Old Testament
1 Chronicles 4:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, but his brothers didn't have many children. So their entire clan never grew as large as the tribe of Judah.
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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.
What 1 Chronicles 4:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Shimei had a large family with sixteen sons and six daughters, which shows he was blessed with many children. In contrast, his brothers had fewer children, and their family did not grow as much. This highlights a difference in family size between Shimei's clan and the tribe of Judah, which was known for its numerous descendants. The mention of Shimei's family size emphasizes the importance of lineage and growth in ancient times. Families were often seen as a reflection of God's favor, and larger families were typically viewed as a sign of prosperity. Shimei's clan, despite having a good number of children, still fell short compared to Judah's extensive lineage. This passage reminds us that while family size can be significant, it is not the only measure of a family's worth or legacy. Each family has its unique story and contributions, regardless of size, and every individual plays a vital role in shaping that story. Ultimately, it’s about the love and support shared within the family.
How to apply 1 Chronicles 4:27 to your life
Consider the value of your family, regardless of its size. Each member contributes uniquely to your story. Focus on nurturing relationships and creating a supportive environment. Remember, it's the love and connection that truly matter, not just the number of people in your family. Celebrate your unique family journey together, no matter how big or small it is.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
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Keep studying 1 Chronicles 4:27
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Chronicles
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Chronicles 4:27 say about Shimei's family?
1 Chronicles 4:27 states that Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, indicating he was blessed with a large family. In contrast, his brothers had fewer children, and their family did not grow as much as Shimei's or the tribe of Judah, which was known for its numerous descendants.
What is the significance of family size in 1 Chronicles 4:27?
In 1 Chronicles 4:27, family size is significant as it reflects God's favor and blessings in ancient times. Larger families were often seen as a sign of prosperity and lineage. Shimei's large family is contrasted with his brothers' smaller families, highlighting the importance of growth and legacy within clans.
How does 1 Chronicles 4:27 relate to the tribe of Judah?
The verse contrasts Shimei's family size with that of the tribe of Judah, which was known for its extensive lineage. Despite Shimei having a considerable number of children, his clan did not grow as large as Judah's, emphasizing the prominence and blessings associated with Judah's descendants.
What lessons can we learn from 1 Chronicles 4:27 about family?
1 Chronicles 4:27 teaches us that family size is not the only measure of worth or legacy. Each family has its unique story and contributions, regardless of how many members it has. The passage encourages us to value love, support, and relationships within our families, rather than focusing solely on the number of children.
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