FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation 1 Chronicles 1:8
KJVThe sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.
Read it in context
From Adam to Abraham
Start reading at 1 Chronicles 1:1 (1 Chronicles 1:1 to 1 Chronicles 1:27).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
- 1:1 Adam, Sheth, Enosh,
- 1:2 Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered,
- 1:3 Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech,
- 1:4 Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
- 1:5 The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.
- 1:6 And the sons of Gomer; Ashchenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah.
- 1:7 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
- 1:8 The sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.
- 1:9 And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabta, and Raamah, and Sabtecha. And the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.
- 1:10 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be mighty upon the earth.
- 1:11 And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,
- 1:12 And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (of whom came the Philistines,) and Caphthorim.
- 1:13 And Canaan begat Zidon his firstborn, and Heth,
- 1:14 The Jebusite also, and the Amorite, and the Girgashite,
- 1:15 And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,
- 1:16 And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite.
- 1:17 The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech.
- 1:18 And Arphaxad begat Shelah, and Shelah begat Eber.
- 1:19 And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother's name was Joktan.
- 1:20 And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,
- 1:21 Hadoram also, and Uzal, and Diklah,
- 1:22 And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba,
- 1:23 And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.
- 1:24 Shem, Arphaxad, Shelah,
- 1:25 Eber, Peleg, Reu,
- 1:26 Serug, Nahor, Terah,
- 1:27 Abram; the same is Abraham.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Ezra is the traditional Jewish attribution. The historical writer or compiler is commonly called the Chronicler; an exact personal identification is not certain. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Chronicles 1:1–9:44): These genealogies and settlement lists identify ancestral families, tribes, priests, Levites, and returned inhabitants for the community's record. The people listed are not all participants in one contemporary gathering. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Jewish community after the Babylonian exile, reconnecting its families, worship, and identity with Israel's earlier history. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 9:1; 1 Chronicles 9:2. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? From Adam to Abraham. Read 1 Chronicles 1:1 through 1 Chronicles 1:27 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The genealogies range widely through generations; the narrative then concentrates on David and preparations for the temple. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The tribal lines and settlements range through Israel. David's reign and temple preparations concentrate on Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in From Adam to Abraham (1 Chronicles 1:1 to 1 Chronicles 1:27). Start reading at 1 Chronicles 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? David's house and promised successor belong to the royal line later connected to Jesus. Preserve the immediate reference to Solomon where temple-building responsibilities are stated. See 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Consider faithful preparation, ordered service, and the contribution of many people to worship. Genealogies describe particular family relationships and should not be turned into a universal ranking of personal worth. interpretation
Cited: 1 Chronicles 1:1, 1 Chronicles 1:27, 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32
Who wrote it, and how we know
Ezra (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Ezra.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated. The genealogies extend past the exile.
Related passages
- sons Gen 10:6-7
- Put Gen 10:6
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles 1
First Chronicles presents genealogies and David's reign with sustained attention to the temple, Levites, and worship. It does not name its compiler. Its selection and arrangement differ from a full chronological biography. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
The Descendants of Abraham
1 Chronicles 1:28–34FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThe genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation The Descendants of Esau
1 Chronicles 1:35–37FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThe genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation The Descendants of Seir
1 Chronicles 1:38–42FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThe genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation The Kings of Edom
1 Chronicles 1:43–54FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles
First Chronicles presents genealogies and David's reign with sustained attention to the temple, Levites, and worship. It does not name its compiler. Its selection and arrangement differ from a full chronological biography.
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThe genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation David's kingship established
1 Chronicles 10:1–12:40FocusSaul's end and support for David
Connection to the wholeThe account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
interpretation David's reign and the ark
1 Chronicles 13:1–20:8FocusWorship, promise, and victories
Connection to the wholeThe ark's arrival, the promise to David, and accounts of victories establish the setting for the temple preparations.
interpretation Preparing for the temple
1 Chronicles 21:1–29:30FocusResources, service, and succession
Connection to the wholeDavid arranges materials and personnel and charges Solomon and the people, directing the close of his reign toward the future temple.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.