📖WEB · 1 Chronicles 1:20
What does 1 Chronicles 1:20 mean?
"Joktan became the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah,"
— 1 Chronicles 1:20 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, Aram, Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshech.
Arpachshad became the father of Shelah, and Shelah became the father of Eber.
To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.
Joktan became the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah,
Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,
Ebal, Abimael, Sheba,
Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.
Explanation
1 Chronicles 1:20 is a simple genealogical entry stating that Joktan, a descendant of Shem through Eber, fathered four sons: Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, and Jerah. In plain terms, it's a family record — one line in a long list tracing lineage from Adam down through the patriarchs, showing who descended from whom. This particular verse begins to unpack the branch of humanity descending from Joktan, whose family list (continuing through verse 23) names thirteen sons, representing tribes and peoples who settled primarily in the Arabian Peninsula.
The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled by Ezra or a scribe of similar background after Israel's return from Babylonian exile, addressed to the Jewish community rebuilding their identity and worship in the land. The opening nine chapters consist almost entirely of genealogies, starting from Adam and moving through Noah's sons, then narrowing to Shem, then Eber, then to Peleg and Joktan. This verse falls within the Joktanite branch, which is distinct from the line that continues toward Abraham (which runs through Peleg, Joktan's brother). The Chronicler includes both branches because his purpose was to show the full sweep of human history before focusing tightly
Compare translations
Go deeper with ScriptureCompanion AI
Ask questions about any verse, follow reading plans, write personal prayers, and track your daily habit — all grounded in verified scripture text.