1 Chronicles 23:11

Authorized King James Version

And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father's house.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יַ֣חַת

H3189

And Jahath

jachath, the name of four israelites

הָרֹ֔אשׁ

H7218

was the chief

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וְזִיזָ֖ה

H2125

and Zizah

zizah, an israelite

הַשֵּׁנִ֑י

H8145

the second

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

וִיע֤וּשׁ

H3266

but Jeush

jeush, the name of an edomite and of four israelites

וּבְרִיעָה֙

H1283

and Beriah

beriah, the name of four israelites

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִרְבּ֣וּ

H7235

had not many

to increase (in whatever respect)

#10

בָנִ֔ים

H1121

sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#12

לְבֵ֣ית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#13

אָ֔ב

according to their father's

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#14

לִפְקֻדָּ֖ה

H6486

reckoning

visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)

#15

אֶחָֽת׃

H259

therefore they were in one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Chronicles.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?