King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 2:38 Mean?

1 Chronicles 2:38 in the King James Version says “And Obed begat Jehu, and Jehu begat Azariah,” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Obed begat Jehu, and Jehu begat Azariah,”

1 Chronicles 2:38 · KJV

Context

36

And Attai begat Nathan, and Nathan begat Zabad,

37

And Zabad begat Ephlal, and Ephlal begat Obed,

38

And Obed begat Jehu, and Jehu begat Azariah,

39

And Azariah begat Helez, and Helez begat Eleasah,

40

And Eleasah begat Sisamai, and Sisamai begat Shallum,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Obed begat Jehu, and Jehu begat Azariah—this genealogical fragment traces Judahite lineage through names rich with theological meaning. עוֹבֵד (Obed) means 'servant' or 'worshiper,' יֵהוּא (Yehu) means 'Yahweh is He,' and עֲזַרְיָה (Azaryah) means 'Yahweh has helped.' These theophoric names (containing God's name) demonstrate covenant consciousness persisting through generations.

While seemingly mundane, such genealogies established legal identity and theological continuity. Every 'begat' represented God's faithfulness across decades, even centuries. The chain from Judah to David to Christ depended on each link holding—one broken generation would have severed Messiah's lineage. God preserves His purposes through ordinary faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Genealogies served multiple purposes: establishing tribal membership, determining inheritance rights, priestly qualification, and maintaining covenant identity. Post-exilic returnees needed documented lineage to reclaim properties under Ezra-Nehemiah's reforms. Names were chosen carefully to express faith, commemorate events, or honor ancestors.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does seeing your life as one link in God's larger chain of faithfulness across generations affect your sense of purpose?
  2. What spiritual legacy are you leaving for those who will come after you, even if you never know their names?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְעוֹבֵד֙1 of 8

“And Obed”

H5744

obed, the name of five israelites

הוֹלִ֥יד2 of 8

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת3 of 8
H853

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

וְיֵה֖וּא4 of 8

“Jehu”

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

וְיֵה֖וּא5 of 8

“Jehu”

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

הוֹלִ֥יד6 of 8

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת7 of 8
H853

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

עֲזַרְיָֽה׃8 of 8

“Azariah”

H5838

azarjah, the name of nineteen 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 2:38 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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