1 Chronicles 8:4

KJV

And Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abishua {H50}, and Naaman {H5283}, and Ahoah {H265},

Complete Jewish Bible

Avishua, Na'aman, Achoach,

Berean Standard Bible

Addar, Gera, Abihud, Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah,

American Standard Version

and Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:4 is a concise yet significant verse nestled within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin, meticulously detailing a segment of Benjamin's descendants. It precisely names three individuals—Abishua, Naaman, and Ahoah—as integral links in the intricate family tree of Israel. This verse, devoid of narrative embellishment, serves as a foundational element in the Chronicler's diligent effort to preserve and affirm tribal identity, heritage, and the unbroken continuity of God's covenant promises to His people in the post-exilic era.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and detailed genealogical section spanning [1 Chronicles 8:1-40](/1_chronicles/8 "1 Chronicles 8 - The Descendants of Benjamin"), which meticulously traces the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin. Following the comprehensive genealogies of Judah and Levi in previous chapters, the Chronicler turns his attention to the remaining tribes, with a particular emphasis on Benjamin due to its historical significance (e.g., King Saul's tribe) and its eventual integration with Judah. Verse 4 specifically lists three names as part of the lineage stemming from Benjamin, connecting them to the broader family structure outlined in the preceding verses, which begin with Benjamin's sons and their descendants. The repetitive nature of name lists within this chapter underscores the Chronicler's primary objective: to establish and validate the identity and heritage of the returning exiles, ensuring their rightful place within the restored community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was written in the post-exilic period, likely between 450-400 BC, for a community that had returned from Babylonian captivity. This audience faced the daunting task of rebuilding their nation, re-establishing their identity, and re-affirming their covenant relationship with God. In ancient Israel, genealogies were not mere historical curiosities; they were vital legal and social documents. They validated claims to land inheritance, priestly service, tribal affiliation, and even the right to participate in the community. The meticulous recording of names like Abishua, Naaman, and Ahoah provided crucial evidence of an individual's place within the collective, ensuring that the continuity of God's people and His promises, particularly those related to the land and the Davidic covenant, remained tangible and verifiable for a people seeking to re-anchor themselves in their past and future.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of [1 Chronicles 8:4](/1_chronicles/8-4 "1 Chronicles 8:4 - Benjaminite Lineage"), alongside the broader genealogical sections, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Foremost is the theme of **Continuity and Preservation**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in maintaining the tribal lines despite centuries of history, including periods of apostasy and exile, ensuring the nation's spiritual and physical survival (compare the importance of records in [Nehemiah 7:61-64](/nehemiah/7-61-64 "Nehemiah 7:61-64 - Genealogical Records for Purity")). This meticulous record also highlights the **Importance of Identity and Heritage**, providing a sense of rootedness and belonging for the returning exiles by connecting them to their ancestral past and God's covenant promises (as seen in [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59-63 "Ezra 2:59-63 - The Importance of Lineage for Returning Exiles")). Furthermore, the Chronicler's attention to detail, even in seemingly minor names, implicitly underscores **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, assuring readers that God is meticulously overseeing every aspect of history, including the most minute details of family lines, to fulfill His grand redemptive purposes, ultimately culminating in the Davidic line and the Messiah (a theme powerfully articulated in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abishua (Hebrew, _ʼĂbîyshûwaʻ_):** This name is derived from the Hebrew words for "father" (`ʼāb`) and "plenty" or "prosperity" (`shôwaʻ`). Thus, it carries the meaning "father of plenty" or "prosperous father." In ancient Israelite culture, names often reflected hopes, prayers, or characteristics. This name could signify a family's aspiration for abundance, a recognition of God's provision, or perhaps commemorate a period of prosperity in the family line.
* **Naaman (Hebrew, _Naʻămân_):** This name means "pleasantness" or "graciousness," stemming from a root that conveys the idea of being pleasing or delightful. While the most famous biblical Naaman is the Syrian commander healed by Elisha (as recorded in [2 Kings 5:1](/2_kings/5-1 "2 Kings 5:1 - Naaman the Syrian Commander")), the individual mentioned here is a distinct figure within the Benjaminite genealogy. The name suggests a desired positive attribute or a characteristic associated with the individual or their family.
* **Ahoah (Hebrew, _ʼĂchôwach_):** This name is described as being derived by reduplication from the Hebrew word for "brother" (`ʼāch`), thus meaning "brotherly." Such a name could indicate a strong emphasis on kinship, fraternal bonds, or a desire for unity within the family or tribal unit. It highlights the importance of familial relationships and solidarity within the Israelite community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah,"**: This simple enumeration serves as a direct continuation of the genealogical list that began in [1 Chronicles 8:1](/1_chronicles/8-1 "1 Chronicles 8:1 - Benjamin's Descendants"). Each name represents a distinct individual within the Benjaminite lineage, serving as a crucial link in the chain of descent from Benjamin. The repeated conjunction "and" (Hebrew: "waw") emphasizes the additive nature of the list, connecting each person as a successive or co-existent member of the family tree. In a genealogical context, the inclusion of these names, even without further narrative, affirms their existence and their specific place within the tribal structure, validating their identity and heritage for the post-exilic community. Their very presence in this sacred record underscores the Chronicler's meticulous attention to detail in preserving the historical and tribal continuity of Israel, ensuring that no vital link in the covenant line was lost or forgotten.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 8:4](/1_chronicles/8-4 "1 Chronicles 8:4 - Benjaminite Lineage"), and indeed throughout much of [1 Chronicles 8](/1_chronicles/8 "1 Chronicles 8 - The Descendants of Benjamin"), is **Enumeration**, where a list of names is presented sequentially. This technique is fundamental to **Genealogy** as a literary form, which serves to establish lineage, validate claims, and demonstrate continuity across generations. The repeated use of the conjunction "and" before each name (e.g., "And Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah") is a classic example of **Polysyndeton**, which, while simple, creates a sense of exhaustive listing and emphasizes the individual contribution of each name to the overall record, giving weight and distinctness to each person mentioned. Furthermore, the very act of listing names, particularly those with inherent meanings (as explored in the Key Word Analysis), implicitly engages in **Onomastics**, the study of names, which in ancient cultures often carried symbolic weight, reflected aspirations for the individual, or commemorated significant events. The Chronicler's choice to include these specific names, even without accompanying narratives, highlights their significance as foundational elements in the tribal identity and the broader historical tapestry of God's people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While [1 Chronicles 8:4](/1_chronicles/8-4 "1 Chronicles 8:4 - Benjaminite Lineage") may appear to be a dry list of names, its theological significance lies in its profound contribution to the broader theme of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The meticulous preservation of these genealogies, even for seemingly obscure individuals, underscores God's sovereignty over history and His commitment to maintaining a people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. Each name, however brief its mention, represents a vital thread in the tapestry of God's ongoing relationship with Israel, affirming that no detail of His people's existence escapes His divine oversight. This attention to lineage ultimately points to the preservation of the Davidic line, through which the Messiah would come, demonstrating God's long-term purpose for salvation and His meticulous care for every generation.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1-32 "Genesis 5 - The Book of the Generations of Adam")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus")
* [Romans 11:1-2](/romans/11-1-2 "Romans 11 - God's Faithfulness to Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values prominence and immediate impact, [1 Chronicles 8:4](/1_chronicles/8-4 "1 Chronicles 8:4 - Benjaminite Lineage") reminds us that God's perspective is far more encompassing. The inclusion of names like Abishua, Naaman, and Ahoah, without accompanying stories of great deeds, highlights God's meticulous care for every individual within His grand narrative. It teaches us that our worth is not solely defined by our public achievements or recognition, but by our very existence as part of God's family and His ongoing story. This verse encourages us to value our own heritage, both physical and spiritual, and to recognize that even our seemingly small contributions are significant in the eyes of a God who oversees every detail. It invites us to find our place within the larger household of faith, understanding that we are connected to a lineage of believers, past, present, and future, all sustained by God's enduring faithfulness. Our lives, no matter how ordinary they may seem, are woven into God's extraordinary plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 8:4, challenge our modern emphasis on individual achievement and fame?**
* **In what ways does understanding your own spiritual heritage (your family of faith, the history of the church) provide you with a sense of identity and belonging?**
* **What does God's attention to seemingly "minor" names in a long list reveal about His character and His care for every individual?**
* **How can we live in a way that honors our place within God's ongoing story, even if our contributions feel small or unnoticed by the world?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve multiple crucial purposes. For the post-exilic community, as in 1 Chronicles, they were vital for re-establishing tribal identity and land claims after the Babylonian exile, ensuring that families could trace their lineage back to their ancestral lands and inheritances. They also validated claims to priestly service (for the Levites) and royal lineage (for the Davidic line), which was essential for the continuity of the covenant and the expectation of the Messiah. Furthermore, genealogies demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises, showing how His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was faithfully preserved through generations, even through periods of hardship and exile. They provide a historical framework, connecting individuals to the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan, underscoring His sovereignty over history and His meticulous attention to every detail of His people's existence, as seen in the careful listing of names like Abishua, Naaman, and Ahoah in [1 Chronicles 8:4](/1_chronicles/8-4 "1 Chronicles 8:4 - Benjaminite Lineage").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 8:4](/1_chronicles/8-4 "1 Chronicles 8:4 - Benjaminite Lineage"), with its simple listing of names, does not directly prophesy Christ, it contributes profoundly to the broader Christ-centered narrative by affirming God's meticulous preservation of lineage, which ultimately culminates in the Messiah. The Chronicler's emphasis on unbroken lines, even for seemingly minor figures like Abishua, Naaman, and Ahoah, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a perpetual kingdom through David's seed (as seen in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). This divine commitment to lineage finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, whose own genealogies in the New Testament (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus")) meticulously trace His descent, demonstrating His rightful claim as the promised Son of David and the heir to God's eternal throne. Thus, these Old Testament genealogies, far from being mere historical records, serve as a testament to God's providential hand guiding history towards the arrival of the one who would establish a new spiritual lineage—a family of faith, where all who believe, regardless of their physical ancestry, become children of God through Christ (as powerfully articulated in [Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26-29 "Galatians 3 - Heirs through Christ") and [John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1 - Becoming Children of 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.