1 Chronicles / Chapter 8

1 Chronicles 8

40 verses • Westminster Leningrad Codex

Translator's Introduction

What This Chapter Is About

The Chronicler devotes an entire chapter to Benjamin — far more than the brief treatment in 7:6-12 — because Benjamin is the tribe of Saul, Israel's first king, and also the tribe that remained loyal to the house of David after the kingdom split. The genealogy traces Benjamin's sons and their descendants through multiple branches, locating clans in Jerusalem, Aijalon, Gath, and other settlements, and culminates in the genealogy of Saul son of Kish at Gibeon. This Saulide genealogy will be repeated at 9:35-44, forming a bridge between the genealogies and the narrative that begins with Saul's death in chapter 10.

What Makes This Chapter Remarkable

Benjamin receives two genealogies (ch. 7 and ch. 8) because the tribe serves a dual function in the Chronicler's schema: it is the tribe of the old monarchy (Saul) and the tribe that partnered with Judah in the southern kingdom. The extended treatment legitimizes Benjamin's role in the post-exilic community — the returnees were primarily from Judah, Benjamin, and Levi. The Saulide genealogy at the chapter's end is deliberately positioned: it sets up Saul's death narrative (ch. 10) and implicitly contrasts Saul's failed dynasty with David's enduring one. The Chronicler is not hostile to Benjamin or even to Saul — he traces the royal line with care — but the structural placement speaks: Benjamin's genealogy ends the pre-narrative section, giving way to the Davidic story.

Translation Friction

This Benjaminite genealogy differs significantly from 7:6-12 and from Genesis 46:21, Numbers 26:38-41, and other lists. The variations likely reflect different periods and different clan structures within the same tribe. The identification of Ehud (v. 6) with the judge Ehud of Judges 3 is uncertain. The Gibeon-based genealogy of Saul (vv. 29-40) duplicates 9:35-44 with minor variations, suggesting both passages draw on the same source.

Connections

The Saulide genealogy connects directly to 1 Samuel 9:1 (Saul's lineage) and to the death narrative of 1 Chronicles 10. The location of Benjaminite clans in Jerusalem (v. 28, 32) establishes Benjamin's co-presence with Judah in the holy city — a partnership the Chronicler values. The mention of Benjaminites in Gath (v. 13) and Aijalon (v. 13) shows the tribe's western territorial reach into traditionally Philistine and Danite areas.

1 Chronicles 8:1

וּבִ֨נְיָמִ֔ן הוֹלִ֖יד אֶת־בֶּ֣לַע בְּכֹר֑וֹ אַשְׁבֵּל֙ הַשֵּׁנִ֔י וְאַחְרַ֖ח הַשְּׁלִישִֽׁי׃

Benjamin fathered Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third,

KJV Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Benjamin's (Binyamin) sons are listed differently here than in Genesis 46:21 or Numbers 26:38 — Aharah (Achrach) may be a variant of Ahiram (Numbers 26:38). The numbered birth order (bekhor, hasheni, hashlishi) emphasizes that Bela, not Ashbel, is the principal heir. The Chronicler provides a fresh genealogy tailored to the post-exilic community's needs rather than simply copying older lists.
1 Chronicles 8:2

נוֹחָ֥ה הָרְבִיעִ֖י וְרָפָ֥א הַחֲמִישִֽׁי׃ ס

Nohah the fourth and Rapha the fifth — as recorded in the genealogies.

KJV Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Nohah (Nochah, 'rest') and Rapha (Rafa, 'healer' or 'giant/shade') — five sons total. Rapha is significant: the name may connect to the Rephaim, the legendary giants of Canaan. Some Benjaminite clans are associated with Rephaite warriors in 2 Samuel 21:16-22 (the 'sons of the giant' in Gath). Whether this is coincidental or reflects an actual genealogical connection is uncertain.
1 Chronicles 8:3

וַיִּהְי֥וּ בָנִ֖ים לְבָ֑לַע אַדָּ֥ר וְגֵרָ֖א וַאֲבִיהֽוּד׃

The sons of Bela: Addar, Gera, and Abihud,

KJV And the sons of Bela were, Addar, and Gera, and Abihud,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Gera (Gera, 'sojourning') is the name of the father/ancestor of Ehud the judge (Judges 3:15) and of Shimei who cursed David (2 Samuel 16:5). The name's recurrence in Benjaminite genealogies shows it was a clan identifier. Addar (Addar, 'noble') and Abihud (Avihud, 'my father is majesty') are sub-clan leaders.
1 Chronicles 8:4

וַאֲבִישׁ֥וּעַ וְנַעֲמָ֖ן וַאֲחוֹחַ׃

Abishua, Naaman, and Ahoah,

KJV And Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Naaman (Na'aman, 'pleasant') shares the name of the Syrian general healed of leprosy by Elisha (2 Kings 5) — a different person entirely. Ahoah (Achoach, 'brother of rest') may be the ancestor of the Ahohite warriors among David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:9, 28). Abishua (Avishu'a, 'father of salvation') shares a name with the Aaronide priest (6:4).
1 Chronicles 8:5

וְגֵרָ֥א וּשְׁפוּפָ֖ן וְחוּרָֽם׃

Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram.

KJV And Gera, and Shephuphan, and Huram.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. A second Gera in Bela's sons — or possibly the same as verse 3 with additional sons listed in a second source. Shephuphan (Shefufan, 'serpent') is a variant of Shephupham (Numbers 26:39). Huram (Churam, 'noble/white') — not to be confused with Hiram king of Tyre. The total of nine sons of Bela (vv. 3-5) represents a major clan division.
1 Chronicles 8:6

וְאֵ֖לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י אֵח֑וּד אֵ֣לֶּה הֵ֞ם רָאשֵׁ֤י אָבוֹת֙ לְיוֹשְׁבֵ֣י גֶ֔בַע וַיַּגְל֖וּם אֶל־מָנָֽחַת׃

These are the sons of Ehud — they were heads of ancestral houses among the inhabitants of Geba, and they were deported to Manahath:

KJV And these are the sons of Ehud: these are the heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Geba, and they removed them to Manahath:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Ehud (Echud) may be the judge of Judges 3:15 or a later descendant bearing the same name. The note vayyaglum el Manachat ('they deported/relocated them to Manahath') records an otherwise unknown internal migration or forced relocation of Benjaminite clans from Geba to Manahath (a Judahite settlement, cf. 2:54). This intra-tribal displacement is not recorded elsewhere and may reflect population movements during the monarchy.
1 Chronicles 8:7

וְנַעֲמָ֧ן וַאֲחִיָּ֛ה וְגֵרָ֖א ה֣וּא הֶגְלָ֑ם וְהוֹלִ֥יד אֶת־עֻזָּ֖א וְאֶת־אֲחִיחֻֽד׃

Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera — he led their deportation — and he fathered Uzza and Ahihud.

KJV And Naaman, and Ahiah, and Gera, he removed them, and begat Uzza, and Ahihud.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The identity of 'he' (hu heglam, 'he deported them') is ambiguous — likely Gera led the relocation. After the move to Manahath, Gera fathered Uzza (Uzza, 'strength') and Ahihud (Achichud, 'my brother is majesty'). The Chronicler preserves the memory of this clan movement even though the circumstances are lost. Internal migrations, deportations, and clan relocations shaped tribal geography in ways the narrative texts rarely record.
1 Chronicles 8:8

וְשַׁחֲרַ֗יִם הוֹלִ֛יד בִּשְׂדֵ֥ה מוֹאָ֖ב מִן־שִׁלְח֣וֹ אֹתָ֑ם חוּשִׁ֥ם וְאֶת־בַּעֲרָ֖א נָשָֽׁיו׃

Shaharaim fathered children in the territory of Moab after he sent away his wives Hushim and Baara.

KJV And Shaharaim begat children in the country of Moab, after he had sent them away; Hushim and Baara were his wives.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Shaharaim (Shacharayim, 'double dawn') had children bisdeh Mo'av ('in the field/territory of Moab') — a Benjaminite living in Transjordan, like the Judahites of 4:22 who 'ruled in Moab.' The phrase min shilcho otam ('after he sent them away') means he divorced Hushim and Baara. Divorce and remarriage in a foreign land — the Chronicler records the domestic complexity without moral commentary.
1 Chronicles 8:9

וַיּ֖וֹלֶד מִן־חֹ֣דֶשׁ אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ אֶת־יוֹבָ֥ב וְאֶת־צִבְיָ֖א וְאֶת־מֵישָׁ֥א וְאֶת־מַלְכָּֽם׃

By his wife Hodesh he fathered Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, and Malcam,

KJV And he begat of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcham,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Hodesh (Chodesh, 'new moon') is Shaharaim's new wife in Moab. Malcam (Malkam, 'their king') — the name is identical to the Ammonite deity Milcom/Malcam (1 Kings 11:5, Zephaniah 1:5). Its use as a personal name among Benjaminites either predates the association with the Ammonite god or indicates cultural influence from Moab where Shaharaim lived.
1 Chronicles 8:10

וְאֶת־יְע֥וּץ וְאֶת־שָׂכְיָ֖ה וְאֶת־מִרְמָ֑ה אֵ֥לֶּה בָנָ֖יו רָאשֵׁ֥י אָבֽוֹת׃

Jeuz, Sachiah, and Mirmah. These were his sons — heads of ancestral houses.

KJV And Jeuz, and Shachia, and Mirma. These were his sons, heads of the fathers.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Seven sons by Hodesh in Moab, all designated rashei avot ('heads of ancestral houses'). Mirmah (Mirmah, 'deceit/fraud') is a striking name. The Benjaminite presence in Moab produced clan leaders who maintained their tribal identity even in foreign territory.
1 Chronicles 8:11

וּמֵחֻשִׁ֣ים הוֹלִ֔יד אֶת־אֲבִיט֖וּב וְאֶת־אֶלְפָּֽעַל׃

By Hushim he had fathered Abitub and Elpaal.

KJV And of Hushim he begat Abitub, and Elpaal.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Before divorcing Hushim, Shaharaim had fathered Abitub (Avituv, 'my father is good') and Elpaal (Elpa'al, 'God has wrought'). The Chronicler records both the pre-divorce and post-divorce families. Elpaal's descendants will be listed next, generating a significant Benjaminite clan with Jerusalem connections.
1 Chronicles 8:12

וּבְנֵ֣י אֶלְפַּ֔עַל עֵ֥בֶר וּמִשְׁעָ֖ם וְשָׁ֑מֶד ה֤וּא בָנָה֙ אֶת־אוֹנ֔וֹ וְאֶת־לֹ֖ד וּבְנֹתֶֽיהָ׃ ס

The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, and Shemed — who built Ono and Lod with its surrounding towns.

KJV The sons of Elpaal; Eber, and Misham, and Shamed, who built Ono, and Lod, with the towns thereof:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Shemed (Shamed, 'destruction/guard') is credited with building Ono (Ono, 'strong') and Lod (Lod, 'strife') with their satellite villages. Lod is modern Lydda/Lod near Ben Gurion Airport. Ono is nearby in the Sharon plain. These are the same cities where Sanballat tried to lure Nehemiah for a meeting (Nehemiah 6:2). The Chronicler traces these important post-exilic settlements to a Benjaminite founder, legitimizing Benjaminite claims in the western territory.
1 Chronicles 8:13

וּבְרִעָ֣ה וָשֶׁ֔מַע הֵ֚מָּה רָאשֵׁ֣י הָאָב֔וֹת לְיוֹשְׁבֵ֖י אַיָּל֑וֹן הֵ֥מָּה הִבְרִ֖יחוּ אֶת־יוֹשְׁבֵ֥י גַֽת׃

Beriah and Shema were the heads of ancestral houses for the inhabitants of Aijalon. They drove out the inhabitants of Gath.

KJV Beriah also, and Shema, who were heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. A military note: Beriah and Shema, Benjaminite clan heads based in Aijalon (Ayyalon), hemmah hivrichu et yoshvei Gat ('they drove out the inhabitants of Gath'). This is a reversal of the usual Philistine-Israelite power dynamic — Benjaminites based in the Shephelah drove Gathites from their territory. The verb hivriach ('to put to flight, to drive away') indicates forceful expulsion. This military success is recorded nowhere else.
1 Chronicles 8:14

וְאַחְי֥וֹ שָׁשָׁ֖ק וִירֵמ֑וֹת׃

Ahio, Shashak,, and Jeremoth,

KJV And Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Ahio (Achyo, 'his brother/brotherly'), Shashak (Shashaq, meaning uncertain), and Jeremoth (Yeremot, 'heights') — additional sons of Beriah or of Elpaal. Shashak's descendants will be listed in verses 25-26.
1 Chronicles 8:15

וּזְבַדְיָ֥ה וַעֲרָ֖ד וְעָ֑דֶר׃

Zebadiah, Arad, and Eder,

KJV And Zebadiah, and Arad, and Ader,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Zebadiah (Zevadyah, 'YHWH has bestowed'), Arad (Arad, 'wild donkey'), and Eder (Eder, 'flock') — more Benjaminite clan leaders. Arad shares a name with the Negev city (Numbers 21:1).
1 Chronicles 8:16

וּמִיכָאֵ֥ל וְיִשְׁפָּ֖ה וְיוֹחָ֑א בְּנֵ֖י בְרִיעָֽה׃ ס

Michael, Ishpah, and Joha — the sons of Beriah.

KJV And Michael, and Ispah, and Joha, the sons of Beriah;

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Michael (Mikha'el), Ishpah (Yishpah, 'he will smooth/level'), and Joha (Yocha, 'YHWH gives life') close the Beriah sub-section. The total of Beriah's sons (vv. 13-16) represents a substantial clan with military achievements and territorial reach.
1 Chronicles 8:17

וּזְבַדְיָ֥ה וּמְשֻׁלָּ֖ם וְחִזְקִ֥י וָחָֽבֶר׃

Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, and Heber,

KJV And Zebadiah, and Meshullam, and Hezeki, and Heber,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. A second Zebadiah (common name), Meshullam (Meshullam, 'allied'), Hizki (Chizqi, 'my strength'), and Heber (Chever, 'associate') — sons of Elpaal, distinct from Beriah's sons. The names overlap significantly with other tribal genealogies.
1 Chronicles 8:18

וְיִשְׁמְרַ֥י וְיִזְלִיאָ֖ה וְיוֹבָ֑ב בְּנֵ֖י אֶלְפָּֽעַל׃ ס

Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab — the sons of Elpaal.

KJV Ishmerai also, and Jezliah, and Jobab, the sons of Elpaal;

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Ishmerai (Yishmerai, 'YHWH guards me'), Izliah (Yizliah, 'God draws out'), and Jobab (Yovav) complete Elpaal's sons. The total of seven sons (vv. 17-18) from Elpaal through Hushim, combined with seven from Hodesh (vv. 9-10), gives Shaharaim fourteen descendants through two family lines.
1 Chronicles 8:19

וְיָקִ֥ים וְזִכְרִ֖י וְזַבְדִּֽי׃

Jakim, Zichri, and Zabdi,

KJV And Jakim, and Zichri, and Zabdi,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Jakim (Yaqim, 'he establishes'), Zichri (Zikhri, 'my remembrance'), and Zabdi (Zavdi, 'my gift') — beginning a new sub-clan list. Zichri is a common Benjaminite name; a Zichri killed Maaseiah, a prince of Judah, during the Israelite-Judean war (2 Chronicles 28:7).
1 Chronicles 8:20

וֶאֱלִיעֵנַ֥י וְצִלְּתַ֖י וֶאֱלִיאֵֽל׃

Elienai, Zillethai, and Eliel,

KJV And Elienai, and Zilthai, and Eliel,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Elienai (Eli'einai, 'my eyes are toward God'), Zillethai (Tsiltai, 'shadow/protection'), and Eliel (Eli'el, 'my God is God'). These theophoric names demonstrate strong YHWH/El worship within the Benjaminite clan.
1 Chronicles 8:21

וַאֲדָיָ֥ה וּבְרָאיָ֖ה וְשִׁמְרָ֑ת בְּנֵ֖י שִׁמְעִֽי׃ ס

Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath — the sons of Shimei.

KJV And Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons of Shimhi;

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Adaiah (Adayah, 'YHWH has adorned'), Beraiah (Bera'yah, 'YHWH has created'), and Shimrath (Shimrat, 'guard') — sons of Shimei (Shim'i). The naming formula benei Shim'i identifies the sub-clan. This Shimei is a Benjaminite clan head, not the Shimei who cursed David.
1 Chronicles 8:22

וְיִשְׁפָּ֥ן וְעֵ֖בֶר וֶאֱלִיאֵֽל׃

Ishpan, Eber, and Eliel,

KJV And Ishpan, and Heber, and Eliel,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Ishpan (Yishpan, 'he will judge/conceal'), Eber (Ever, 'the one from beyond'), and Eliel continue a new sub-clan list. These names are unique to this genealogy.
1 Chronicles 8:23

וְעַבְד֥וֹן וְזִכְרִ֖י וְחָנָֽן׃

Abdon, Zichri, and Hanan,

KJV And Abdon, and Zichri, and Hanan,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Abdon (Avdon, 'servile'), another Zichri (Zikhri), and Hanan (Chanan, 'gracious'). Hanan shares a name with one of David's mighty warriors (1 Chronicles 11:43).
1 Chronicles 8:24

וַחֲנַנְיָ֥ה וְעֵילָ֖ם וְעַנְתֹתִיָּֽה׃

Hananiah, Elam, and Anthothijah,

KJV And Hananiah, and Elam, and Antothijah,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Hananiah (Chananyah, 'YHWH is gracious'), Elam (Eilam, 'hidden/eternal'), and Anthothijah (Antotiyyah, 'answers of YHWH' or 'from Anathoth'). The last name may indicate origin from the priestly city of Anathoth — a Benjaminite with connections to a Levitical city.
1 Chronicles 8:25

וְיִפְדְיָ֥ה וּפְנוּאֵ֖ל בְּנֵ֥י שָׁשָֽׁק׃ ס

Iphdeiah and Penuel — the sons of Shashak.

KJV And Iphedeiah, and Penuel, the sons of Shashak;

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Iphdeiah (Yifdeiyah, 'YHWH ransoms') and Penuel (Penu'el, 'face of God') are sons of Shashak from verse 14. Penuel shares the name of the place where Jacob wrestled with God (Genesis 32:30). The closing formula benei Shashaq identifies the sub-clan.
1 Chronicles 8:26

וְשַׁמְשְׁרַ֥י וּשְׁחַרְיָ֖ה וַעֲתַלְיָֽה׃

Shamsherai, Shehariah, and Athaliah,

KJV And Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Shamsherai (Shamshrai, possibly 'sunlike'), Shehariah (Shecharyah, 'YHWH has sought'), and Athaliah (Atalyah, 'YHWH is exalted') — the last name is shared by the notorious queen who usurped the Judean throne (2 Kings 11), though this is a Benjaminite man. The name Athaliah was apparently not exclusively female.
1 Chronicles 8:27

וְיַעֲרֶשְׁיָ֧ה וְאֵלִיָּ֛ה וְזִכְרִ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יְרֹחָֽם׃ ס

Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri — the sons of Jeroham.

KJV And Jaresiah, and Eliah, and Zichri, the sons of Jeroham.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Jaareshiah (Ya'areshyah, 'YHWH nourishes'), Elijah (Eliyyah, 'my God is YHWH'), and a third Zichri are sons of Jeroham (Yerocham, 'he is compassionate'). Elijah as a Benjaminite name predates or is contemporaneous with the prophet Elijah — the name was not exclusive to the Tishbite.
1 Chronicles 8:28

אֵ֣לֶּה רָאשֵׁ֤י אָבוֹת֙ לְתוֹלְדוֹתָ֣ם רָאשִׁ֔ים אֵ֖לֶּה יָשְׁב֥וּ בִירוּשָׁלָֽ͏ִם׃ ס

These were heads of ancestral houses, leaders by their generations. They lived in Jerusalem.

KJV These were heads of the fathers, by their generations, chief men. These dwelt in Jerusalem.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The summary note elleh yashvu viYerushalayim ('these lived in Jerusalem') is significant — Benjaminite clan leaders were residents of the capital city. Since Jerusalem sat on the border between Judah and Benjamin, both tribes had populations within the city. The Chronicler validates Benjamin's claim to Jerusalem alongside Judah's, establishing the post-exilic community's dual tribal foundation.
1 Chronicles 8:29

וּבְגִבְע֥וֹן יָשְׁב֖וּ אֲבִ֣י גִבְע֑וֹן וְשֵׁ֥ם אִשְׁתּ֖וֹ מַעֲכָֽה׃

In Gibeon lived the father of Gibeon, and his wife's name was Maacah.

KJV And at Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon; whose wife's name was Maachah:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The Saulide genealogy begins at Gibeon (Giv'on, 'hill'), the Benjaminite city northwest of Jerusalem. The 'father of Gibeon' (avi Giv'on) means the founder or chief of the city. His name is supplied in 9:35 as Jeiel (Ye'i'el). Maacah (Ma'akhah) is his wife. Gibeon was a significant site — the tabernacle stood there during the early monarchy (1 Chronicles 16:39, 2 Chronicles 1:3), and Solomon received his dream-vision there (1 Kings 3:4-5). Saul's family coming from Gibeon connects the first king to a major sanctuary city.
1 Chronicles 8:30

וּבְנ֥וֹ הַבְּכ֖וֹר עַבְד֑וֹן וְצ֥וּר וְקִ֖ישׁ וּבַ֥עַל וְנָדָ֖ב׃

His firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, and Nadab,

KJV And his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The sons of Gibeon's founder. Kish (Qish, 'bow/snare') is significant — this Kish is not Saul's immediate father but an ancestor, since verse 33 will trace the line Ner-Kish-Saul. Baal (Ba'al) as a personal name again appears in a Benjaminite context. Zur (Tsur, 'rock') and Nadab (Nadav, 'generous') complete the list.
1 Chronicles 8:31

וּגְד֥וֹר וְאַחְי֖וֹ וָזָֽכֶר׃

Gedor, Ahio, and Zecher.

KJV And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Gedor (Gedor, 'wall'), Ahio (Achyo, 'brotherly'), and Zecher (Zekher, 'remembrance' — expanded to Zechariah in 9:37). These additional sons of Gibeon's founder extend the clan.
1 Chronicles 8:32

וּמִקְל֖וֹת הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־שִׁמְאָ֑ה וְאַף־הֵ֗מָּה נֶ֧גֶד אֲחֵיהֶ֛ם יָשְׁב֥וּ בִירוּשָׁלַ֖͏ִם עִם־אֲחֵיהֶֽם׃ ס

Mikloth fathered Shimeah. They also lived in Jerusalem alongside their relatives.

KJV And Mikloth begat Shimeah. And these also dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem, over against them.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Mikloth (Miqlot, 'rods/sticks') fathered Shimeah (Shim'ah, 'hearing'). The note af hemmah neged acheihem yashvu viYerushalayim im acheihem ('they too, opposite their relatives, lived in Jerusalem with their relatives') establishes that the Gibeonite branch of Benjamin also had a Jerusalem presence — living neged ('opposite/alongside') other Benjaminite clans. This sets the stage for Saul's family having roots in both Gibeon and Jerusalem.
1 Chronicles 8:33

וְנֵר֙ הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־קִ֔ישׁ וְקִ֖ישׁ הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־שָׁא֑וּל וְשָׁא֗וּל הוֹלִ֤יד אֶת־יְהוֹנָתָן֙ וְאֶת־מַלְכִּי־שׁ֔וּעַ וְאֶת־אֲבִינָדָ֖ב וְאֶת־אֶשְׁבָּֽעַל׃ ס

Ner fathered Kish, and Kish fathered Saul. Saul fathered Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal.

KJV And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Esh-baal.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The royal line: Ner (Ner, 'lamp') to Kish to Saul (Sha'ul, 'asked for') to his four sons. Jonathan (Yehonatan, 'YHWH has given') — David's beloved friend. Malchi-shua (Malki-shu'a, 'my king is salvation') and Abinadab (Avinadav, 'my father is noble') — both died with Saul at Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:2). Esh-baal (Eshba'al, 'man of Baal' or 'Baal exists') is the name the Chronicler preserves; the author of Samuel changed it to Ish-bosheth ('man of shame') to avoid the Baal element (2 Samuel 2:8). The Chronicler records the original name without alteration.
1 Chronicles 8:34

וּבֶן־יְהוֹנָתָ֖ן מְרִ֣יב בָּ֑עַל וּמְרִ֣יב בַּ֔עַל הוֹלִ֖יד אֶת־מִיכָֽה׃

The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal. Merib-baal fathered Micah.

KJV And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal; and Merib-baal begat Micah.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Merib-baal (Meriv Ba'al, 'Baal contends' or 'opponent of Baal') is the Chronicler's name for the person Samuel calls Mephibosheth (Mefivshet, 'from the mouth of shame' — the Baal element replaced with boshet, 'shame'). This is Jonathan's son, the lame prince whom David showed chesed for Jonathan's sake (2 Samuel 9). The Chronicler again preserves the original Baal-compound name. Micah (Mikhah, 'who is like [YHWH]?') is his son.
1 Chronicles 8:35

וּבְנֵ֖י מִיכָ֑ה פִּית֥וֹן וָמֶ֖לֶךְ וְתַאְרֵ֥עַ וְאָחָֽז׃

The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz.

KJV And the sons of Micah were, Pithon, and Melech, and Tarea, and Ahaz.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Micah's four sons extend the Saulide-Jonathanide line. Melech (Melekh, 'king') is a throne-related name in a royal family. Ahaz (Achaz, 'he has seized') shares the name of a later Judean king. The Saulide genealogy continues for several more generations — longer than might be expected for a dynasty that the Chronicler considers superseded by David's.
1 Chronicles 8:36

וְאָחָ֗ז הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־יְהוֹעַדָּ֔ה וִיהוֹעַדָּ֗ה הוֹלִ֤יד אֶת־עָלֶ֙מֶת֙ וְאֶת־עַזְמָ֣וֶת וְאֶת־זִמְרִ֔י וְזִמְרִ֖י הוֹלִ֥יד אֶת־מוֹצָֽא׃

Ahaz fathered Jehoaddah, and Jehoaddah fathered Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri fathered Moza.

KJV And Ahaz begat Jehoadah; and Jehoadah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Jehoaddah (Yeho'addah, 'YHWH has adorned' — 9:42 has Jarah) continues the line. Azmaveth (Azmavet, 'death is strong' or 'strong unto death') is also a place name (Ezra 2:24). Zimri (Zimri, 'my music/praise') shares the name of an Israelite king who reigned seven days (1 Kings 16:15). Moza (Motsa, 'going forth') continues the Saulide descent.
1 Chronicles 8:37

וּמוֹצָ֖א הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־בִּנְעָ֑א רָפָ֥ה בְנ֛וֹ אֶלְעָשָׂ֥ה בְנ֖וֹ אָצֵ֥ל בְּנֽוֹ׃

Moza fathered Binea; Raphah his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son.

KJV And Moza begat Binea: Rapha was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Binea (Bin'a, 'fountain'), Raphah (Rafa, 'healer'), Eleasah (El'asah, 'God has made'), and Azel (Atsel, 'noble') — four more generations of Saulide descent. The line extends far beyond Saul himself, demonstrating that the family survived despite losing the throne. The Chronicler traces the Saulide genealogy with the same care he gives the Davidic line.
1 Chronicles 8:38

וּלְאָצֵ֣ל שִׁשָּׁ֣ה בָנִ֗ים וְאֵ֣לֶּה שְׁמוֹתָם֮ עַזְרִיקָ֣ם בֹּכְר֣וּ וְיִשְׁמָעֵ֡אל וּשְׁעַרְיָ֡ה וְעֹבַדְיָ֧ה וְחָנָ֛ן כׇּל־אֵ֖לֶּה בְּנֵ֥י אָצֵֽל׃

Azel had six sons, and these are their names: Azrikam, Boceru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.

KJV And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Six sons of Azel — the Saulide line branches outward rather than narrowing. Azrikam (Azriqam, 'my help has risen'), Ishmael (Yishma'el, 'God hears'), Obadiah (Ovadyah, 'servant of YHWH'), and Hanan (Chanan, 'gracious') are theophoric names. Boceru (Bokheru, 'his firstborn') is an unusual name — it may be a designation rather than a personal name. Six sons represent a thriving post-monarchic Saulide clan.
1 Chronicles 8:39

וּבְנֵ֥י עֵ֖שֶׁק אָחִ֑יו אוּלָ֣ם בְּכֹר֔וֹ יְעוּשׁ֙ הַשֵּׁנִ֔י וֶאֱלִיפֶ֖לֶט הַשְּׁלִשִֽׁי׃

These were the sons of Eshek, his brother: Ulam the firstborn, Jeush the second and Eliphelet the third.

KJV And the sons of Eshek his brother; Ulam his firstborn, Jehush the second, and Eliphelet the third.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Eshek (Esheq, 'oppression') is Azel's brother. His three sons Ulam (Ulam, 'first/porch'), Jeush (Ye'ush, 'he hastens'), and Eliphelet (Elifelet, 'my God is deliverance') establish a parallel branch of the Saulide family.
1 Chronicles 8:40

וַיִּהְי֤וּ בְנֵֽי־אוּלָם֙ אֲנָשִׁ֣ים גִּבֹּרֵ֣י חַ֔יִל דֹּ֖רְכֵי קָ֑שֶׁת וּמַרְבִּ֤ים בָּנִים֙ וּבְנֵ֣י בָנִ֔ים מֵאָ֥ה וַחֲמִשִּׁ֖ים כׇּל־אֵ֣לֶּה מִבְּנֵ֥י בִנְיָמִֽן׃ פ

The sons of Ulam were mighty warriors, archers, who had many sons and grandsons — one hundred fifty. All these were descendants of Benjamin.

KJV And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The Saulide genealogy ends not in obscurity but in military prowess: gibborei chayil dorekei qashet ('mighty warriors who draw the bow'). Benjaminite archery was legendary — Judges 20:16 describes seven hundred Benjaminite left-handed slingers who 'could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.' The 150 descendants of Ulam represent a significant military clan. The closing formula kol elleh mibnei Binyamin ('all these from the sons of Benjamin') and the petuchah marker close the chapter. The Chronicler's message: Saul's family did not vanish — they remained a warrior clan within Benjamin, part of the post-exilic community.
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