraimite lineage foreshadows God's far greater and more glorious preservation of His people through Christ's redemptive work, ensuring a spiritual "remnant" and a new covenant community, the Church, which is called to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10). In Christ, we discover our true spiritual genealogy, our ultimate valor in His victory, and our eternal security within God's family, all made possible by His finished work on the cross.