Ben-zoheth
Who was Ben-zoheth in the Bible?
A descendant of the tribe of Judah mentioned in the genealogical records of the Divided Monarchy period.
Ben-zoheth is a minor biblical figure appearing exclusively within the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah in the book of 1 Chronicles. As the son of Ishi and the brother of Zoheth, his inclusion serves to document the lineage of one of Israel’s most prominent tribes during the period of the Divided Monarchy.
Though his personal life and specific deeds are not detailed in the biblical text, his presence in the Chronicler's registry underscores the importance of tribal preservation. In the context of post-exilic Israel, these genealogies were vital for establishing ancestral rights and maintaining the identity of the covenant people after their return from Babylonian captivity.
Background and Family
Ben-zoheth is situated within the complex genealogical framework of 1 Chronicles 4, which focuses on the descendants of Judah. According to the text, he was the son of Ishi. The record specifically groups him with his brother, Zoheth, stating, "The descendants of Ishi: Zoheth and Ben-zoheth" (1 Chronicles 4:20).
His name in Hebrew, Ben-Zocheth, literally translates to "Son of Zoheth." This has led some scholars to suggest that Ben-zoheth might be a patronymic title rather than a distinct proper name, though the Masoretic Text treats it as a specific individual. He belonged to a branch of the tribe of Judah that descended through Shimon, though the specific geographic location of his family's inheritance within the Divided Monarchy is not explicitly provided.
Major Life Events
The biblical record does not preserve any specific actions, speeches, or events associated with the life of Ben-zoheth. His existence is verified solely through his placement in the tribal registers. During the era of the Divided Monarchy, such individuals would have been part of the social and economic fabric of the Kingdom of Judah, contributing to the tribal strength that supported the Davidic line in Jerusalem.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Ben-zoheth is defined entirely by his familial associations. He is the son of Ishi, a name shared by several figures in the Old Testament, but specifically identified here as a leader or progenitor within Judah. His primary relationship mentioned is with his brother, Zoheth. The proximity of their names in 1 Chronicles 4:20 suggests a close genealogical bond, ensuring that both branches of Ishi’s family were recognized in the official records of Israel.
Spiritual Significance
While Ben-zoheth lacks a narrative biography, his inclusion in the Holy Scripture is significant for the theology of the Chronicler. The meticulous preservation of names like Ben-zoheth served to prove that every individual had a place within God's national family. It reflects the biblical theme that God remembers the specific members of His people, even those whose lives are lived in quiet anonymity. For the original readers, Ben-zoheth represented the continuity of the promise made to Abraham and David, surviving through the turbulent centuries of the Divided Monarchy.
Ben-zoheth’s significance lies in the preservation of the Judean lineage. In the Chronicler's effort to reconstruct the identity of Israel after the exile, every named individual served as a link in the chain of the covenant people. His name testifies to the survival of specific Judean families through the era of the Divided Monarchy and into the post-exilic consciousness.
Theologically, Ben-zoheth exemplifies the 'hidden' members of the faith community. Though he performed no recorded miracles and held no recorded office, his placement in the inspired text affirms that his life was known to God and essential to the completion of the tribal record of Judah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ben-zoheth mentioned in the Bible?
Ben-zoheth is mentioned only once in the Bible, in 1 Chronicles 4:20.
What tribe did Ben-zoheth belong to?
He was a member of the tribe of Judah.
Who was Ben-zoheth’s father?
His father was Ishi, a descendant of Judah.
What does the name Ben-zoheth mean?
In Hebrew, the name literally means 'Son of Zoheth'.
During what time period did Ben-zoheth live?
He lived during the period of the Divided Monarchy.
Family & Relationships
Parents
Ishi, Descendant of ShimonFather1 Chronicles 4:20Stated
Ben-zohethThis page
ZohethBrother1 Chronicles 4:20Stated
Extended family
ShimonAncestor1 Chronicles 4:20Inferred
1 Chronicles 4:20 lists Ben-zoheth and Shimon among the sons of shimon, but does not say how the two of them are related.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 4:20
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 1 Chronicles 4:20
A member of the Tribe of Judah during the Divided Monarchy, recorded in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles as the father of Zoheth and Ben-zoheth.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 4:20
Zoheth was a member of the Tribe of Judah, identified in the chronicler's genealogy as the son of Ishi during the era of the Divided Monarchy.
Ancestor · 1 Chronicles 4:20
A descendant of Judah and the father of four sons recorded in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles.
Divided MonarchyFirst: 1 Chronicles 4:201 versesPatriarch of a Judean clanJudah
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 1 Chronicles1
Scripture References
All 1 indexed verse, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
1 Chronicles · 1
- 1 Chronicles 4:20
The sons of Shimon: Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon. The descendants of Ishi: Zoheth and Ben-zoheth.