1 Chronicles 4:17
1 Chronicles 4:17 in Multiple Translations
The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. And Mered’s wife Bithiah gave birth to Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.
And the sons of Ezra were, Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.
And the sons of Ezrah: Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon; and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.
And the sons of Ezrah: Jether and Mered and Epher and Jalon; and these are the sons of Bithiah, the daughter of Pharaoh, the wife of Mered. And she became the mother of Miriam and Shammai and Ishbah, the father of Eshtemoa.
The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. One wife of Mered was the mother of Miriam, Shammai and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.
And the sonnes of Ezrah were Iether and Mered, and Epher, and Ialon, and he begate Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.
And sons of Ezra [are] Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she beareth Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah father of Eshtemoa.
The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon; and Mered’s wife bore Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.
And the sons of Ezra were , Jethur, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she bore Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.
And the sons of Esra, Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon, and he beget Mariam, and Sammai, and Jesba the father of Esthamo.
Another descendant of Judah was Ezrah. Ezrah’s sons were Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. Mered married Bithiah, who was the daughter of the king of Egypt. The children of Mered and Bithiah were Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah. Ishbah was the father of Eshtemoa. Ezrah also had a wife from Judah. She gave birth to Jered, Heber, and Jekuthiel. Jered was the father of (OR, founded the town of) Gedor, Heber was the father of (OR, founded the town of) Soco, and Jekuthiel was the father of (OR, founded the town of) Zanoah.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 4:17
BAB
Word Study
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1 Chronicles 4:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בֶן
עֶזְרָ֔ה
יֶ֥תֶר
וּ/מֶ֖רֶד
וְ/עֵ֣פֶר
וְ/יָל֑וֹן
וַ/תַּ֨הַר֙
אֶת
מִרְיָ֣ם
וְ/אֶת
שַׁמַּ֔י
וְ/אֶת
יִשְׁבָּ֖ח
אֲבִ֥י
אֶשְׁתְּמֹֽעַ
וּ/בֶן
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-ms
עֶזְרָ֔ה
ʻEzrâh
H5834
Ezrah
N-proper
יֶ֥תֶר
Yether
H3500
Jethro
N-proper
וּ/מֶ֖רֶד
Mered
H4778
Mered
Conj | N-proper
וְ/עֵ֣פֶר
ʻÊpher
H6081
Epher
Conj | N-proper
וְ/יָל֑וֹן
Yâlôwn
H3210
Jalon
Conj | N-proper
וַ/תַּ֨הַר֙
hârâh
H2029
to conceive
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִרְיָ֣ם
Miryâm
H4813
Miriam
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
שַׁמַּ֔י
Shammay
H8060
Shammai
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
יִשְׁבָּ֖ח
Yishbach
H3431
Ishbah
N-proper
אֲבִ֥י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms
אֶשְׁתְּמֹֽעַ
ʼEshtᵉmôaʻ
H851
Eshtemoa
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 4:17
וּ/בֶן
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עֶזְרָ֔ה
ʻEzrâh
H5834
"Ezrah"
N-proper
Ezrah was an Israelite from the tribe of Judah, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:17 as the father of Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. His name means help. He lived during the time of the Divided Monarchy.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah(?) living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.17; father of: Jether (H3500J), Mered (H4778), Epher (H6081H) and Jalon (H3210) § Ezra = "help" a Judaite, father of Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Ezrah. See also: 1 Chronicles 4:17.
יֶ֥תֶר
Yether
H3500
"Jethro"
N-proper
Jethro, meaning abundance, was the father-in-law of Moses and a Midianite priest who advised Moses in Exodus 2 and 18.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.18; father of: Zipporah (H6855) and Hobab (H2246); also called Reuel (KJV: Raguel) at Num.10.29; Another spelling of yit.ro (יִתְרוֹ "Jethro" H3503) § Jether = "abundance" 1) father-in-law of Moses 2) oldest son of Gideon 3) father of Jephunneh and the chief of a line of warriors of the line of Asher 4) father of Amasa, the commander of Absalom's army 5) son of Jada, a descendant of Hezron, of the tribe of Judah 6) a son of Ezra, a Judaite
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Jether, Jethro. Compare H3503 (יִתְרוֹ). See also: Exodus 4:18; 1 Chronicles 2:17; 1 Chronicles 7:38.
וּ/מֶ֖רֶד
Mered
H4778
"Mered"
Conj | N-proper
Mered was an Israelite living during the Divided Monarchy, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:17. He was the son of Ezrah and had several wives and children, including Miriam and Jered.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah(?) living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.4.17; son of: Ezrah (H5834); brother of: Jether (H3500J), Epher (H6081H) and Jalon (H3210); married to Bithiah (H1332)(?) and Jehudijah (H3057)(?); father of: Miriam (H4813H)(?), Shammai (H8060I)(?), Ishbah (H3431)(?), Jered (H3382H)(?), Heber (H2268I)(?) and Jekuthiel (H3354)(?) § Mered = "rebellion" son of Ezra and a descendant of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Mered. See also: 1 Chronicles 4:17; 1 Chronicles 4:18.
וְ/עֵ֣פֶר
ʻÊpher
H6081
"Epher"
Conj | N-proper
Epher means a calf and is the name of several men in the Bible, including an Israelite from the tribe of Manasseh and a son of Ezra. It appears in 1 Chronicles 5:24. Epher is also the name of a son of Midian.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Manasseh living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.5.24 § Epher = "a calf" 1) the 2nd son of Midian 2) a son of Ezra, among the descendants of Judah 3) one of the heads of the families of Manasseh on the east of the Jordan
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Epher. See also: Genesis 25:4; 1 Chronicles 4:17; 1 Chronicles 5:24.
וְ/יָל֑וֹן
Yâlôwn
H3210
"Jalon"
Conj | N-proper
Jalon was an Israelite living during the Divided Monarchy, son of Ezrah and brother of Jether, Mered, and Epher, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:17.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah(?) living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.17; son of: Ezrah (H5834); brother of: Jether (H3500J), Mered (H4778) and Epher (H6081H) § Jalon = "Jehovah lodges" a son of Ezra and a descendant of Caleb
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Jalon. See also: 1 Chronicles 4:17.
וַ/תַּ֨הַר֙
hârâh
H2029
"to conceive"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To conceive or become pregnant, as seen in the story of Sarah and Abraham in Genesis 17, where Sarah conceives Isaac in her old age. This word is used to describe the miracle of birth and new life.
Definition: 1) to conceive, become pregnant, bear, be with child, be conceived, progenitor 1a)(Qal) to conceive, become pregnant 1b) (Pual) to be conceived 1c) (Poel) to conceive, contrive, devise
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: been, be with child, conceive, progenitor. See also: Genesis 4:1; Numbers 11:12; Psalms 7:15.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִרְיָ֣ם
Miryâm
H4813
"Miriam"
N-proper
Miriam means rebellion and is the name of two Israelitesses, one the sister of Moses and Aaron, and another a woman of Judah. Miriam is first mentioned in Exodus as a leader among the Israelites.
Definition: A woman of the tribe of Judah(?) living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.17; daughter of: Mered (H4778)(?) and Bithiah (H1332); sister of: Shammai (H8060I) and Ishbah (H3431); half-sister of: Jered (H3382H)(?), Heber (H2268I)(?) and Jekuthiel (H3354)(?) § Miriam = "rebellion" 1) elder sister of Moses and Aaron 2) a woman of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Miriam. See also: Exodus 15:20; Numbers 12:15; Micah 6:4.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שַׁמַּ֔י
Shammay
H8060
"Shammai"
N-proper
Shammai was the name of several Israelites, including a man from the tribe of Judah who lived before the monarchy. One Shammai was the son of Mered and Bithiah, and had several siblings. The name Shammai means desolate or barren.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah(?) living before Israel's Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.17; son of: Mered (H4778)(?) and Bithiah (H1332); brother of: Miriam (H4813H) and Ishbah (H3431); half-brother of: Jered (H3382H)(?), Heber (H2268I)(?) and Jekuthiel (H3354)(?) § Shammai = "desolate" 1) a Judaite, son of Onam and descendant of Jerahmeel 2) a Judaite, son of Rekem, father of Maon, and descendant of Jerahmeel's brother, Caleb 3) a Judaite, son of Mered and brother of Miriam and Ishbah
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Shammai. See also: 1 Chronicles 2:28; 1 Chronicles 2:44; 1 Chronicles 4:17.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יִשְׁבָּ֖ח
Yishbach
H3431
"Ishbah"
N-proper
Ishbah was an Israelite from the tribe of Judah who lived during the Divided Monarchy period and is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:17. His name means he will praise and he was the father of Eshtemoa.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah(?) living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.17; son of: Mered (H4778) and Bithiah (H1332); brother of: Miriam (H4813H) and Shammai (H8060I); half-brother of: Jered (H3382H)(?), Heber (H2268I)(?) and Jekuthiel (H3354)(?); married to Hodiah (H1940)(?); father of: son_of_Hodiah (H3431H)(?) § Ishbah = "he will praise" father of Eshtemoa and descendant of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Ishbah. See also: 1 Chronicles 4:17.
אֲבִ֥י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
אֶשְׁתְּמֹֽעַ
ʼEshtᵉmôaʻ
H851
"Eshtemoa"
N-proper
Eshtemoa was a city in Judah, given to the Levites. Its name means I will make myself heard, and it was an important place in ancient Israel.
Definition: § Eshtemoa = "I will make myself heard" Eshtemoh = "I shall cause my own ruin: fire of astonishment: I shall soar aloft" a Levitical city in Judah
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Eshtemoa, Eshtemoh. See also: Joshua 15:50; 1 Chronicles 4:17; 1 Chronicles 6:42.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 4:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 4:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 4:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 4:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 4:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 4:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 4:17
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 4:17
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 4:17
Context — More Descendants of Judah
15The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam. The son of Elah: Kenaz.
16The sons of Jehallelel: Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel.
17The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. And Mered’s wife Bithiah gave birth to Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.
18These were the children of Pharaoh’s daughter Bithiah. Mered also took a Judean wife, who gave birth to Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. 19The sons of Hodiah’s wife, the sister of Naham, were the fathers of Keilah the Garmite and of Eshtemoa the Maacathite.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 4:19 | The sons of Hodiah’s wife, the sister of Naham, were the fathers of Keilah the Garmite and of Eshtemoa the Maacathite. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 6:57 | So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, |
| 3 | Joshua 15:50 | Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim, |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 21:24 | “No,” replied King David, “I insist on paying the full price, for I will not take for the LORD what belongs to you, nor will I offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 30:28 | to those in Aroer, Siphmoth, and Eshtemoa; |
1 Chronicles 4:17 Summary
This verse lists the descendants of Ezrah, including Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon, and provides information about their families and relationships. Mered's wife, Bithiah, gave birth to several children, including Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah, who was the father of Eshtemoa. This verse reminds us that God is interested in the details of our lives, including our families and relationships, as seen in Psalm 139:13-16, where David praises God for creating him and knowing all about him. By studying this verse, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of family and community in our lives, and how they fit into God's larger plan, as described in Ephesians 3:14-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bithiah, the wife of Mered?
Bithiah was a woman who gave birth to Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah, and according to 1 Chronicles 4:18, she was also the daughter of Pharaoh, indicating a marriage between an Israelite and an Egyptian woman, similar to the situation in Exodus 2:16-22 where Moses married a Midianite woman.
What is the significance of the genealogy in this verse?
The genealogy in 1 Chronicles 4:17 provides a record of the descendants of Ezrah and helps to establish the family connections and relationships between different individuals and groups in the Bible, as seen in other genealogical records such as Genesis 5:1-32 and Matthew 1:1-17.
Who was Ishbah, the father of Eshtemoa?
Ishbah was one of the sons of Mered and Bithiah, and according to 1 Chronicles 4:17, he was the father of Eshtemoa, a city or region that is also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:19 as being associated with the Maacathite clan, indicating a possible connection between the two groups.
What can we learn from the diversity of marriages and family relationships in this verse?
The diversity of marriages and family relationships in 1 Chronicles 4:17, such as the marriage between Mered and Bithiah, a daughter of Pharaoh, reminds us that God's plan for humanity involves people from different backgrounds and cultures, as seen in Revelation 7:9-10, where people from every nation and tribe gather to worship God.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of family and relationships in our lives?
- How does the genealogy in this verse contribute to our understanding of God's plan for humanity?
- What can we learn from the example of Mered and Bithiah's marriage, and how can we apply it to our own lives?
- How does the mention of different cities and regions, such as Eshtemoa, help us to understand the historical and cultural context of the Bible?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 4:17
And the sons of Ezra,.... Who was perhaps the son of Asareel, last mentioned: Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon; only one of them, Mered, is after mentioned: and she bare Miriam; which is not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 4:17
And the sons of Ezra were, Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. She bare Miriam. It is difficult, as the verses stand at present, to see who is meant.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 4:17
Ezra; the son of Ashriel last named. She bare; she, i.e. Bithiah, bare unto Mered, as may seem by comparing this with .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 4:17
1 Chronicles 4:17 And the sons of Ezra [were], Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.Ver. 17. And the sons of Ezra.] Not that learned scribe, - there is a difference in the last letter of their names - but the son, as it seems, of Asareel. And she bare,] i.e., Bithiah bare. Miriam.] The name of a man in this place.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 4:17
(17) And the sons of Ezra.—Heb., son, but some MSS. have sons (see Note on 1 Chronicles 3:19; 1 Chronicles 3:21). Ezra means help = Ezer, 1 Chronicles 4:4. Jether occurred 1 Chronicles 2:32, as a Jerahmeelite. Epher recurs 1 Chronicles 5:24, as a Manassite name. Jalon and Mered occur nowhere else. And she bare.—Literally, conceived. Who bare the three sons, whose names follow, is not clear from the preceding statement, which includes none but male appellations. The LXX. reads, “And Jether bare Maron (Miriam),” &c, and the Syriac and Arabic omit 1 Chronicles 4:17-18. This confirms our suspicion that the text is faulty.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 4:17
17. and Jalon: and she bare Miriam] As the text stands she has no antecedent. It has therefore been proposed to transfer from 1 Chronicles 4:18 the words And these are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered took, and put them after Jalon. Bithiah then appears as the mother of Miriam, Shammai and Ishbah, and the difficulty of the absence of her sons’ names from 1 Chronicles 4:18 disappears. For father of Eshtemoa see 1 Chronicles 2:14 note, and for Eshtemoa see Joshua 21:14.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 4:17
She bare Miriam - Rather, “she conceived.” The mother is not mentioned, and it seems impossible to restore the original text with any certainty.