1 Chronicles 2 1

1 Chronicles 2:1 kjv

These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,

1 Chronicles 2:1 nkjv

These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun,

1 Chronicles 2:1 niv

These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun,

1 Chronicles 2:1 esv

These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun,

1 Chronicles 2:1 nlt

The sons of Israel were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun,

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 1 Meaning

1 Chronicles 2:1 initiates a critical transition in the Chronicler's genealogical record, shifting from the broad lineage of humanity to the foundational history of God's covenant people. Following the direct line from Adam to Abraham, Isaac, and finally Jacob (who was renamed Israel by God), this verse immediately begins listing the twelve sons who became the patriarchs of the tribes of Israel. Its purpose is to underscore the unbroken continuity of God's covenant with His chosen nation, reaffirming their divinely appointed identity, their heritage, and their enduring connection to their theological and historical roots, especially for the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 2 1 Context

The book of 1 Chronicles begins with extensive genealogies (chapters 1-9) which are not merely lists but a theological statement designed for the post-exilic community. These chapters trace a direct and unbroken line from Adam, the first man, through Noah, Abraham, and Isaac, culminating in Jacob, who was given the name Israel by God. 1 Chronicles 2:1 represents a pivotal moment in this unfolding narrative. It immediately narrows the focus from a global and general human lineage to the specific, divinely chosen family of Israel, initiating the detailed accounting of the twelve patriarchal sons. For the Israelites returning from Babylonian captivity, these genealogies were crucial for re-establishing their communal and personal identities, validating their land claims, ensuring proper priestly and Levitical service, and affirming the continuity of God’s covenant promises. This verse lays the groundwork for the detailed tribal histories and the centrality of the Davidic line that are explored later in the book, providing an anchor of divine faithfulness amid their uncertainties.

Word Analysis

• These: (Hebrew: ’ēlleh אֵלֶּה) A demonstrative pronoun, serving as an introductory pointer. It signals that a direct and specific enumeration follows, linking the prior general genealogies to the particular lineage of God's chosen nation.
• are: (Implied Hebrew verb) The verb "to be" is often implicit in Hebrew sentences of identity. Here, it functions declaratively, confirming the listed individuals as the undisputed and legitimate progenitors of the nation Israel.
• the sons: (Hebrew: bənê בְּנֵי) The construct form of bānim (בָּנִים), meaning "sons of." This highlights a fundamental familial and foundational relationship rooted in a direct patrilineal lineage, which was crucial for tribal affiliation, land inheritance, and maintaining the covenant identity within ancient Israel.
• of Israel: (Hebrew: yiśrā’ēl יִשְׂרָאֵל) This refers to Jacob, whose name was divinely changed after he wrestled with God (Genesis 32:28), signifying "he strives with God" or "God strives." It refers not merely to an individual but to the corporate body, the covenant nation, chosen and set apart by God. This phrase connects the foundational lineage to the very identity of the people.
• Reuben: (Hebrew: rə’ûḇēn רְאוּבֵן) Meaning "See, a son!" (Genesis 29:32). He was Jacob's firstborn son through Leah, initially holding the right of primogeniture, though this was later lost due to his actions.
• Simeon: (Hebrew: šim‘ôn שִׁמְעוֹן) Meaning "one who hears" or "heard" (Genesis 29:33). He was Jacob's second son from Leah.
• Levi: (Hebrew: lēwî לֵוִי) Meaning "attached" or "joined" (Genesis 29:34). He was Jacob's third son from Leah, whose descendants were uniquely designated for priestly and cultic service in the tabernacle and temple.
• Judah: (Hebrew: yəhûḏâ יְהוּדָה) Meaning "praise" (Genesis 29:35). He was Jacob's fourth son from Leah. His lineage became exceptionally significant, as it would later yield King David and, ultimately, the Messiah, establishing him as the royal tribe.
• Issachar: (Hebrew: yiśśāḵār יִשָּׂשׂכָר) Meaning "there is reward" or "man of wages" (Genesis 30:18). He was Jacob's fifth son from Leah.
• Zebulun: (Hebrew: zəḇûlun זְבוּלֻן) Meaning "honor" or "dwelling" (Genesis 30:20). He was Jacob's sixth son from Leah.

Words-group analysis:

• "These are the sons of Israel:": This opening phrase functions as an emphatic declaration, immediately shifting the narrative focus from broad, universal lineage to the specific, consecrated origin of the nation. It asserts that the upcoming list defines the foundational identity of the chosen people, anchoring their history directly to the patriarch Jacob, known as Israel. The term "sons" reinforces the patriarchal and covenantal basis of their national identity.
• "Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun,": This partial enumeration of Jacob's sons deliberately lists the six children born to his first wife, Leah, in their precise birth order (Genesis 29:32-35; 30:18-20). This methodological approach provides a clear, maternal, and chronological framework for understanding the initial establishment of the twelve tribes. It highlights the foundational role of the matriarchs in the shaping of the family of Israel, serving as a structured preamble to the full tribal account that unfolds.

1 Chronicles 2 1 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:1 transcends a simple listing; it is a profound declaration of identity and divine continuity. For a post-exilic audience, grappling with loss of homeland, shattered institutions, and dispersed community, this verse served as a vital anchor, powerfully affirming their direct lineage from Jacob (Israel)—the recipient of God's covenant promises. The Chronicler meticulously presented these genealogies to instill confidence and hope, reminding them that despite periods of judgment and upheaval, God's faithfulness to His chosen people remains steadfast. By detailing the founders of the tribes, the Chronicler reinforces the legitimate heritage of the community, supporting land claims, rights to service in the renewed Temple, and affirming the Davidic line as the legitimate dynasty. It demonstrates that the nation's existence and future are rooted in specific, divinely appointed individuals, embodying God's unfolding plan. For instance, just as this verse reaffirms Israel's unchanging identity rooted in their patriarchs, believers today find their identity rooted in Christ (Eph 1:3-6), being spiritual descendants of Abraham by faith (Gal 3:7), part of an enduring spiritual lineage chosen by God.

Bonus SectionThe Chronicler's intense focus on genealogies, particularly the meticulous detailing of Israel's lineage from chapter 2 onward, signals a deliberate theological purpose distinguishing it from other biblical historical accounts. This thoroughness was crucial for the returning exiles to reconstruct their society, legitimizing tribal claims, restoring land tenure, confirming eligibility for priestly and Levitical duties, and validating the rightful succession of the Davidic line. By initiating the Israelite narrative with "These are the sons of Israel," 1 Chronicles 2:1 starkly transitions from humanity's universal history (Chapter 1) to the specific history of God's redemptive work through a chosen people. This shift emphasizes that while God is Lord over all, His primary work of salvation in the old covenant era was concentrated through the particular family of Jacob, affirming the unique place and purpose of Israel in God's broader plan. This foundation is key to understanding the subsequent narrative of the Kingdom of Judah and the temple worship that forms the heart of Chronicles.