1 Chronicles 8:5

KJV

And Gera, and Shephuphan, and Huram.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Gera {H1617}, and Shephuphan {H8197}, and Huram {H2361}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Gera, Sh'fufan and Huram.

Berean Standard Bible

Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram.

American Standard Version

and Gera, and Shephuphan, and Huram.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:5 meticulously lists three descendants of Benjamin—Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram—continuing the detailed genealogical record of this tribe. This verse, embedded within a larger section dedicated to Benjamin's lineage, serves to precisely document family structures and individual identities within the post-exilic Israelite community, emphasizing the Chronicler's commitment to preserving the tribal heritage and demonstrating God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 8, a chapter entirely devoted to the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. Chapters 1-9 of 1 Chronicles constitute a vast genealogical introduction, establishing the tribal identities, land inheritances, and the crucial lineage leading to King David. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 8:1-40 details various branches and family heads of Benjamin, often focusing on those who resided in Jerusalem or were prominent figures. Verse 5, with its simple listing of names, contributes to this comprehensive catalog, reinforcing the Chronicler's meticulous approach to documenting the continuity and structure of God's people. It follows the initial broad strokes of Benjamin's descendants and delves into more specific individuals, underscoring the thoroughness of the record.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period (c. 450-400 BCE), after the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. For this community, establishing and affirming their identity, tribal affiliations, and land rights was paramount. Genealogies were not merely historical curiosities; they were foundational legal and social documents. They determined who could serve in the priesthood, who could inherit land, and who belonged to the covenant community. The inclusion of seemingly exhaustive lists, such as the one in [1 Chronicles 8](/1_chronicles/8 "1 Chronicles 8 - The Genealogy of Benjamin"), reflects a deep cultural need to reconnect with their past, validate their present claims, and ensure the purity and order of their society. This meticulous record-keeping served as a tangible link to their pre-exilic heritage and a testament to God's enduring covenant with Israel, even through periods of national upheaval.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 8:5, along with the broader genealogical sections, underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Identity and Belonging**, as these lists firmly establish who belonged to the twelve tribes of Israel, crucial for the returning exiles to re-establish their place and claim their heritage. Secondly, it speaks to **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's meticulous care in preserving His covenant people through generations, even amidst exile and dispersion. The continuity of these lineages, despite national catastrophes, points to God's unwavering commitment to His promises. Lastly, these genealogies emphasize **Order and Structure** within the community of Israel. Every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, had a designated place within the larger tapestry of God's people, reflecting an underlying divine order and the importance of communal organization for the fulfillment of God's purposes, particularly in the re-establishment of the temple and its service, a central theme in [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - The Book of Genealogies and Kings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gera (Hebrew, _Gērā'_):** This name, meaning "a grain" or "a sojourner," appears elsewhere in the Old Testament, notably as the father of Ehud, a judge from Benjamin ([Judges 3:15](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15 - Ehud, the Left-Handed Judge")), and as the father of Shimei, a Benjaminite who cursed David ([2 Samuel 16:5](/2_samuel/16-5 "2 Samuel 16:5 - Shimei Curses David")). In this context, Gera is presented as a distinct descendant of Benjamin, indicating the prevalence of this name within the tribe and the Chronicler's effort to trace specific family lines.
* **Shephuphan (Hebrew, _Šəp̄ûp̄ān'_):** This name is a variant of Shephupham, found in the census list of Numbers ([Numbers 26:39](/numbers/26-39 "Numbers 26:39 - Shephupham, a Son of Benjamin")), and possibly related to Shuppim, a son of Benjamin in Genesis ([Genesis 46:21](/genesis/46-21 "Genesis 46:21 - The Sons of Benjamin")). The orthographic variations across different biblical lists highlight the fluidity of ancient Hebrew transcription and the possibility of different branches or appellations within a family being emphasized, while still pointing to the same lineage.
* **Huram (Hebrew, _Ḥûrām'_):** Meaning "noble-born" or "their nobility," Huram is a common Semitic name. While famously associated with Huram, King of Tyre ([1 Kings 5:1](/1_kings/5-1 "1 Kings 5:1 - King Huram of Tyre")), and Huram-abi, the skilled craftsman who assisted in building Solomon's temple ([2 Chronicles 2:13](/2_chronicles/2-13 "2 Chronicles 2:13 - Huram-abi, the Master Craftsman")), here it refers to a distinct individual within the Benjaminite lineage. Its inclusion underscores the Chronicler's comprehensive documentation of the tribe's descendants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Gera":** This phrase introduces the first of three individuals listed in this verse. The conjunction "And" (וְ, _wə_) serves to connect this name to the preceding genealogical entries, indicating a continuation of the detailed lineage of Benjamin's descendants. It signifies Gera's place as a distinct and recognized member of the tribal family.
* **"and Shephuphan":** The addition of "and Shephuphan" further expands the list, demonstrating the Chronicler's meticulous effort to record as many family heads or significant individuals as possible. This repetition of the conjunction emphasizes each name individually while binding them together as part of the same genealogical branch.
* **"and Huram":** The final name in this verse, "and Huram," completes the trio. The cumulative effect of these simple listings is to create a comprehensive and exhaustive record, highlighting the importance of each individual's identity and their specific place within the larger tribal structure of Benjamin, reinforcing the thoroughness of the Chronicler's genealogical work.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 8:5 is **Enumeration**, specifically a simple listing of names. This technique is characteristic of genealogical texts throughout the Bible, serving to convey a sense of thoroughness and historical continuity. The repeated use of the conjunction "and" before each name, a figure of speech known as **Polysyndeton**, emphasizes the distinctness of each individual while simultaneously linking them together as part of the same lineage. This creates a rhythmic, cumulative effect, underscoring the meticulous nature of the record. The overarching literary form is **Genealogy**, which in Chronicles is not merely a dry list but a theological statement affirming God's covenant faithfulness, the preservation of His people, and the legitimate claim to land and heritage for the post-exilic community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While a simple list of names, 1 Chronicles 8:5 profoundly contributes to the theological message of the Chronicler. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through history. The very act of recording these names, even seemingly obscure ones, speaks to the divine value placed on every individual within the community of faith. It affirms that God knows His people by name and orchestrates their history, ensuring the continuity of the lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold. This meticulous record-keeping served to reassure the post-exilic community of their identity and their place in God's ongoing narrative, reminding them that they were not forgotten but were part of a divinely ordered heritage.

* [Genesis 10:1-32](/genesis/10-1 "Genesis 10:1-32 - The Table of Nations")
* [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - The Register of Genealogies")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
At first glance, a verse like 1 Chronicles 8:5 might seem like a dry, irrelevant list of names. However, when viewed through the lens of its original context and theological purpose, it becomes a powerful reminder of enduring truths. This verse, part of an extensive genealogical record, teaches us the profound importance of heritage and continuity within God's people. Just as Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram were integral, named individuals within the larger tapestry of the tribe of Benjamin, so too is every believer an indispensable part of God's spiritual family, the Church. It underscores that God values each individual, knowing us by name and weaving our lives into His grand narrative of redemption. This should encourage us to find our place within the ongoing story of God's faithfulness, appreciating the rich heritage of faith passed down through generations, and recognizing that our lives, no matter how seemingly small, contribute to His eternal purposes. It calls us to consider our own identity in Christ and our belonging within His body, understanding that we are part of a lineage not of blood, but of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the importance of ancient genealogies help us appreciate our own spiritual heritage in Christ?**
* **In what ways does this seemingly simple verse affirm God's meticulous care for every individual, even those briefly mentioned in Scripture?**
* **What does the Chronicler's emphasis on lineage teach us about the significance of continuity and belonging within the community of faith today?**

### FAQ

**Why are these genealogies so detailed in Chronicles?**

Answer: The genealogies in Chronicles are meticulously detailed for several crucial reasons, particularly for the post-exilic community. They served to establish and confirm tribal identities, validate land claims, ensure the purity of priestly lineages for temple service, and affirm God's covenant faithfulness to His people despite the exile. By meticulously tracing these lines, the Chronicler provided a vital link to Israel's past, legitimizing the present community's claims and reassuring them of their place within God's ongoing redemptive plan. They were foundational for re-establishing social, religious, and political order after the return from Babylon, as seen in the emphasis on lineage in books like [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - Register of Genealogies").

**Are these names mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?**

Answer: Yes, some of these names or their variants appear elsewhere. Gera is a Benjaminite name found in other contexts, such as the father of Ehud in [Judges 3:15](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15 - Ehud, son of Gera") and the father of Shimei in [2 Samuel 16:5](/2_samuel/16-5 "2 Samuel 16:5 - Shimei Curses David"). Shephuphan is a variant of Shephupham, mentioned in [Numbers 26:39](/numbers/26-39 "Numbers 26:39 - Shephupham, a Son of Benjamin"), and possibly related to Shuppim in [Genesis 46:21](/genesis/46-21 "Genesis 46:21 - The Sons of Benjamin"). Huram is also a common name, notably borne by King Huram of Tyre ([1 Kings 5:1](/1_kings/5-1 "1 Kings 5:1 - King Huram of Tyre")) and a skilled craftsman ([2 Chronicles 2:13](/2_chronicles/2-13 "2 Chronicles 2:13 - Huram-abi, the Master Craftsman")), though the Huram in this verse is a distinct Benjaminite descendant. These variations and repetitions highlight the commonality of names and the intricate nature of ancient genealogical records.

**What is the spiritual significance of a verse like this?**

Answer: The spiritual significance of 1 Chronicles 8:5 lies in its affirmation of God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness. It reminds us that every individual, even those briefly mentioned, matters to God and has a place in His grand narrative. This verse underscores the importance of identity and belonging within God's covenant people, a theme that resonates deeply with believers today who are grafted into the spiritual family of God through Christ. It testifies to God's preservation of His people through history, ensuring the continuity of the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come, thus demonstrating His sovereign control over seemingly mundane details to fulfill His overarching redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 8:5 appears to be a simple list of names, its Christ-centered fulfillment is profound, as it contributes to the overarching biblical narrative of God's meticulous preservation of a lineage leading to the Messiah. The Chronicler's exhaustive genealogical records, including seemingly minor verses like this one, testify to God's sovereign hand orchestrating human history to ensure the arrival of His Son. Every name, every family branch, was providentially maintained to preserve the line of Abraham and David, culminating in Jesus Christ. The ultimate purpose of these ancient genealogies finds its climax in the New Testament accounts of Christ's lineage, as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). Through Christ, the meticulous record-keeping of physical lineage is transcended by a new, spiritual family. Believers, regardless of their earthly heritage, are now grafted into God's family by faith in Jesus, becoming children of God ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God")) and co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Thus, the divine care evident in preserving the names of Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram foreshadows the ultimate precision with which God brought forth the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), establishing a new and eternal covenant family.

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 7:12

Shuppim also, and Huppim, the children of Ir, [and] Hushim, the sons of Aher.

Numbers 26:39

Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites.

Judges 3:15

But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.