1 Chronicles 8:31

KJV

And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Gedor {H1446}, and Ahio {H283}, and Zacher {H2144}.

Complete Jewish Bible

G'dor, Achyo and Zekher.

Berean Standard Bible

Gedor, Ahio, Zecher,

American Standard Version

and Gedor, and Ahio, and Zecher.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:31 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse embedded within the extensive genealogical records of the Chronicler, meticulously listing "Gedor, Ahio, and Zacher." This verse serves as a vital link in the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically tracing descendants related to Jeiel, a key progenitor of King Saul's family line. Its inclusion contributes to the comprehensive historical and tribal identity framework established in the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, underscoring the divine meticulousness in preserving the covenant lineage and the foundational importance of tribal identity for the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles opens with a sweeping and detailed series of genealogies, spanning the first nine chapters. These lists are not merely historical curiosities but serve a crucial theological and practical purpose for the post-exilic community in Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles 8 is specifically dedicated to the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, a tribe of unique historical importance as it produced Israel's first king, Saul. Verses 29-40 of this chapter meticulously trace the descendants of Jeiel (also known as Abiel in other biblical texts), who is identified as a "father" or founder of Gibeon and a significant figure in Saul's ancestry. Within this detailed enumeration, 1 Chronicles 8:31 lists Gedor, Ahio, and Zacher as members of this vital family tree, thereby extending and solidifying the record of this prominent Benjaminite clan. This precise documentation helped the returning exiles re-establish their tribal identities, validate land claims, and ensure the proper succession of priestly and kingly lines, underscoring the enduring continuity of God's covenant with His people, a theme foundational to the Chronicler's work, as seen from the very beginning in [the genealogies from Adam](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - The Genealogies from Adam").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, possibly around the 5th or 4th century BCE, after the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity. In this era, establishing and maintaining clear tribal and family identities was paramount for the reconstruction of Jewish society, religious life, and national identity. Genealogies served as legal documents, verifying claims to land inheritance (which was tribally allocated), ensuring the purity of priestly lines, and affirming the continuity of the Davidic covenant. For the Benjaminite tribe, their lineage was particularly significant due to their connection to King Saul, Israel's first monarch. The meticulous recording of names like Gedor, Ahio, and Zacher in 1 Chronicles 8:31 would have been crucial for the returning Benjaminites to understand their heritage, re-establish their place within the restored community, and confirm their ancestral ties to the land and the nation. This emphasis on lineage is evident throughout the post-exilic books, highlighting the importance of knowing one's place within God's covenant people, as also seen in [Ezra's account of genealogical challenges](/ezra/2-59-63 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Genealogical Challenges for Returning Exiles").

* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of this seemingly simple list of names contributes to several key themes woven throughout 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the **Preservation of Lineage and History**, highlighting the biblical emphasis on meticulously maintaining family records as a means of affirming God's faithfulness across generations and demonstrating the continuity of His covenant promises, even through periods of exile and dispersion. Secondly, it speaks to **God's Meticulous Attention to Detail**, suggesting that every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, is known and valued within God's grand redemptive plan. The divine record is comprehensive, acknowledging each person's contribution to the unfolding narrative. Thirdly, it reinforces the **Importance of Tribal Identity** for ancient Israel. These genealogies were not abstract lists but concrete affirmations of belonging, heritage, and the divine allocation of land and roles. For the post-exilic community, knowing their specific tribal affiliations was essential for rebuilding their society, re-establishing their claim to the land of Israel, and understanding their unique identity as God's chosen nation, a foundational concept for their restoration and future, as demonstrated by the emphasis on tribal registration throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census and Organization of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gedor (Hebrew, _Gᵉdôr'_):** This name, derived from a root meaning "inclosure" or "wall," appears as both a place name and a personal name in the Old Testament. In the context of 1 Chronicles 8:31, it signifies an individual within the Benjaminite lineage. While the etymology of the name itself doesn't carry direct theological weight in this specific verse, its inclusion as a distinct person highlights the meticulous nature of the genealogical record, emphasizing the real, historical individuals who comprised the tribal family trees.
* **Ahio (Hebrew, _ʼAchyôw'_):** Meaning "brotherly" or "his brother," Ahio is another personal name listed here. The simplicity of the name's meaning, while not profound in itself, serves to underscore the familial connections inherent in a genealogy. It represents a living, breathing individual who contributed to the continuity of the lineage, reinforcing the communal and relational aspect of Israelite identity within the broader family structure.
* **Zacher (Hebrew, _Zeker'_):** This name means "male" or "remembrance." Its inclusion as the third name in this brief enumeration further emphasizes the importance of male lineage in the patriarchal society of ancient Israel for the purpose of tribal continuity and inheritance. The name itself subtly points to the act of remembering and preserving the names of ancestors, which is precisely the function of these genealogies in chronicling the history of God's people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Gedor":** This introductory phrase marks the beginning of the enumeration of specific individuals. "Gedor" is presented as a distinct person within the lineage of Jeiel, connecting him directly to the preceding genealogical record and establishing his place within the Benjaminite family tree. The conjunction "And" simply adds him to the list of Jeiel's descendants, indicating a continuation of the family line.
* **"and Ahio":** The repetition of "and" serves to continue the list, introducing "Ahio" as another individual in the same lineage. This simple additive structure is characteristic of genealogical lists, efficiently presenting multiple individuals who belong to the same family unit or generation. It signifies a parallel relationship, likely as a brother or close relative to Gedor within this specific branch of the Benjaminite family.
* **"and Zacher":** Concluding this specific enumeration, "Zacher" is presented as the final individual in this brief sequence. The consistent use of the conjunction "and" throughout the verse underscores the interconnectedness of these individuals within the broader family structure. Each name, though brief, represents a unique person whose existence contributed to the continuity of the Benjaminite tribe and, by extension, the unfolding history of God's covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 8:31 is **Enumeration**, specifically in the form of a **Genealogy**. The verse presents a simple, declarative list of names without further description or narrative. This serves the Chronicler's overarching purpose of meticulously documenting the lineages of Israel, particularly for the post-exilic community. The stark conciseness of the verse, listing only names, highlights the functional nature of these records: they are about establishing identity, continuity, and historical veracity rather than character development or dramatic events. The repetitive use of the conjunction "and" (a form of **Polysyndeton**) emphasizes the additive nature of the list, creating a rhythmic catalog that underscores the systematic and comprehensive nature of the genealogical preservation. This unadorned listing also subtly conveys the sheer number of individuals who played a part in God's unfolding plan, even if their specific deeds are not recorded.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 8:31 might appear as a dry list of names, its presence in Scripture is deeply significant, testifying to God's meticulous care and faithfulness across generations. It underscores the biblical truth that every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, has a place in God's overarching story and contributes to His grand design. The detailed genealogies of 1 Chronicles serve as a powerful testament to God's commitment to preserving His people and His covenant promises through countless generations, even through periods of national decline, exile, and restoration. This verse, like the many others in the genealogies, reminds us that God works through the lives of ordinary people, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled through the long, often unseen, threads of human history. It speaks to the enduring nature of God's promises, which are passed down through families and communities, forming the foundation for the ultimate fulfillment of all God's covenants in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

* [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam")
* [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - Genealogical Records After Exile")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane list of names in 1 Chronicles 8:31 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It invites us to consider the meticulousness of God's providence, recognizing that He knows and cares for every individual, even those whose lives appear to be mere footnotes in the grand narrative of history. This verse challenges us to value our own heritage and the "story" of our families and communities, understanding that God works through successive generations to accomplish His purposes. It encourages us to see ourselves not as isolated individuals, but as part of a larger, divinely orchestrated tapestry, contributing to a legacy of faith that extends far beyond our immediate lives. Just as Gedor, Ahio, and Zacher played their part in the lineage leading to King Saul and ultimately to Christ, so too do our lives, however ordinary they may seem, contribute to God's ongoing work in the world. This calls us to live faithfully, trusting that our seemingly small contributions are significant in God's eternal plan and are meticulously held in His divine memory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like this one, affirm God's faithfulness across generations?**
* **In what ways does understanding our own lineage or the "story" of our community help us appreciate God's work in history?**
* **How can we, like the individuals briefly mentioned here, contribute to God's larger narrative, even in seemingly small ways?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prevalent in 1 Chronicles, and what is their primary purpose?**

Answer: Genealogies are indeed a dominant feature in the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, comprising the first nine chapters of the book. Their prevalence is primarily due to the historical context in which Chronicles was compiled—the post-exilic period. After returning from Babylonian captivity, the Jewish community needed to re-establish its identity, land claims, and religious order. These genealogies served several crucial purposes: they authenticated tribal identities, which were essential for land inheritance and social organization; they validated priestly and Levitical lineages, ensuring proper temple service; they confirmed the continuity of the Davidic line, maintaining hope for a future king; and fundamentally, they affirmed God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that despite exile, His people and His plan endured. They provided a historical and theological anchor for a community rebuilding its life in the promised land, reminding them of their heritage and God's unwavering commitment to His people, as seen in the detailed records of [Nehemiah's register](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Register of Those Who Returned").

**What is the specific significance of "Gedor, Ahio, and Zacher" in this particular verse?**

Answer: The specific significance of "Gedor, Ahio, and Zacher" lies in their role as individual links within the detailed lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, particularly within the family of Jeiel (also known as Abiel), who is identified as a progenitor of King Saul. While the Bible does not provide individual narratives for these men, their inclusion in 1 Chronicles 8:31 is critical for the meticulous preservation of the historical record. They represent the continuity of a specific family line that was important to the Chronicler, likely because of its connection to the first king of Israel. Their presence affirms the comprehensive nature of the biblical genealogies, demonstrating that even seemingly minor figures are part of God's overarching plan and contribute to the unbroken chain of generations that leads to the fulfillment of His promises. Their names, though brief, serve as concrete markers in the historical and tribal identity of Israel, underscoring the divine attention to every detail of His redemptive story.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry genealogical listing in 1 Chronicles 8:31, like all biblical genealogies, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. These meticulous records, tracing lineages through generations, underscore God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, which foretold a coming deliverer and king. Every name, including Gedor, Ahio, and Zacher, represents a thread in the vast tapestry of human history that God meticulously wove to bring about the Incarnation. The very existence of these detailed genealogies in the Old Testament, culminating in the genealogies of Jesus 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"), demonstrates God's long-term, sovereign plan to bring salvation through a specific lineage. Jesus, as the "seed" promised to Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed of Abraham")) and the son of David, is the culmination of all these historical and genealogical preparations. Thus, 1 Chronicles 8:31, in its quiet affirmation of continuity and lineage, points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive purpose in the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed and reconciled to God.

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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 9:37

And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth.