1 Chronicles 4:19
And the sonnes of his wife Hodiah, the sister of Naham the father of Keilah, the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maachathite. 1 Chronicles 4:19 (KJV)
And the sons of
his wife Hodiah the sister of Naham, the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maachathite. 1 Chronicles 4:19 (KJV)
The verse as quoted does not correspond cleanly to any known biblical passage. In 1 Chronicles 4:18 the text records a different set of names, and the name ‘Naham’ does not appear elsewhere in Scripture; a similar name ‘Raham’ occurs in 1 Chronicles 2:43 but is unrelated. Moreover, Keilah and Eshtemoa are known as place names in Joshua 15, not as individuals who could be fathers of clans. These observations point to several factual inconsistencies in the supplied wording.
Nevertheless, the verse is presented within the broader genealogical framework of 1 Chronicles, a book that records the families of Israel, especially the line of Judah. Chapter 4 lists the descendants of Judah, and the passage in question mentions Hodijah as an ancestor linked to a sibling named Naham. The text does not provide further information about Hodijah or his spouse elsewhere in Scripture.
The reference to Keilah as “the father of the Garmite” and to Eshtemoa as “the Maachathite” suggests a possible association with clan or regional designations. Keilah is a city mentioned in 1 Samuel 23:1, and Eshtemoa appears in Joshua 15:50; the verse may be using those names to identify familial or tribal affiliations rather than personal fathers.
While the verse does not convey an explicit theological lesson, it serves the purpose of documenting Israel’s family lines. The inclusion of such genealogical records underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage and the connections among the various clans of the Israelite community. The whole of Scripture, including these brief genealogies, is regarded as inspired and valuable for understanding God’s redemptive work throughout history. Recognizing the different literary genres—historical narrative, genealogy, poetry, prophecy, and epistle—helps readers see how each contributes to the overarching message of God’s relationship with humanity.
