A Figure in the Line of Judah
The name Ben-zoheth appears only once in the Bible, embedded within the sweeping genealogical record of the tribes of Israel, specifically the lineage of the tribe of Judah, preserved at the beginning of the book of 1 Chronicles.
The Single Scriptural Mention
The account of Ben-zoheth is found in 1 Chronicles, detailing the sons and houses of Judah:
“And the sons of Ishi were, Zoheth, and Ben-zoheth.” (1 Chronicles 4:20, KJV)
This brief statement is all the direct information the scripture provides. It tells us two key facts:
- Ben-zoheth was a son of Ishi.
- Ben-zoheth had a brother named Zoheth.
The naming convention here suggests two possible interpretations: the names might be twin names or linked names, or it is possible that the original Hebrew means “the son of Zoheth,” and Ben-zoheth is the grandson, though the KJV presents them as two distinct sons of Ishi.
Unpacking the Name
The name Ben-zoheth (Hebrew: Ben-Zôcheth) means “Son of Zoheth.”
- The root name, Zoheth, is related to the idea of “separation” or “making clear.”
- If Zoheth means “separation,” Ben-zoheth is the “Son of Separation.”
- If, as some scholars suggest, Zoheth is related to the concept of “receding” or “withdrawing,” the meaning speaks to a lineage whose members were perhaps set apart or identified by a specific location or role that required such distinction.
As with many figures found solely in the genealogies, the narrative is sparse, forcing the reader to focus on the structure and purpose of the records themselves.
The Significance of the Lineage
While we know nothing of Ben-zoheth’s personal deeds, his inclusion in the historical record of 1 Chronicles 4 is profoundly significant to the believer.
- Confirmation of God’s Promise: The painstaking preservation of these lineages, particularly those within the tribe of Judah, demonstrates God’s absolute commitment to the fulfillment of His covenants. The line of Judah is the royal line from which King David descended, and ultimately, the lineage of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (Revelation 5:5, KJV).
- Every Person Matters: Ben-zoheth is a reminder that in God’s grand narrative, every single individual is counted, and their place in the family of God is important enough to be inscribed in the sacred text. He confirms the stability and unbroken nature of the family structure that anchored the Israelites.
The study of figures like Ben-zoheth encourages the reader to appreciate the detailed, providential work of God, who oversees not only the lives of kings and prophets but also the placement of every single “son of” in the family tree leading to the ultimate King.