King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 2:34 Mean?

1 Chronicles 2:34 in the King James Version says “Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. And Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. And Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha.”

1 Chronicles 2:34 · KJV

Context

32

And the sons of Jada the brother of Shammai; Jether, and Jonathan: and Jether died without children.

33

And the sons of Jonathan; Peleth, and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel.

34

Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. And Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha.

35

And Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant to wife; and she bare him Attai.

36

And Attai begat Nathan, and Nathan begat Zabad,

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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 · 12 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָיָ֧ה2 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וּלְשֵׁשָׁ֛ן3 of 12

“And Sheshan”

H8348

sheshan, an israelite

בָּנִ֖ים4 of 12

“had no sons”

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

כִּ֣י5 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם6 of 12
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בָּנ֑וֹת7 of 12

“but daughters”

H1323

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

וּלְשֵׁשָׁ֛ן8 of 12

“And Sheshan”

H8348

sheshan, an israelite

עֶ֥בֶד9 of 12

“had a servant”

H5650

a servant

מִצְרִ֖י10 of 12

“an Egyptian”

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

וּשְׁמ֥וֹ11 of 12

“whose name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יַרְחָֽע׃12 of 12

“was Jarha”

H3398

jarcha, an egyptian

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 2:34 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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