Lexical Summary Chodesh: Hodesh Original Word: חֹדֶשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hodesh The same as chodesh; Chodesh, an Israelitess -- Hodesh. see HEBREW chodesh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chadash Definition an Isr. woman NASB Translation Hodesh (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. חֹ֫דֶשׁ proper name, feminine a wife of Shaharaim of Benjamin 1 Chronicles 8:9, ᵐ5 Ἁδα, ᵐ5L Βαδαα (so 1 Chronicles 8:8 = בַּעֲרָה). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence 1 Chronicles 8:9 presents חֹדֶשׁ (Hodesh) as the second wife of Shaharaim, a Benjamite living in Moab after he “sent away” his earlier wives. The verse reads: “By his wife Hodesh he fathered Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam”. Although the name appears only once, its placement in the Chronicler’s genealogy ties it to the broader purposes of 1 Chronicles: affirming tribal continuity and covenant faithfulness after the exile. Historical Background 1 Chronicles was compiled for a post-exilic community anxious to reclaim its identity. Genealogies functioned as legal documents validating land rights, priestly descent, and tribal responsibilities. The mention of Hodesh in the genealogy of Benjamin underlines two historical realities: Theological Themes Newness and Restoration. Hodesh derives from the Hebrew root connected with “new moon” and “month,” concepts bound to cycles of renewal. While she herself is a historical individual, her name subtly echoes the Chronicler’s larger message: God brings new beginnings to His covenant people. The genealogy moves from exile-shadowed histories to renewed hopes centred on worship in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 9:1–2). Covenantal Fidelity. By recording seemingly obscure figures, Scripture underscores that every person in God’s covenant account matters. The single appearance of Hodesh testifies that no life is too small for divine remembrance (cf. Malachi 3:16). Ministry Implications Genealogies Encourage Faithfulness. Modern readers often skip lists of names, yet they reveal God’s meticulous care over generations. Pastors and teachers can draw on Hodesh’s mention to stress that the Lord values hidden service and quiet faithfulness in family lines. Identity in Christ. Just as post-exilic Israel looked back to ancestral records for legitimacy, believers look to their adoption in Christ for ultimate identity (Galatians 4:4–7). Hodesh’s genealogical inclusion reminds congregations that spiritual lineage, not social prominence, defines worth. Cross-References • God’s concern for individual women in genealogies: Tamar (Genesis 38), Rahab (Joshua 2; Matthew 1:5), Ruth (Ruth 4; Matthew 1:5). By noting Hodesh amid Benjamin’s descendants, Scripture weaves personal accounts into the larger tapestry of redemption, affirming that God’s purposes advance through every generation—often in the quiet faithfulness of those who appear only once in its pages. Forms and Transliterations חֹ֣דֶשׁ חדש Chodesh ḥō·ḏeš ḥōḏešLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 8:9 HEB: וַיּ֖וֹלֶד מִן־ חֹ֣דֶשׁ אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ אֶת־ NAS: By Hodesh his wife KJV: And he begat of Hodesh his wife, INT: became By Hodesh his wife of Jobab |
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