1 Chronicles 2 22

1 Chronicles 2:22 kjv

And Segub begat Jair, who had three and twenty cities in the land of Gilead.

1 Chronicles 2:22 nkjv

Segub begot Jair, who had twenty-three cities in the land of Gilead.

1 Chronicles 2:22 niv

Segub was the father of Jair, who controlled twenty-three towns in Gilead.

1 Chronicles 2:22 esv

And Segub fathered Jair, who had twenty-three cities in the land of Gilead.

1 Chronicles 2:22 nlt

Segub was the father of Jair, who ruled twenty-three towns in the land of Gilead.

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 22 Meaning

This verse chronicles a significant detail in the lineage of Judah, tracing the descendant Segub who begat Jair. The core information conveyed is Jair's extensive territorial possession: "twenty-three cities in the land of Gilead." This highlights a specific fulfillment of the tribal inheritance within Israel, emphasizing both familial connections and a powerful, far-reaching claim to land beyond the traditional Judahite territory, demonstrating influence in the Transjordan region associated predominantly with the tribes of Gad and Manasseh.

1 Chronicles 2 22 Context

1 Chronicles 2 focuses almost exclusively on the extensive genealogy of Judah, detailing the descendants of Judah through his sons, particularly emphasizing Hezron's line. This chapter is critical for establishing the lineage of David, who emerges later in Chronicles as the central figure of God's covenant kingdom. Verse 22, therefore, fits into this meticulous record-keeping, serving not just as a mere name and place, but highlighting the legacy of influence and territorial holdings of a specific descendant. Historically, this genealogical detail served the post-exilic community in re-establishing their identity, rightful inheritance of the land, and connections to God's covenant promises, linking their present reality back to their foundational history. It ties a figure like Jair, known from the Book of Judges for his influence in Transjordan, directly into the foundational Judahite lineage through complex familial ties that likely reflect intermarriage and shared tribal interests over generations, emphasizing the unity and interconnectedness of Israel's tribes.

1 Chronicles 2 22 Word Analysis

• And Segub begat Jair: This phrase signifies direct patrilineal descent. Begat (yālād, יָלַד) denotes direct father-son relationship, common in genealogical lists to establish legal and biological continuity of a line.
• Jair (Ya'ir, יָאִיר): This Hebrew name means "He (God) enlightens" or "He shines." This individual is likely connected to the prominent figure Jair from the Book of Judges (Judg 10:3-5), who was a judge of Israel for 22 years and held significant influence in Gilead. The genealogical connection to Judah via a complex lineage (possibly through Hezron, Caleb, and his descendants marrying into Manassite lines or other family unions that tie Judah to Transjordanian claims) highlights the interconnectedness of Israel's tribal structures and their shared history of occupying the promised land.
• who had: This simple possessive phrase highlights ownership and control. The reference to possession rather than simple birth lists indicates this person's significant status and contribution to tribal history.
• three and twenty cities (shalosh v'esrim 'arim, שָׁלוֹשׁ וְעֶשְׂרִים עָרִים): The number "23" specifically designates the extent of Jair's dominion. While Judg 10:4 mentions "thirty cities," this numerical discrepancy (23 vs. 30, or "villages of Jair" vs. "cities") can be attributed to several factors: variations in record-keeping, different historical periods of the same figure, different types of settlements being counted ("villages" (Havoth-Jair) versus larger "cities"), or perhaps reflecting the portion belonging to this specific Judahite branch's claim versus Jair's full domain. The very specificity of the number indicates an accurate (from the Chronicler's perspective) historical detail regarding territorial inheritance.
• in the land of Gilead (b'eretz Gil'ad, בְּאֶרֶץ גִּלְעָד): Gilead is a fertile, strategically important region east of the Jordan River. While primarily associated with the tribes of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Num 32; Josh 13, 17), this verse attributes Judahite possession through Jair. This reflects inter-tribal land claims, successful expansion, or shared rights over specific areas that transcend strict tribal boundaries as documented in initial land distributions. It reinforces Israel's holistic claim over all the promised land, including its Transjordanian parts. The term eretz (land) denotes a defined geographical area with its associated agricultural and residential spaces.

1 Chronicles 2 22 Bonus Section

• The Chronicler's genealogy is less about pure biology and more about defining Israel's identity, the priestly and royal lines, and territorial claims relevant to the returning exiles. Therefore, figures like Jair can be linked in ways that establish political or religious legitimacy.
• The apparent discrepancy in the number of cities (23 here, 30 in Judg 10:4) highlights the complex nature of ancient records. It's plausible that 23 represents cities under Jair's direct Judahite claim through a specific lineage, while 30 encompasses a broader definition or an earlier period of his overall influence (including 'Havoth-Jair' - villages). Scholars debate if there are two Jairs or if this highlights the Chronicler's specific interest in linking these Transjordanian holdings to Judah.
• The fact that a Judahite descendant is listed with substantial holdings in Gilead shows the fluidity and historical realities of land occupation. It wasn't always strictly according to initial tribal allocations but also evolved through alliances, conquests, and marital agreements, reflecting the complex social fabric of early Israel. This particular detail connects David's ancestral line, Judah, to an important region and leader, consolidating the narrative of a unified people under God.

1 Chronicles 2 22 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:22 offers a fascinating glimpse into the post-settlement history of Israel, specifically focusing on how tribal inheritance and influence evolved. It links a significant judge, Jair, traditionally associated with the northern tribe of Manasseh and the Transjordan region, directly into the foundational lineage of Judah. This intricate genealogical weaving underscores the Chronicler's intent to demonstrate the comprehensive unity and interwoven nature of the tribes, even highlighting that a powerful figure with extensive holdings in Gilead was genealogically tied to Judah. This connection might stem from intermarriage between Judahite and Manassite families, enabling the extension of tribal claims and influence across the Jordan. The detail of "twenty-three cities" (with its subtle variation from Judges 10:4) speaks to the meticulousness of the Chronicler's record, reflecting significant administrative control and prosperity, validating God's faithfulness in granting the promised land and enabling His people to thrive and possess it widely. For the post-exilic audience, such specific territorial claims affirmed their heritage and God's enduring promises, providing a sense of historical continuity and future hope for a reconstituted Israel.