King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 4:2 Mean?

1 Chronicles 4:2 in the King James Version says “And Reaiah the son of Shobal begat Jahath; and Jahath begat Ahumai, and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites....” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Reaiah the son of Shobal begat Jahath; and Jahath begat Ahumai, and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites. Reaiah: or, Haroe Chap.2.52.”

1 Chronicles 4:2 · KJV

Context

1

The sons of Judah; Pharez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal. Carmi: or, Chelubai Chap.2.9. or Caleb Chap.2.18.

2

And Reaiah the son of Shobal begat Jahath; and Jahath begat Ahumai, and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites. Reaiah: or, Haroe Chap.2.52.

3

And these were of the father of Etam; Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash: and the name of their sister was Hazelelponi:

4

And Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah. These are the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah, the father of Bethlehem.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Judah's expansion and conquest section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term נַחֲלָה (nachalah) - inheritance 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 God's faithfulness in land promises.

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's clans and territorial expansions. 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 God's faithfulness in land promises connect to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּרְאָיָ֤ה1 of 15

“And Reaiah”

H7211

reajah, the name of three israelites

בֶן2 of 15

“the son”

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

שׁוֹבָל֙3 of 15

“of Shobal”

H7732

shobal, the name of an edomite and two israelites

הֹלִ֔יד4 of 15

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת5 of 15
H853

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

וְיַ֣חַת6 of 15

“Jahath”

H3189

jachath, the name of four israelites

וְיַ֣חַת7 of 15

“Jahath”

H3189

jachath, the name of four israelites

הֹלִ֔יד8 of 15

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת9 of 15
H853

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

אֲחוּמַ֖י10 of 15

“Ahumai”

H267

achumai, an israelite

וְאֶת11 of 15
H853

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

לָ֑הַד12 of 15

“and Lahad”

H3855

lahad, an israelite

אֵ֖לֶּה13 of 15
H428

these or those

מִשְׁפְּח֥וֹת14 of 15

“These are 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

הַצָּֽרְעָתִֽי׃15 of 15

“of the Zorathites”

H6882

a tsorite or tsorathite, i.e., inhabitants of tsorah

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 4:2 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 4:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 15:331 Chronicles 2:52-54Judges 13:25

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