1 Chronicles 4:27

Authorized King James Version

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And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brethren had not many children, neither did all their family multiply, like to the children of Judah.

Original Language Analysis

וּלְשִׁמְעִ֞י And Shimei H8096
וּלְשִׁמְעִ֞י And Shimei
Strong's: H8096
Word #: 1 of 17
shimi, the name of twenty israelites
בְּנֵ֥י children H1121
בְּנֵ֥י children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 2 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שֵׁ֔שׁ and six H8337
שֵׁ֔שׁ and six
Strong's: H8337
Word #: 3 of 17
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
עָשָׂר֙ H6240
עָשָׂר֙
Strong's: H6240
Word #: 4 of 17
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
וּבָנ֣וֹת daughters H1323
וּבָנ֣וֹת daughters
Strong's: H1323
Word #: 5 of 17
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
שֵׁ֔שׁ and six H8337
שֵׁ֔שׁ and six
Strong's: H8337
Word #: 6 of 17
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
וּלְאֶחָ֕יו but his brethren H251
וּלְאֶחָ֕יו but his brethren
Strong's: H251
Word #: 7 of 17
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
אֵ֖ין H369
אֵ֖ין
Strong's: H369
Word #: 8 of 17
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
בְּנֵ֥י children H1121
בְּנֵ֥י children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 9 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
רַבִּ֑ים had not many H7227
רַבִּ֑ים had not many
Strong's: H7227
Word #: 10 of 17
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
וְכֹל֙ H3605
וְכֹל֙
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 11 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִשְׁפַּחְתָּ֔ם neither did all their family H4940
מִשְׁפַּחְתָּ֔ם neither did all their family
Strong's: H4940
Word #: 12 of 17
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 13 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִרְבּ֖וּ multiply H7235
הִרְבּ֖וּ multiply
Strong's: H7235
Word #: 14 of 17
to increase (in whatever respect)
עַד H5704
עַד
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 15 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
בְּנֵ֥י children H1121
בְּנֵ֥י children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 16 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְהוּדָֽה׃ of Judah H3063
יְהוּדָֽה׃ of Judah
Strong's: H3063
Word #: 17 of 17
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Analysis & Commentary

Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Judah's expansion and conquest section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term נַחֲלָה (nachalah) - inheritance is central to understanding this passage's purpose. The Chronicler, writing to post-exilic Israel (c. 450-400 BCE), uses these genealogies not merely as historical records but as theological statements about covenant continuity and divine faithfulness.

The genealogical structure serves multiple purposes:

  1. establishing Israel's connection to God's creatio n plan from Adam
  2. legitimizing post-exilic community's claim to covenant promises
  3. emphasizing Judah and Levi's special roles in God's redemptive plan,
  4. demonstrating that despite exile, God's covenant purposes continue.

The selection and arrangement of names is intentional, highlighting God's faithfulness in land promises.

Chronicles diverges from Genesis and Samuel-Kings in its genealogical presentation, reflecting the Chronicler's distinct theological agenda. Where earlier texts focus on narrative history, Chronicles emphasizes continuity, legitimacy, and hope for restoration. This verse contributes to the larger argument that the post-exilic community is the rightful heir of God's ancient covenant promises.

Historical Context

Post-Exilic Context: The Chronicler wrote during the Persian period (450-400 BCE) to a community returned from Babylonian exile, struggling with identity and purpose. These genealogies answered crucial questions: Who are we? What is our relationship to ancient Israel? Do God's promises still apply to us?

The historical setting influences the text's emphasis on Genealogies of Judah's clans and territorial expansions. Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued genealogies for establishing land rights, royal legitimacy, and tribal identity. Chronicles' genealogies served similar functions while adding theological depth. The inclusion of specific names and details reflects the author's access to temple archives, royal records, and earlier biblical texts.

Archaeological evidence from Persian-period Judah shows a small, struggling community centered around Jerusalem and the rebuilt temple. The genealogies reinforced their connection to the glorious past and provided hope for future restoration through God's covenant faithfulness.

Questions for Reflection