King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 2:55 Mean?

1 Chronicles 2:55 in the King James Version says “And the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and Suchathites. These are the K...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and Suchathites. These are the Kenites that came of Hemath, the father of the house of Rechab.”

1 Chronicles 2:55 · KJV

Context

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

55

And the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and Suchathites. These are the Kenites that came of Hemath, the father of the house of Rechab.

Read 1 Chronicles 2 full chapter

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 14 words
וּמִשְׁפְּח֤וֹת1 of 14

“And the families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

סֹֽפְרִים֙2 of 14

“of the scribes”

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

יֹשְׁבֵ֣ו3 of 14

“which dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יַעְבֵּ֔ץ4 of 14

“at Jabez”

H3258

jabets, the name of an israelite, and also of a place in palestine

תִּרְעָתִ֥ים5 of 14

“the Tirathites”

H8654

a tirathite or inhabitant of an unknown tirah

שִׁמְעָתִ֖ים6 of 14

“the Shimeathites”

H8101

a shimathite (collectively) or descendants of shimah

שֽׂוּכָתִ֑ים7 of 14

“and Suchathites”

H7756

a sukathite or descendant of an unknown israelite named sukah

הֵ֚מָּה8 of 14

“These”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הַקִּינִ֣ים9 of 14

“are the Kenites”

H7017

a kenite or member of the tribe of kajin

הַבָּאִ֔ים10 of 14

“that came”

H935

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

מֵֽחַמַּ֖ת11 of 14

“of Hemath”

H2574

chamath, a place in syria

אֲבִ֥י12 of 14

“the father”

H1

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

בֵית13 of 14

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

רֵכָֽב׃14 of 14

“of Rechab”

H7394

rekab, the name of two arabs and 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 2:55 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 2:55 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 10:15Judges 1:16Jeremiah 35:2-8Judges 4:11Jeremiah 35:191 Samuel 15:6

Places in This Verse

Hammath 2Special Place · Modern: Hamat Tiberias · 32.77°N, 35.55°E1 verse across 1 book
JabezSettlement · Modern: Bethlehem · 31.70°N, 35.21°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in 1 Chronicles 2 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 2 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes