King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 2:21 Mean?

1 Chronicles 2:21 in the King James Version says “And afterward Hezron went in to the daughter of Machir the father of Gilead, whom he married when he was threescore year...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Chronicles 2:21 · KJV

Context

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

22

And Segub begat Jair, who had three and twenty cities in the land of Gilead.

23

And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.

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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 · 18 words
וְאַחַ֗ר1 of 18

“And afterward”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

בָּ֤א2 of 18

“went in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

חֶצְרוֹן֙3 of 18

“Hezron”

H2696

chetsron, the name of a place in palestine; also of two israelites

אֶל4 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בַּת5 of 18

“to the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

מָכִיר֙6 of 18

“of Machir”

H4353

makir, an israelite

אֲבִ֣י7 of 18

“the father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

גִלְעָ֔ד8 of 18

“of Gilead”

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

וְה֣וּא9 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לְקָחָ֔הּ10 of 18

“whom he married”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וְה֖וּא11 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בֶּן12 of 18

“old”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שִׁשִּׁ֣ים13 of 18

“when he was threescore”

H8346

sixty

שָׁנָ֑ה14 of 18

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וַתֵּ֥לֶד15 of 18

“and she bare”

H3205

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

ל֖וֹ16 of 18
H0
אֶת17 of 18
H853

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

שְׂגֽוּב׃18 of 18

“him Segub”

H7687

segub, the name of two israelites

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 2:21 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 2:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 27:1Deuteronomy 3:15Numbers 26:29Genesis 50:23Numbers 32:39-40

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