1 Chronicles 9:4

KJV

Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the children of Pharez the son of Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Uthai {H5793} the son {H1121} of Ammihud {H5989}, the son {H1121} of Omri {H6018}, the son {H1121} of Imri {H566}, the son {H1121} of Bani {H1137}, of the children {H1121} of Pharez {H6557} the son {H1121} of Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Utai the son of 'Ammihud, the son of 'Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, from the descendants of Peretz the son of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

Uthai son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, a descendant of Perez son of Judah.

American Standard Version

Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the children of Perez the son of Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:4 is a precise genealogical entry within the broader record of those who resettled in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It identifies Uthai, a descendant of Judah through his son Pharez, as one of the post-exilic inhabitants of the restored capital. This verse, though seemingly a mere list of names, underscores the meticulous preservation of tribal lineages and the re-establishment of the Israelite community, particularly the tribe of Judah, which held significant covenantal promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 9:4 is embedded within a lengthy and detailed genealogical section (1 Chronicles 1-9) that meticulously traces the lineage of Israel from Adam through the various tribes, culminating in a focus on the returning exiles. Chapter 9 specifically transitions from the general tribal lists to a detailed account of those who resettled in Jerusalem and other towns after the Babylonian captivity. This chapter serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the historical genealogies to the subsequent narrative sections of the book, which focus on the reigns of Saul and David. The inclusion of Uthai's lineage here signifies the re-population and re-establishment of the community in the ancestral capital, emphasizing continuity and the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for 1 Chronicles 9 is the post-exilic period, following the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity, which began with Cyrus the Great's decree in 538 BCE. The exile had profoundly disrupted Israelite society, scattering its people and dissolving tribal and land claims. Upon their return, re-establishing identity, land ownership, and the social and religious order was paramount. Genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 9:4, were not merely historical records; they were vital legal and social documents that authenticated tribal affiliation, validated claims to ancestral lands, and confirmed eligibility for priestly or royal service. For the returning exiles, these lists provided a tangible link to their heritage and a foundation for rebuilding their national and spiritual life in Jerusalem, the city chosen by God as His dwelling place, as seen in [2 Chronicles 6:6](/2_chronicles/6-6 "2 Chronicles 6:6 - God's Choice of Jerusalem").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader chapter, contributes to several key themes in Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights the **Continuity of God's Covenant Promises**, particularly to the tribe of Judah, from whom the Davidic line and ultimately the Messiah would come (cf. [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter of Judah")). Even after the profound upheaval of exile, God faithfully preserved the tribal lines, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of **Identity and Belonging** for the post-exilic community. These genealogies provided a vital sense of connection to their rich heritage and the covenant promises made to their ancestors, grounding them in a shared past and a hopeful future. Finally, the listing of inhabitants like Uthai underscores the divine work of the **Restoration of Jerusalem** as the spiritual and political center of Israel, a theme central to the Chronicler's theology, emphasizing the re-establishment of proper worship and governance in the holy city, as described in [Nehemiah 11:1-2](/nehemiah/11-1 "Nehemiah 11:1-2 - Resettling Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Uthai (Hebrew, _‘Uthay_):** This name means "my time" or "opportune." While the meaning of the name itself does not carry a profound theological significance for the verse's main message, its inclusion here is crucial for identifying a specific individual who participated in the post-exilic resettlement of Jerusalem. It underscores the Chronicler's meticulous attention to detail in documenting the re-establishment of the community.
* **Son (Hebrew, _ben_):** The repeated use of "son" (or "the son of") is the foundational structural element of biblical genealogies. It signifies direct paternal lineage and succession, meticulously tracing the family line from one generation to the next. This repetition reinforces the accuracy and continuity of the record, establishing a clear chain of descent and validating the identity of each individual within their tribal and familial context.
* **Pharez (Hebrew, _Perets_):** Meaning "breach" or "breakthrough," Pharez was one of the twin sons of Judah by Tamar (Genesis 38:29). His inclusion here is highly significant because his lineage is a key ancestral line within the tribe of Judah, leading directly to King David and ultimately to the Messiah. The mention of Pharez connects Uthai not just to the tribe of Judah, but to a specific and crucial branch of that tribe, highlighting the preservation of the Messianic line even through the disruption of the exile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani":** This opening phrase meticulously traces Uthai's paternal lineage back several generations, establishing his direct connection to a known family line. This detailed enumeration underscores the precision and importance of genealogical records in ancient Israelite society, which were essential for establishing an individual's identity, tribal affiliation, and potential claims to land or status within the community. It serves to legitimate Uthai's presence as an inhabitant of Jerusalem by rooting him firmly in his ancestral heritage.
* **"of the children of Pharez the son of Judah":** This concluding clause broadens the scope, placing Uthai within the larger tribal and familial context. It identifies his ultimate tribal affiliation as Judah, specifically through Pharez, a significant figure in Judah's early history and a key ancestor in the Messianic line. This connection is crucial for understanding the theological implications of the verse, as it subtly points to the enduring promise of a king from Judah and the preservation of the lineage leading to the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 9:4 is **Genealogy**. This is a common feature throughout the Pentateuch and historical books, serving not merely as a record of names but as a theological statement. In this context, the genealogy establishes the legitimacy and continuity of the post-exilic community, connecting them to their pre-exilic heritage and God's covenant promises. The repeated phrase "the son of" (Hebrew: _ben_) functions as a form of **Repetition**, creating a rhythmic structure that emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent and the meticulous nature of the record-keeping. Despite the detailed lineage, the verse is characterized by **Conciseness**, packing multiple generations into a single, tightly structured statement. This conciseness highlights the efficiency with which the Chronicler conveys vast amounts of historical and social information, making each name a link in a larger, divinely orchestrated chain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 9:4 is a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous providence. The preservation of Uthai's lineage, traced back through Pharez to Judah, underscores God's commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the promise that the scepter would not depart from Judah until Shiloh came ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter of Judah")). Even through the devastating disruption of the Babylonian exile, God ensured the continuity of the tribal lines, especially that of Judah, which was destined to produce the Messiah. This verse, therefore, is not just about historical record-keeping; it is a subtle yet powerful declaration of God's sovereign control over human history, meticulously orchestrating events and preserving key lineages to bring about His ultimate redemptive plan. It reminds us that even in periods of national crisis and dispersion, God remains faithful to His word and His people.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter of Judah")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values fame and outward accomplishment, 1 Chronicles 9:4 reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of human history and the lives of individuals, even those who might seem insignificant or whose names are merely listed in a genealogy. Uthai, a seemingly obscure figure, was part of God's grand plan for the restoration of His people. This perspective encourages us to recognize that our own lives, with all their seemingly mundane details, are woven into God's larger narrative of redemption. We are part of a spiritual heritage, connected to a long line of believers, and our faithfulness, no matter how small it may seem, contributes to the ongoing story of God's work in the world. Just as Uthai's lineage connected him to Judah and Pharez, believers today are connected to a rich spiritual ancestry—a "cloud of witnesses" ([Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - The Cloud of Witnesses"))—that should inspire us to live faithfully and pass on a legacy of faith to future generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's attention to detail in genealogies encourage us about His care for our individual lives, even in seemingly insignificant moments?**
* **In what ways does understanding our spiritual heritage (the story of God's people and His faithfulness through generations) strengthen our own faith today?**
* **What "lineage" or spiritual legacy are we building for future generations through our faithfulness to God's calling in our lives?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies so prevalent in the Bible, especially in Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies served multiple critical functions in ancient Israel, particularly for the post-exilic community addressed by the Chronicler. They were essential for establishing and maintaining tribal identity, which was crucial for land claims and inheritance rights. They validated priestly and royal lines, ensuring that only those with legitimate descent could serve in the temple or rule as king. Theologically, genealogies demonstrated God's faithfulness in preserving His people and His covenant promises, especially the promise of a perpetual kingdom through the line of Judah. For the returning exiles, these detailed lists provided a vital sense of continuity and belonging, helping to re-establish social order and reaffirm their connection to their heritage and the covenant people of God. The Chronicler's emphasis on genealogies underscores the importance of a pure and legitimate community in the restored land, as seen in [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Priestly Genealogy").

**What is the significance of Pharez in this verse?**

Answer: Pharez was one of the twin sons of Judah by Tamar, born under unusual circumstances (see [Genesis 38:27-30](/genesis/38-27 "Genesis 38:27-30 - Birth of Pharez and Zerah")). His name, meaning "breach" or "breakthrough," alludes to his dramatic birth. The significance of Pharez in 1 Chronicles 9:4 is profound because his lineage is explicitly included in the [genealogy of Jesus Christ](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Pharez in Jesus' Genealogy") in the New Testament. This makes him a direct ancestor of the Messiah. His mention here, even in a seemingly minor genealogical entry, underscores the meticulous preservation of the Messianic line through the tribe of Judah, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in orchestrating history to bring about the fulfillment of His ultimate redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly obscure genealogical entry of Uthai in 1 Chronicles 9:4 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of the lineage of Judah, traced through Pharez, is not merely a historical record but a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The promise that the scepter would not depart from Judah ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter of Judah")) finds its glorious culmination in Jesus, who is the Lion of the tribe of Judah ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah")). Uthai's inclusion in this post-exilic list subtly points to the enduring faithfulness of God in maintaining the ancestral line from which the Messiah would come, even through periods of national dispersion and upheaval. Jesus, as the Son of David and ultimately the Son of Judah, is the culmination of all these genealogies, the one through whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). His incarnation, death, and resurrection fulfill the hopes and expectations embedded in every preserved lineage, bringing salvation not just to Israel but to all who believe, establishing an eternal kingdom that transcends all earthly genealogies and national boundaries ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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

Genesis 46:12

And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.

1 Chronicles 2:5

The sons of Pharez; Hezron, and Hamul.

Numbers 26:20

And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.

Nehemiah 11:6

All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem [were] four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.

Nehemiah 8:7

Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people [stood] in their place.

Nehemiah 10:13

Hodijah, Bani, Beninu.

Nehemiah 11:4

And at Jerusalem dwelt [certain] of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez;