1 Chronicles 8:19

KJV

And Jakim, and Zichri, and Zabdi,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jakim {H3356}, and Zichri {H2147}, and Zabdi {H2067},

Complete Jewish Bible

Yakim, Zikhri, Zavdi,

Berean Standard Bible

Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi,

American Standard Version

and Jakim, and Zichri, and Zabdi,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:19 presents three names—Jakim, Zichri, and Zabdi—as part of the meticulously recorded genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. This verse, seemingly a simple listing, functions as a vital component within the broader Chronicler's project to affirm the continuity of God's covenant people, re-establish tribal identity, and underscore divine faithfulness to promises, particularly for the post-exilic community returning to the land of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive genealogical records that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. These chapters serve as a foundational preamble to the historical narrative of the kings of Judah. Specifically, chapter 8 is dedicated to detailing the descendants of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes. The preceding verses in chapter 8 trace Benjamin's lineage through various families and their settlements, emphasizing their dwelling places and contributions. Verse 19 continues this pattern, listing individuals as part of Elpaal's family, who is noted in [1 Chronicles 8:13](/1_chronicles/8-13 "1 Chronicles 8:13 - Elpaal's Descendants") as an inhabitant of Aijalon and one who drove out the inhabitants of Gath. The Chronicler's emphasis on such detailed lists highlights the importance of tribal identity and continuity for the returning exiles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period (late 5th or early 4th century BCE), after the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. For this community, genealogies were not merely historical curiosities but critical documents for re-establishing their society. They served practical purposes: confirming tribal affiliation for land claims, validating priestly and Levitical service, ensuring proper marriage alliances, and demonstrating their legitimate heritage as the covenant people of God. The meticulous recording of names like Jakim, Zichri, and Zabdi underscored the enduring identity of Israel despite the trauma of exile, providing a sense of rootedness and divine preservation in a time of rebuilding.
* **Key Themes:** The genealogies, including this verse, contribute significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. First, **Lineage and Identity** are paramount; these lists meticulously preserve the tribal distinctions and family connections, crucial for the post-exilic community to understand who they were and their place in God's plan, as seen in the challenges faced by those without clear lineage in [Ezra 2:59](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59 - Disputed Lineage"). Second, they underscore **Historical Continuity**, demonstrating an unbroken thread from Adam through the patriarchs, the tribes, and the Davidic monarchy, reaffirming God's enduring covenant with His people across generations. Third, the very existence and preservation of these family lines through tumultuous periods of apostasy, judgment, and exile testify powerfully to **God's Enduring Faithfulness** to His promises, even when human faithfulness faltered, a theme echoed in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jakim (Hebrew, _yaqim'_):** This name means "He will establish" or "Yahweh establishes." It is a theophoric name, incorporating a form of the divine name (Yahweh) and expressing a hope or declaration about God's action. In the context of a post-exilic community rebuilding, a name signifying divine establishment would have carried particular resonance, pointing to God's active role in restoring His people.
* **Zichri (Hebrew, _zikhri'_):** Meaning "My remembrance" or "Remembered by Yahweh," this name also carries a strong theological implication. It suggests that the individual or their family is held in God's memory, or that the child serves as a reminder of God's past actions or promises. For a people who felt forgotten during exile, names like Zichri would have been a powerful affirmation of God's enduring memory of His covenant.
* **Zabdi (Hebrew, _zabdi'_):** This name translates to "My gift" or "Gift of Yahweh." It reflects the common ancient Near Eastern practice of viewing children as a divine blessing or gift. In a broader sense, it can signify the recognition that all good things, including the continuation of a family line, come from God's gracious provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jakim":** This introduces the first of three individuals listed in this specific segment of Benjamin's genealogy. The conjunction "And" connects him directly to the preceding family lines, emphasizing the continuous nature of the lineage being traced.
* **"and Zichri":** The second name in the sequence, further extending the family branch. The simple listing without additional descriptors highlights the Chronicler's primary focus on the individual's place within the larger family tree, rather than their personal achievements.
* **"and Zabdi":** The third name, completing the triad for this particular verse. The repetition of the conjunction "and" creates a steady rhythm, characteristic of genealogical lists, underscoring the methodical and comprehensive nature of the record-keeping. Each name represents a unique individual, yet collectively they form part of a continuous, divinely preserved heritage.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 8:19, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form designed to establish lineage, confirm identity, and demonstrate historical continuity. The Chronicler employs **Repetition** of names and the consistent formula of "son of" or "and X, and Y, and Z" to create a sense of comprehensive coverage and meticulous record-keeping. This repetitive structure, while seemingly monotonous, serves to reinforce the unbroken chain of generations and the meticulous care with which Israel's heritage was preserved. The very act of naming, particularly with theophoric names (names incorporating divine elements), also functions as a subtle form of **Theological Commentary**, embedding declarations of faith and divine attributes directly into the fabric of the family tree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 8:19 is profoundly theological, serving as a testament to God's meticulous care for His covenant people and His sovereign plan unfolding through specific individuals and families. These genealogies affirm the election of Israel, demonstrating that God's promises were not abstract but were fulfilled through real people in history. They underscore the concept of corporate identity, where individuals find their place and purpose within the larger community of faith, bound by shared heritage and divine covenant. The preservation of these names through centuries, including periods of great upheaval, speaks volumes about God's enduring faithfulness to His word and His commitment to maintaining a remnant through whom His redemptive purposes would ultimately be realized.

* [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam")
* [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Exclusion from Priestly Service Due to Unclear Lineage")
* [Nehemiah 7:64](/nehemiah/7-64 "Nehemiah 7:64 - Lineage and Priestly Purity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names like Jakim, Zichri, and Zabdi might initially appear distant and irrelevant to modern readers, its inclusion in the sacred text holds profound significance. It reminds us that God is deeply invested in the details of human history and the lives of individual people. Every person, whether prominently featured or merely named in a list, has a place in God's grand narrative. For the original audience, these names were anchors to their heritage, their land, and their covenant identity, providing stability and hope in a time of rebuilding. For us today, it underscores the truth that God works through specific individuals and families, meticulously preserving a lineage that ultimately leads to the Messiah. It challenges us to consider our own place within God's unfolding story, recognizing that our lives, too, are part of a larger divine purpose, and that God remembers and values each one of us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous preservation of genealogies in the Bible challenge our modern tendency to focus only on prominent figures, rather than the collective body of God's people?**
* **What does the meaning of names like "He will establish," "My remembrance," and "My gift" reveal about the faith and hope of ancient Israelite parents?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God cares about individual names and lineages encourage us in our own sense of identity and belonging within the family of God?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 8:19, so prevalent in the Bible?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial for several reasons. Primarily, they establish the historical continuity of God's covenant people, tracing their lineage from Adam through the patriarchs and tribes. For the post-exilic community, as seen in books like [Ezra](/ezra/1 "The Book of Ezra") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "The Book of Nehemiah"), these lists were vital for re-establishing tribal identities, confirming land ownership, validating claims to priestly or Levitical service, and ensuring the purity of the Israelite community. The genealogies also serve a theological purpose, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen line through whom His promises, particularly the promise of a Messiah, would be fulfilled.

**What is the significance of the specific names "Jakim," "Zichri," and "Zabdi" in this verse?**

Answer: The names themselves carry meaning in Hebrew, often reflecting the parents' faith, hope, or acknowledgement of God's action. "Jakim" means "He will establish" or "Yahweh establishes," pointing to God's foundational work. "Zichri" means "My remembrance" or "Remembered by Yahweh," suggesting divine memory and care. "Zabdi" means "My gift" or "Gift of Yahweh," acknowledging God as the giver of life and blessing. These names, though part of a list, subtly reinforce the theological themes of divine establishment, remembrance, and gracious provision that permeate the Chronicler's message.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preservation of genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the seemingly minor names in 1 Chronicles 8:19, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. These ancient lists are not merely historical records; they are threads in a divinely woven tapestry, patiently demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, culminating in the arrival of the Messiah. The entire purpose of tracing lineage, particularly through the tribe of Judah and the house of David, was to establish the legitimate claim of the promised King. The New Testament opens with the genealogy of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), meticulously connecting Him to Abraham and David, thereby validating His messianic identity. Similarly, [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus") traces His lineage all the way back to Adam, emphasizing His universal redemptive role. The names Jakim, Zichri, and Zabdi, signifying "He will establish," "Remembered by Yahweh," and "Gift of Yahweh," resonate profoundly with Christ's work: He is the one whom God established as King and Savior ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - God Has Made Him Both Lord and Christ")), the one through whom God remembers and fulfills His ancient covenants ([Luke 1:72](/luke/1-72 "Luke 1:72 - To Show Mercy to Our Fathers")), and the ultimate gift of God to humanity for salvation ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Thus, these Old Testament genealogies, far from being dry lists, are vibrant testaments to God's faithfulness, pointing forward to the one in whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All 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.