1 Chronicles 7:14-16
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What's easy to miss here is that despite the genealogies often focusing on patriarchs and their direct lineage, this passage honors the Aramean concubine. It doesn't just say Manasseh had a son through her; it explicitly names her and credits her with bearing both Asriel and Machir, highlighting her significant role in founding these family lines. This subtle but important inclusion reminds us that God sees and values all those who contribute to His unfolding plan, regardless of their social standing or origin.
The sons of Manasseh: Asriel, whom his Aramean concubine bore; she bore Machir the father of Gilead. And Machir took a wife for Huppim and for Shuppim. The name of his sister was Maacah. And the name of the second was Zelophehad, and Zelophehad had daughters. And Maacah the wife of Machir bore a son, and she called his name Peresh; and the name of his brother was Sheresh; and his sons were Ulam and Rakem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears in a long genealogy section tracing the descendants of Israel's tribes. It specifically details the lineage of Manasseh, one of Joseph's sons, highlighting his sons and their immediate descendants. The preceding and succeeding verses continue this meticulous recording of family lines, emphasizing lineage and inheritance within the promised land.
Genealogies can seem dry, just lists of names. But in 1 Chronicles, these names carry weight and reveal powerful truths about God's faithfulness, even in unexpected places.
God Remembers the Forgotten
This verse highlights a specific lineage within Manasseh, focusing on Asriel and his mother. What’s striking is that the text doesn't just list names; it provides a detail about his mother: 'his Aramean concubine.' This detail is crucial.
Yet, her son, Asriel, is named. And through Asriel, a significant family line is traced. God's record doesn't overlook those in less prominent positions or from mixed heritage. This shows His inclusive care and how He weaves all kinds of people into His unfolding story.
Why does the Bible record genealogies? It's more than just history; it's about tracing God's promises and purposes through generations, even when circumstances are complex.
From Concubine to Forefather
The mention of an 'Aramean concubine' might immediately bring up thoughts of potential shame or impurity according to the cultural and religious standards of the time. However, the text focuses on the of this union: the birth of Asriel, and through him, Machir and Gilead.
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Understand the original words
pilegesh · Hebrew Noun
Refers to a woman who was a secondary wife or a woman of lower social status in an ancient Near Eastern household. While distinct from a primary wife, concubines were recognized in the lineage of families, particularly in the patriarchal narratives of Israel.
ben · Hebrew Noun
A familial term describing a male offspring or descendant, often used in genealogies to establish lineage, inheritance rights, and covenantal connection.
ishshah · Hebrew Noun
A female spouse joined to a husband in covenantal union; in biblical genealogy, it denotes maternal lineage within a family line.
ach · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting a male sibling sharing the same parents or lineage; in genealogies, it often refers to clan members or close tribal relations.
qara shem · Hebrew Verb
A legal and social act of naming a child, signifying authority, identity, and frequently the parent's perception of God's providence or the child's destiny.
This verse places the lineage of Manasseh within the broader context of early Israelite history, highlighting intermingling with surrounding peoples as the tribes settled in Canaan.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
Led by Moses, the Israelites departed from slavery in Egypt, marking the beginning of their 40-year wilderness journey.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites began conquering the Promised Land, dividing it among the twelve tribes.
c. 1370 BC
Tribal Allotments in Canaan
Following the conquest, land was allotted to the tribes of Israel. Manasseh, along with Ephraim, received territories in central and northern Canaan.
Intermittent throughout Judges period— this verse
Interactions with Arameans
Various interactions, sometimes peaceful, sometimes conflictual, occurred between Israelite tribes and Aramean peoples in the region.
This passage lists the sons of Manasseh, directly naming Asriel and Machir, and showing the continuation of these family lines from Joseph's son.
Genesis 50:23It mentions Ephraim's grandchildren being born on Joseph's knees, connecting Manasseh and Ephraim as sons of Joseph and showing the importance of lineage through him.
Joshua 17:1-3This passage details the land inheritance for Manasseh, highlighting Machir as the father of Gilead and confirming the tribal importance described in Chronicles.
Numbers 26:29-34This census lists the families of Manasseh, naming Machir as the father of Gilead and providing genealogical context that supports the record in Chronicles.
What's easy to miss here is that despite the genealogies often focusing on patriarchs and their direct lineage, this passage honors the Aramean concubine. It doesn't just say Manasseh had a son through her; it explicitly names her and credits her with bearing both Asriel and Machir, highlighting her significant role in founding these family lines. This subtle but important inclusion reminds us that God sees and values all those who contribute to His unfolding plan, regardless of their social standing or origin.
This verse appears in a long genealogy section tracing the descendants of Israel's tribes. It specifically details the lineage of Manasseh, one of Joseph's sons, highlighting his sons and their immediate descendants. The preceding and succeeding verses continue this meticulous recording of family lines, emphasizing lineage and inheritance within the promised land.
This verse appears in a long genealogy section tracing the descendants of Israel's tribes. It specifically details the lineage of Manasseh, one of Joseph's sons, highlighting his sons and their immediate descendants. The preceding and succeeding verses continue this meticulous recording of family lines, emphasizing lineage and inheritance within the promised land.
"The sons of Manasseh: Asriel, whom his Aramean concubine bore; she bore Machir the father of Gilead. And Machir took a wife for Huppim and for Shuppim. The name of his sister was Maacah. And the name of the second was Zelophehad, and Zelop…" — What's easy to miss here is that despite the genealogies often focusing on patriarchs and their direct lineage, this passage honors the Aramean concubine. It doesn't just say Manasseh had a son throu…
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Last reviewed October 2026
