King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 2:52 Mean?

1 Chronicles 2:52 in the King James Version says “And Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim had sons; Haroeh, and half of the Manahethites. Haroeh: or, Reaiah half: or, half...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim had sons; Haroeh, and half of the Manahethites. Haroeh: or, Reaiah half: or, half of the Menuchites, or, Hatsihammenuchoth”

1 Chronicles 2:52 · KJV

Context

50

These were the sons of Caleb the son of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah; Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim,

51

Salma the father of Bethlehem, Hareph the father of Bethgader.

52

And Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim had sons; Haroeh, and half of the Manahethites. Haroeh: or, Reaiah half: or, half of the Menuchites, or, Hatsihammenuchoth

53

And the families of Kirjathjearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites, and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zareathites, and the Eshtaulites.

54

The sons of Salma; Bethlehem, and the Netophathites, Ataroth, the house of Joab, and half of the Manahethites, the Zorites. Ataroth: or, Atarites, or, crowns of the house of Joab

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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 · 9 words
וַיִּֽהְי֤וּ1 of 9
H1961

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

בָנִים֙2 of 9

“had 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

לְשׁוֹבָ֔ל3 of 9

“And Shobal”

H7732

shobal, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֲבִ֖י4 of 9

“the father”

H1

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

קִרְיַ֣ת5 of 9
H0
יְעָרִ֑ים6 of 9

“of Kirjathjearim”

H7157

kirjath-jearim or kirjath-arim, a place in palestine

הָֽרֹאֶ֖ה7 of 9

“Haroeh”

H7204

roeh, an israelite

חֲצִ֥י8 of 9

“and half”

H2677

the half or middle

הַמְּנֻחֽוֹת׃9 of 9

“of the Manahethites”

H2679

chatsi-ham-menuchoth, an israelite

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 2:52 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 2:52 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 4:2

Places in This Verse

Kiriath-jearimSettlement · Modern: Deir el Azar · 31.81°N, 35.10°E19 verses across 8 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 2 →

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