📖WEB · 1 Chronicles 1:53
What does 1 Chronicles 1:53 mean?
"chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar,"
— 1 Chronicles 1:53 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
Baal Hanan died, and Hadad reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Pai: and his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
Then Hadad died. The chiefs of Edom were: chief Timna, chief Aliah, chief Jetheth,
chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,
chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar,
chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom.
Explanation
First Chronicles 1:53 is a single line from a long genealogical list, naming three of the tribal chiefs descended from Esau: Kenaz, Teman, and Mibzar. In plain language, the verse is simply recording the names of clan leaders in Edom, the nation that grew from Esau's descendants. It reads almost like an entry in a historical registry, because that is exactly what it is.
The Books of Chronicles were likely compiled after the Babylonian exile, drawing on older genealogical records, king lists, and national archives, in order to help the returning Jewish community understand who they were and where they came from. The author (traditionally associated with Ezra or a group of priestly scribes) begins the entire book with nine chapters of genealogies stretching from Adam down through Israel's tribes. Chapter 1 moves quickly through the nations that surrounded Israel—including the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother—before narrowing the focus onto
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.