King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 5:2 Mean?

“For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's:) chief: or, prince”

Context

Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.

For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's:) chief: or, prince

The sons, I say, of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were, Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

The sons of Joel; Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **For Judah prevailed above his brethren.**—Literally, *was mighty among his brethren.* Comp. Jacob’s blessing (Genesis 49:8-10): “Judah, thou—thy brethren shall praise thee, Thy hand shall be on the neck of thy foes, Thy father’s sons shall bow before thee. Sceptre shall not depart from Judah, Nor doom-staff from between his feet,” &c. (See also Judges 1:1-2, where Judah is divinely commissioned to lead the attack upon the Canaanites.) At the census of Moses, Judah greatly outnumbered any other single tribe (Numbers 1:27). **And of him came the chief ruler.**—“And from him (one was to become) prince.” Literally, *and for a prince*—*out of him.* (Comp. Micah 5:1.) LXX., εἰς ἡγούμενον ἐξ αὐτοῦ*.* David is meant, as in 1Samuel 13:14. We may also remember the word of the apostolic writer: “It is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah” (Hebrews 7:4). The prophecy concerning the royal dignity of Judah is only thus exhausted of its meaning. **But the birthright was Joseph’s,** who actually received the “double portion” in the two tribal domains of Ephraim and Manasseh.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 5:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.