1 Chronicles 2 18

1 Chronicles 2:18 kjv

And Caleb the son of Hezron begat children of Azubah his wife, and of Jerioth: her sons are these; Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon.

1 Chronicles 2:18 nkjv

Caleb the son of Hezron had children by Azubah, his wife, and by Jerioth. Now these were her sons: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.

1 Chronicles 2:18 niv

Caleb son of Hezron had children by his wife Azubah (and by Jerioth). These were her sons: Jesher, Shobab and Ardon.

1 Chronicles 2:18 esv

Caleb the son of Hezron fathered children by his wife Azubah, and by Jerioth; and these were her sons: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.

1 Chronicles 2:18 nlt

Hezron's son Caleb had sons from his wife Azubah and from Jerioth. Her sons were named Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 18 Meaning

1 Chronicles 2:18 meticulously records a specific segment within the genealogies of Israel, focusing on a descendant of Judah. The verse states that Caleb, who is distinctly identified as the son of Hezron, had children through two women: Azubah, identified as his wife, and Jerioth. Subsequently, it specifies three sons born from this union, identifying them as Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon. This verse serves to enumerate descendants and trace family lines within the broader tribal structure of Judah, underscoring the importance of lineage in Israelite identity and divine covenant.

1 Chronicles 2 18 Context

Chapter 2 Context: 1 Chronicles chapter 2 opens the genealogical section of the book, focusing initially on the sons of Israel (Jacob), then narrowing specifically to the extensive lineage of Judah, from whom the royal line of David would descend. Hezron is a prominent figure in Judah's line, being a son of Perez, who was a son of Judah. This chapter meticulously traces Hezron's various family branches, including those of his son Caleb (Chelubai in 1 Chr 2:9). The purpose of these detailed lists is to establish and authenticate the tribal and family relationships vital for land tenure, religious roles, and the rightful claim to kingship for the post-exilic community.

Historical/Cultural Context: Genealogies were paramount in ancient Israelite society. They served as legal documents establishing tribal affiliation, property rights, priestly succession, and social status. Polygyny (having multiple wives) was a recognized practice, and children, particularly sons, were highly valued as a continuation of the family line and a divine blessing. The Chronicles were compiled centuries later, likely in the post-exilic period (5th-4th century BCE), to reassure the repatriated Israelites of their heritage and their place in God's covenant plan, linking them firmly to their revered ancestors and the foundational narratives of the nation. These detailed records provided legitimacy and a sense of continuity after the upheaval of exile.

1 Chronicles 2 18 Word analysis

• Caleb (כָּלֵב, Kalev): This "Caleb" is specifically identified as the son of Hezron, the grandson of Judah (via Perez). It is crucial to distinguish him from the more famous Caleb, the faithful spy and conqueror, who was the son of Jephunneh (Num 13:6; Josh 14:6). In 1 Chr 2:9, this Caleb (son of Hezron) is also referred to by the name Chelubai. The mention here establishes a distinct branch of Judah's descendants, not directly leading to the Davidic line (which comes through Ram, Caleb's brother).
• son of Hezron (בֶּן-חֶצְרוֹן, ben Chetzron): This phrase definitively identifies the specific Caleb in question, eliminating ambiguity. Hezron himself is a pivotal figure, a son of Perez and grandson of Judah, connecting this lineage firmly to the tribal patriarch.
• had children (יָלַד, yalad): The Hebrew verb means "to beget" or "to bear." It is a standard term indicating the act of procreation and the continuation of a family line.
• by Azubah his wife (אֶת-עֲזוּבָה אִשְׁתּוֹ, et Azuvah ishto):
  • Azubah (עֲזוּבָה, Azuvah): An unusual name meaning "forsaken" or "desolate." Her designation as "his wife" indicates a legal marital union.
• and by Jerioth (וְאֶת-יְרִיעוֹת, v'et Yeriy'ot):
  • Jerioth (יְרִיעוֹת, Yeriy'ot): The meaning is debated, potentially related to "tent curtains" or "terror." There's interpretive ambiguity: is Jerioth a second, distinct wife (implying polygyny), or is "Jerioth" an alternative/descriptive name for Azubah? Given the immediately succeeding verse (1 Chr 2:19), where Azubah dies and Caleb marries Ephrath, it is strongly implied that Azubah did not bear the listed sons Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon in this context. Therefore, the common and most plausible interpretation is that Jerioth was a second wife, and she was the mother of these specific sons.
• These were her sons (וְאֵלֶּה בָנֶיהָ, v'elleh baneihah): The singular feminine pronoun "her" (הָ) in baneihah indicates that the preceding names of sons belong to one of the named women. Considering the sequential mention and the context provided by 1 Chr 2:19, which implies Azubah died without (or before) these listed children, "her" most logically refers to Jerioth as the mother of Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.
• Jesher (יֵשֶׁר, Yesher): Derived from a root meaning "to be straight, upright, righteous." It likely means "Upright One" or "Righteousness." No further biblical details are known about him.
• Shobab (שׁוֹבָב, Shovav): Possibly means "rebellious" or "backsliding." The name could reflect a characteristic or simply be a given name without implying later behavior. It is distinct from David's son Shobab (2 Sam 5:14). No further biblical details are known about him.
• Ardon (אַרְדּוֹן, Ardon): Meaning is uncertain; suggestions include "ruling" or related to a word for "bronze" or "copper." No further biblical details are known about him.

Words-group Analysis

• Caleb son of Hezron: This precise identification differentiates this Caleb from other individuals with the same popular name, most notably Caleb son of Jephunneh. It ensures accuracy in tracing the lineage within Judah.
• by Azubah his wife and by Jerioth: This phrase introduces the complex marital situation. It suggests Caleb's progeny was derived from more than one woman, reflecting societal norms of the time. The transition to the identity of "her sons" right after this phrase requires careful reading, often leading to Jerioth being identified as the mother of the following names due to subsequent verses.
• These were her sons: Jesher, Shobab and Ardon: This phrase explicitly names the specific male offspring, emphasizing the importance of documenting each new generation. The individual naming solidifies their place in the lineage record, however brief their biblical appearance.

1 Chronicles 2 18 Bonus section

• Distinct Identity of Caleb: The inclusion of "son of Hezron" after "Caleb" in 1 Chronicles is critical because Caleb son of Hezron is distinct from the more famous Caleb son of Jephunneh. The latter is renowned for his unwavering faith during the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 13-14) and his inheritance of Hebron (Joshua 14). Confusing these two individuals would distort genealogical accuracy.
• Genealogical Compression: Genealogical lists, by nature, are highly condensed. This can lead to stylistic nuances or ambiguities (like the "Azubah and Jerioth" issue) that are fully understood only by cross-referencing or deep exegetical study. The value in their precision outweighed textual brevity.
• Purpose Beyond Listing: These lineages confirm membership in the covenant community, affirming one's claim to inheritance in the Promised Land and contributing to the national narrative of Israel as God's chosen people. They provide an anchor of identity, particularly for the exilic and post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 2 18 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:18 provides a small yet significant entry within the extensive genealogies of the book. Far from being a mere list, these names form the foundational structure for Israel's identity, establishing the continuity of families, tribal land claims, and the legitimacy of the Davidic line from which the Messiah would come (though this specific Caleb's line doesn't lead to David, it enriches the understanding of Judah's broader lineage).

The careful distinction of "Caleb son of Hezron" is vital; the Chronicler takes pains to provide full names to avoid confusion with the celebrated Caleb son of Jephunneh. The mention of multiple wives, Azubah and Jerioth, along with the subsequent enumeration of sons, highlights the cultural significance of progeny in ancient Israel. While the relationship between Azubah and Jerioth and the parentage of the sons (especially concerning the "her" in "these were her sons") presents a textual nuance often resolved by reference to 1 Chronicles 2:19 (suggesting Jerioth was the mother of these named sons, as Azubah appears childless in relation to the subsequent lineage), it illustrates the compressed and efficient nature of genealogical records.

The purpose of retaining such minute details for figures not widely mentioned elsewhere underscores the Chronicler's commitment to completeness and historical accuracy from their perspective. These names are not chosen for grand narratives but serve as crucial data points, knitting together the fabric of post-exilic Israel with its ancestral roots, providing hope and a reminder of divine faithfulness across generations. Even seemingly obscure entries contribute to the broader picture of God working through families to build a nation according to His covenant promises.