1 Chronicles 8:2

KJV

Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nohah {H5119} the fourth {H7243}, and Rapha {H7498} the fifth {H2549}.

Complete Jewish Bible

his fourth, Nochah; and his fifth, Rafa.

Berean Standard Bible

Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.

American Standard Version

Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:2 is a brief but significant entry within the extensive genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, meticulously detailing two more of Benjamin's sons: Nohah, identified as the fourth in this specific enumeration, and Rapha, listed as the fifth. This verse contributes to a broader chapter dedicated to tracing the lineage, prominent families, and settlements of Benjamin, underscoring the post-exilic community's vital need to affirm tribal identity, inheritance rights, and the continuity of God's covenant promises through the careful preservation of family lines.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the detailed genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 8, which focuses exclusively on the descendants of Benjamin. The chapter begins by listing Benjamin's sons in [1 Chronicles 8:1](/1_chronicles/8-1 "1 Chronicles 8:1 - Benjamin's Sons") and then proceeds to enumerate their offspring, prominent families, and their settlements, particularly around Jerusalem and Gibeon, through [1 Chronicles 8:40](/1_chronicles/8-40 "1 Chronicles 8:40 - Benjaminite Settlements"). This entire section is part of the larger genealogical survey that dominates the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles, establishing the continuity of Israel's history from Adam, through the patriarchs, and into the tribal divisions, setting the stage for the narrative of the united monarchy and the kingdom of Judah. The meticulous nature of these lists highlights the Chronicler's concern for historical accuracy and the preservation of identity for the returned exiles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period (late 5th or early 4th century BCE), addressing a community that had returned from Babylonian captivity and was seeking to re-establish its identity, worship, and national life in the land of Israel. Genealogies were not merely historical curiosities but served crucial practical and theological functions in ancient Israel. They confirmed land ownership and inheritance rights, validated tribal and family affiliations, and were essential for establishing eligibility for priestly service or royal lineage. For the returned exiles, these records provided a vital link to their pre-exilic heritage, reminding them of God's faithfulness in preserving their people and promises despite the exile. The tribe of Benjamin held particular significance as the tribe of Israel's first king, Saul ([1 Samuel 9:1-2](/1_samuel/9-1 "1 Samuel 9:1-2 - Saul, a Benjamite")), and later, the tribe from which the Apostle Paul hailed ([Romans 11:1](/romans/11-1 "Romans 11:1 - Paul's Benjamite Heritage")).
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of verses like [1 Chronicles 8:2](/1_chronicles/8-2 "1 Chronicles 8:2 - Nohah and Rapha") contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the **meticulous record-keeping** characteristic of biblical historiography, emphasizing that every individual, even those in long lists, is known and accounted for in God's grand plan. Secondly, it highlights the **preservation of lineage**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining the family lines through which His covenant promises would be fulfilled, ultimately leading to the promised Messiah, as seen in the genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus"). Thirdly, these genealogies reinforce **tribal identity**, which was fundamental to the social, religious, and political fabric of ancient Israel, providing a sense of belonging and continuity for a people striving to reclaim their heritage after a period of displacement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nohah (Hebrew, _Nōḥāh_):** This is a proper noun, a personal name. While some Hebrew names carry clear, discernible meanings, the precise etymological meaning of "Nohah" is not definitively known or directly relevant to the narrative's purpose, which is primarily to list individuals in a sequence. It functions here simply as an identifier within the Benjaminite family tree.
* **Rapha (Hebrew, _Rāp̄ā’_):** This is also a proper noun, a personal name. The root רפא (r-p-’) can mean "to heal" or "healed." However, the name "Rapha" is also notably associated with the Rephaim, a race of giants mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 2:11](/deuteronomy/2-11 "Deuteronomy 2:11 - The Rephaim")). In the context of 1 Chronicles 8:2, it is clearly used as a personal name for one of Benjamin's sons, distinct from the giant race, though the shared linguistic root may have offered a subtle layer of meaning or recognition to the original audience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nohah the fourth":** This clause identifies Nohah as one of Benjamin's sons, specifically the fourth in the sequence being enumerated by the Chronicler. The ordinal number "fourth" serves to organize the list, indicating a specific position within a family unit. This precision in listing reflects the importance of each individual's place within the tribal structure and the meticulous nature of the genealogical record.
* **"and Rapha the fifth":** Similarly, this clause identifies Rapha as another son of Benjamin, following Nohah and listed as the fifth. The conjunction "and" links these two individuals, continuing the enumeration of Benjamin's offspring. The consistent use of ordinal numbers underscores the systematic approach to documenting the lineage, ensuring clarity and completeness for the post-exilic community relying on these records for their identity and heritage.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 8:2, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is a specific literary form characterized by lists of names, tracing lineage and descent. In Chronicles, genealogy serves multiple functions: it establishes historical continuity from creation to the present, validates tribal and family identities, confirms land rights, and demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people. The repetitive structure of "Name the ordinal" (e.g., "Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth") is a characteristic of this genre, providing clarity and order to what might otherwise be a dense list of names. The inclusion of these specific names, even without extensive narrative, emphasizes the Chronicler's commitment to detail and the belief that every individual within the covenant community holds significance in God's overarching plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 8:2, though seemingly a simple listing of names, profoundly contributes to the overarching biblical narrative of God's faithfulness and meticulous attention to His covenant people. The very existence of such precise genealogies testifies to God's commitment to His promises, particularly those concerning a chosen people and the eventual lineage of the Messiah. It underscores the divine preservation of a remnant through generations, even through periods of national decline and exile. This attention to individual names within a vast lineage reflects a theological truth: every person is known to God and plays a part, however small, in His sovereign plan. These lists are not merely historical records but a testament to God's enduring memory and His working through specific individuals and families to bring about His redemptive purposes.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5 - The Genealogy from Adam to Noah")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus through Mary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values only the prominent and the powerful, 1 Chronicles 8:2 reminds us that every life holds significance in God's eyes. The meticulous recording of names like Nohah and Rapha, seemingly minor figures in a vast lineage, speaks volumes about God's attention to detail and His care for every individual within His grand narrative. This verse encourages us to value our own heritage, recognizing that we are part of a larger story of faith passed down through generations. It prompts us to consider how our lives, however ordinary they may seem, contribute to God's ongoing work in the world. Just as God faithfully preserved these ancient lines, He remains faithful to His promises to us, ensuring that His purposes will be fulfilled through His people across time. This should inspire both humility, in recognizing our place within His cosmic plan, and confidence, in knowing that our lives are not overlooked but are intricately woven into the tapestry of His divine providence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's meticulous record-keeping, even of seemingly minor names, challenge our modern tendency to focus only on prominent figures?**
* **In what ways does understanding your own heritage, whether familial or spiritual, provide you with a deeper sense of identity and purpose?**
* **What does the preservation of these ancient genealogies teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises across generations?**
* **How can we apply the principle that "every individual matters" to our interactions within our communities and the wider world?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 8:2, so extensive and seemingly repetitive?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies are far more than mere historical records; they serve crucial theological and practical purposes. For the post-exilic community to whom Chronicles was addressed, these lists established tribal identity, confirmed land inheritance rights, validated claims to priestly or royal lineage, and provided a tangible link to their covenant heritage. The extensiveness and repetition underscore the meticulousness of God's plan and His faithfulness in preserving a chosen people through generations. They demonstrate the continuity of God's promises from Abraham onward, ensuring that the lineage through which the Messiah would come was accurately preserved and documented. Each name, even those without an accompanying narrative, represents a vital link in God's unfolding redemptive history, affirming that no individual is overlooked in His sovereign design.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 8:2, like all biblical genealogies, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of the tribal lines, particularly those of Judah and Benjamin, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His ancient promises, culminating in the birth of the Messiah. The Chronicler's emphasis on lineage was not just about historical record-keeping but about demonstrating the continuity of God's covenant with His people, a covenant that ultimately pointed to the one who would perfectly embody and fulfill all divine promises. Jesus, as the descendant of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Jesus, Son of David")) and the "root of Jesse" ([Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse")), is the culmination of these genealogical threads. His human lineage, carefully documented in the Gospels ([Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")), validates His identity as the promised King and Savior. Thus, the inclusion of names like Nohah and Rapha, however obscure, contributes to the grand tapestry of God's redemptive history, demonstrating the divine precision and sovereignty that ensured the arrival of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") at the appointed time, fulfilling every promise and bringing salvation to all who believe.

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.