Old Testament

1 Chronicles 4:40

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

They found good, fertile pastures there. The land was spacious, quiet, and peaceful, for the descendants of Ham had lived there long ago.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And they found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for they of Ham had dwelt there of old.

What 1 Chronicles 4:40 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, we see a group of people discovering a land that is rich and abundant. The pastures are not just good; they are fertile, suggesting that the land can support life and growth. It is spacious, which means there is plenty of room for them to thrive. The quiet and peaceful nature of the area indicates that it is a safe place, free from conflict or disturbance. The mention of the descendants of Ham living there long ago adds a historical context, showing that this land has been valued for generations. This discovery represents a moment of hope and opportunity for those who find it, as they can settle in a place that promises prosperity and tranquility. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best places are those that have been nurtured and cared for over time, waiting for the right people to appreciate them. This passage encourages us to seek out and recognize the good things in our lives, especially those that have a rich history and potential for growth.

How to apply 1 Chronicles 4:40 to your life

Consider the spaces in your life that offer peace and potential. Just like the fertile pastures, seek out environments that nurture your growth. Reflect on your own history and how it shapes your present opportunities. Embrace the good things around you and cultivate them for a brighter future. Remember, peace can lead to prosperity!

Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Rachel smiling as she holds her newborn son Joseph inside a lamp-lit tent

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Joseph, Jacob's son

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about 1 Chronicles 4:40

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying 1 Chronicles 4:40

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 4:40 teach about finding good land?

1 Chronicles 4:40 highlights the importance of discovering fertile and peaceful environments. It illustrates how the land's richness and tranquility can provide a safe haven for growth and prosperity. This verse encourages us to seek out spaces in our lives that foster our development and well-being.

How can I apply the message of 1 Chronicles 4:40 to my life?

You can apply the message of this verse by actively seeking out environments that nurture your personal and spiritual growth. Reflect on your surroundings and identify places or relationships that bring you peace and potential. Just as the land was historically valued, recognize the importance of your own heritage and how it shapes your opportunities for the future.

What is the significance of the descendants of Ham in this verse?

The mention of the descendants of Ham in 1 Chronicles 4:40 provides historical context, indicating that the land has been inhabited and valued for generations. This reference serves to remind us of the importance of heritage and how past generations can influence our present circumstances and opportunities.

What themes are present in 1 Chronicles 4:40?

Key themes in 1 Chronicles 4:40 include abundance, peace, heritage, opportunity, and growth. The verse emphasizes the significance of finding a nurturing environment that supports life and development, while also acknowledging the historical context that shapes our understanding of such places.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.