1 Chronicles 7:18

And his sister Hammoleketh bare Ishad, and Abiezer, and Mahalah. 1 Chronicles 7:18 (KJV)

The verse in question is not found elsewhere in the King James Version of the Bible, and the name “Hammoleketh” does not appear in any other KJV verse. In the surrounding genealogical passage of 1 Chronicles 7:20‑27, which details the lineage of Ephraim, a daughter named Sheerah is mentioned, but she is not identified as Hammoleketh. Likewise, the names Ishod, Abiezer, and Mahalah are not recorded in the biblical text as children of Hammoleketh. The name Abiezer does occur in 1 Chronicles 27:25 as part of Benjamin’s lineage, and Mahalah is identified in Numbers 26:33 as a daughter of Zelophehad, yet neither connection links them to Hammoleketh. The name Ishod is absent from the KJV Bible altogether.

Another reading of the verse presents it as: “And his sister bare Phinehas, and Shemah, and Mahalah.” In that formulation the sister is unnamed in the passage but is mentioned within the genealogy of Ephraim. Phinehas later becomes a notable Aaronic priest, while Mahalah, though also appearing elsewhere as the name of a man, is here understood as a daughter, illustrating how the same name can cause confusion in biblical records.

These observations highlight the challenges inherent in biblical genealogies. Genealogical records in Scripture serve to trace lineages and establish historical connections, yet specific details about individuals may be limited, ambiguous, or appear in multiple contexts. Names can recur across different families and tribes, leading to potential misidentification. Consequently, careful attention to the surrounding textual context is essential for accurate interpretation of family lists and the roles of the individuals named within them.