1 Chronicles 8:3

And the sons of Bela were, Addar, and Gera, and Abihud,

1 Chronicles 8:3 (KJV)

Context

The book of 1 Chronicles belongs to the Old Testament and functions as a historical record of Israel’s genealogies, with a particular focus on the descendants of Jacob. 1 Chronicles 8:3 is situated within the genealogical account of the tribe of Benjamin, tracing the family line from Jacob’s youngest son, Benjamin, through his own offspring.

Meaning

The verse introduces Bela, one of Benjamin’s sons, who is also rendered as Belah in some translations. In this passage the Scripture lists three of Bela’s sons—Addar, Gera, and Abihud. The concise enumeration reflects the purpose of the chronicler: to preserve the names of those who formed the tribal foundation.

Addar is the first son named. Apart from this brief mention, the biblical record provides no further detail about his life or deeds. Nevertheless, his inclusion underscores the chronicler’s intent to document every branch of the family, thereby establishing an unbroken historical lineage for the Israelite tribes.

Gera, the second son, is likewise mentioned only in genealogical contexts, yet the name appears elsewhere in Scripture. For example, 1 Samuel 9:1 notes that the first king of Israel, Saul, was from the family of Gera, linking this lineage to later national events and highlighting the broader significance of the Benjaminite tribe.

The third son, Abihud, is similarly recorded without additional narrative. His brief appearance serves the same purpose as his brothers’—to ensure that the full scope of Benjamin’s descendants is faithfully retained for posterity.

Biblical connections

The surrounding verses in 1 Chronicles 8 list additional sons of Bela, including Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, Shephuphan, and Huram. This broader genealogy shows that the chronicler carefully preserved the full family line, not just the prominent figures.

Application

While the verse may seem straightforward and does not convey an explicit moral lesson, it plays a crucial role in preserving the historical identity of the tribe of Benjamin. Genealogies such as this were essential for establishing the people of Israel as God’s chosen nation, providing a tangible link between the patriarchs and the later generations who would inherit the promises of the covenant. Understanding these family lines helps readers appreciate the continuity of God’s redemptive plan throughout Israel’s history.

Reflection

This verse reminds us that God values every person and every family line, even those who appear only briefly in Scripture. Each name recorded in the genealogies represents a real individual who played a part in the unfolding of God’s purposes. In the same way, every believer today has a place in God’s ongoing story, whether or not their name is widely known.