King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 2:19 Mean?

1 Chronicles 2:19 in the King James Version says “And when Azubah was dead, Caleb took unto him Ephrath, which bare him Hur.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when Azubah was dead, Caleb took unto him Ephrath, which bare him Hur.”

1 Chronicles 2:19 · KJV

Context

17

And Abigail bare Amasa: and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmeelite.

18

And Caleb the son of Hezron begat children of Azubah his wife, and of Jerioth: her sons are these; Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon.

19

And when Azubah was dead, Caleb took unto him Ephrath, which bare him Hur.

20

And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel.

21

And afterward Hezron went in to the daughter of Machir the father of Gilead, whom he married when he was threescore years old; and she bare him Segub. married: Heb. took

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Judah's lineage and David's royal line section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term יְהוּדָה (Yehudah) - praise is central to understanding this passage's purpose. The Chronicler, writing to post-exilic Israel (c. 450-400 BCE), uses these genealogies not merely as historical records but as theological statements about covenant continuity and divine faithfulness.

The genealogical structure serves multiple purposes: (1) establishing Israel's connection to God's creatio n plan from Adam, (2) legitimizing post-exilic community's claim to covenant promises, (3) emphasizing Judah and Levi's special roles in God's redemptive plan, and (4) demonstrating that despite exile, God's covenant purposes continue. The selection and arrangement of names is intentional, highlighting Messianic line through Judah to David.

Chronicles diverges from Genesis and Samuel-Kings in its genealogical presentation, reflecting the Chronicler's distinct theological agenda. Where earlier texts focus on narrative history, Chronicles emphasizes continuity, legitimacy, and hope for restoration. This verse contributes to the larger argument that the post-exilic community is the rightful heir of God's ancient covenant promises.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Post-Exilic Context: The Chronicler wrote during the Persian period (450-400 BCE) to a community returned from Babylonian exile, struggling with identity and purpose. These genealogies answered crucial questions: Who are we? What is our relationship to ancient Israel? Do God's promises still apply to us?

The historical setting influences the text's emphasis on Genealogies of Judah and David's lineage - royal line emphasis. Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued genealogies for establishing land rights, royal legitimacy, and tribal identity. Chronicles' genealogies served similar functions while adding theological depth. The inclusion of specific names and details reflects the author's access to temple archives, royal records, and earlier biblical texts.

Archaeological evidence from Persian-period Judah shows a small, struggling community centered around Jerusalem and the rebuilt temple. The genealogies reinforced their connection to the glorious past and provided hope for future restoration through God's covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding genealogies as theological statements rather than mere historical records change your reading of Chronicles and other biblical genealogies?
  2. What does this verse teach about God's faithfulness across generations, and how does that apply to your own family's spiritual legacy?
  3. How does Messianic line through Judah to David connect to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַתָּ֖מָת1 of 11

“was dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

עֲזוּבָ֑ה2 of 11

“And when Azubah”

H5806

azubah, the name of two israelitesses

וַיִּֽקַּֽח3 of 11

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

ל֤וֹ4 of 11
H0
כָלֵב֙5 of 11

“Caleb”

H3612

caleb, the name of three israelites

אֶת6 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶפְרָ֔ת7 of 11

“unto him Ephrath”

H672

ephrath, another name for bethlehem

וַתֵּ֥לֶד8 of 11

“which bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

ל֖וֹ9 of 11
H0
אֶת10 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֽוּר׃11 of 11

“him Hur”

H2354

chur, the name of four israelites and one midianite

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 2:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 2:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 2:501 Chronicles 2:241 Chronicles 4:4Micah 5:2

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