1 Chronicles 2 24

1 Chronicles 2:24 kjv

And after that Hezron was dead in Calebephratah, then Abiah Hezron's wife bare him Ashur the father of Tekoa.

1 Chronicles 2:24 nkjv

After Hezron died in Caleb Ephrathah, Hezron's wife Abijah bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa.

1 Chronicles 2:24 niv

After Hezron died in Caleb Ephrathah, Abijah the wife of Hezron bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa.

1 Chronicles 2:24 esv

After the death of Hezron, Caleb went in to Ephrathah, the wife of Hezron his father, and she bore him Ashhur, the father of Tekoa.

1 Chronicles 2:24 nlt

Soon after Hezron died in the town of Caleb-ephrathah, his wife Abijah gave birth to a son named Ashhur (the father of Tekoa).

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 24 Meaning

First Chronicles 2:24 precisely records a key genealogical transition within the tribe of Judah, specifically related to the family of Hezron. It states that after Hezron's death in a place named Caleb-Ephrathah, his wife, Abiah, bore him a son named Ashhur. The verse further identifies Ashhur as "the father of Tekoa," signifying him as the progenitor or founder of the clan or settlement known as Tekoa. This detail highlights the continuation of the lineage and the establishment of a specific geographical and familial branch within Judah.

1 Chronicles 2 24 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 2 meticulously traces the lineage of the tribes of Israel, with a pronounced emphasis on the tribe of Judah, from whom King David and, ultimately, the Messiah would descend. The chapter begins with a broad genealogy from Israel (Jacob) to his twelve sons and then quickly narrows its focus to Judah and his descendants. Within Judah's line, Hezron is a prominent figure, and the verse under analysis describes an event within his family, highlighting the continuation of his branch. The chronicler's primary goal in these genealogies is to establish legitimacy for claims to land, temple service, and to preserve the unbroken line of God's covenant people. The naming of specific individuals and the places they founded (like Tekoa) provided a sense of rootedness and continuity for the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 2 24 Word Analysis

• And after Hezron was dead: Signifies a transition in the family lineage, marking the end of one generation and the start of the next phase of life or progeny, yet tied to the deceased. This is common in biblical genealogies (e.g., "lived X years and had sons and daughters, then died").
• in Caleb-Ephrathah:
  • Caleb: Refers either to the individual Caleb, son of Hezron, or more likely, to a geographical area or clan associated with the esteemed Caleb, son of Jephunneh (of Judah's tribe, a faithful spy). It indicates association with the Judahite stronghold and inheritance.
  • Ephrathah (Hebrew: אֶפְרָתָה, ʾEphrātâ): This name is frequently associated with Bethlehem in Judah (e.g., Gen 35:19; Mic 5:2). The compound "Caleb-Ephrathah" might refer to a district or settlement that came under the influence of both Caleb's clan and the region of Ephrath/Bethlehem, perhaps an area where Caleb's descendants settled near Ephrath. Its precise identification is unique to this verse, suggesting a specific localized death or burial place that connects Hezron to this prominent Judahite region.
• then Abiah, Hezron's wife:
  • Abiah (Hebrew: אֲבִיָּה, ʾĂbîyâ): Meaning "Yah is my father." Her role as Hezron's wife highlights the critical part women played in continuing family lines, even if their names aren't always preserved. Her specific naming is significant, indicating her status or importance in the lineage. The inclusion of her name despite Hezron's death suggests the child was either posthumous or conceived before his death but born after, thus still tied to him through her.
• bore him Ashhur:
  • bore him: Emphasizes the continuation of Hezron's direct lineage.
  • Ashhur (Hebrew: אַשְּׁחוּר, ʾAššḥûr): Meaning uncertain, possibly related to "black" or "hero." He is established as a significant figure in this branch of Judah. His specific inclusion shows the direct link back to Hezron despite the unique circumstance of his birth or his mother's role post-Hezron's main lifespan.
• the father of Tekoa:
  • father of Tekoa: A descriptive title, indicating that Ashhur was either the biological progenitor of the family or clan that inhabited Tekoa, or he was the founder, leader, or the most prominent ancestor of the town itself. This establishes a clear genealogical origin for the people of Tekoa, linking them directly to the tribe of Judah via Hezron. Tekoa itself was a significant Judahite town, known later for the prophet Amos and a wise woman from the town (2 Sam 14:2). This detail validates Tekoa's place within the tribal framework.

1 Chronicles 2 24 Bonus Section

The precise dating and circumstances around Hezron's death and Ashhur's birth as described by "Abiah, Hezron's wife" (instead of a previously mentioned wife like Ram or Chelubai/Caleb's mothers in earlier verses of the chapter) can be interpreted in a few ways by scholars:

• Levirate Marriage Context: Some commentators suggest that Abiah might be an example of a wife acquired through a levirate marriage (Deut 25:5-10), where a brother (or close relative, here possibly Hezron's son Caleb assuming a connection to the name Caleb-Ephrathah) marries the widow of a deceased relative to raise up an heir for the dead man. However, the text explicitly calls her "Hezron's wife," suggesting she was already married to Hezron when he died, and Ashhur was either born posthumously or conceived shortly before his death.
• Second Wife: Another interpretation suggests Abiah was a later or secondary wife of Hezron, distinct from those associated with other sons mentioned. Genealogies sometimes present lines without chronological sequence for each wife, but emphasize the overall offspring for tribal record.
• Significance of "Caleb-Ephrathah": The dual name may signify a new geographical-familial merger. Hezron, an aged patriarch, dies in an area that later becomes identifiable with Calebite possession and Ephrathite settlement. This acts as a genealogical landmark, emphasizing the deep integration of these foundational clans within the larger tribe of Judah.

1 Chronicles 2 24 Commentary

First Chronicles 2:24, while seemingly a straightforward genealogical entry, is highly significant in the Chronicler's narrative. It precisely anchors a lineage within Judah, ensuring the continuity of tribal identity and claims to land. The unique designation "Caleb-Ephrathah" intertwines the prominent Calebite family with the region known for Bethlehem-Ephrathah, a location of immense future importance due to the prophecy of the Messiah's birth. The naming of Abiah and Ashhur is not arbitrary; it solidifies the legitimate continuation of Hezron's line even in specific post-mortem or unusual circumstances. Moreover, the verse provides the genealogical origin of Tekoa, a historical and strategically important Judahite town. By linking Tekoa's "father" (founder/progenitor) directly to Hezron, the chronicler firmly establishes Tekoa's Judahite roots and its place within God's covenant people. This verse reflects the Old Testament's meticulous record-keeping, essential for maintaining tribal boundaries, ensuring property rights, validating temple service, and demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises through chosen lines.