1 Chronicles 2 26

1 Chronicles 2:26 kjv

Jerahmeel had also another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam.

1 Chronicles 2:26 nkjv

Jerahmeel had another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam.

1 Chronicles 2:26 niv

Jerahmeel had another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam.

1 Chronicles 2:26 esv

Jerahmeel also had another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam.

1 Chronicles 2:26 nlt

Jerahmeel had a second wife named Atarah. She was the mother of Onam.

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 26 Meaning

1 Chronicles 2:26 presents a direct genealogical fact, detailing an additional wife of Jerahmeel, whose name was Atarah, and her son, Onam. This verse functions as a precise record, indicating the specific lineage that extended from this union, which contributes to the broader tribal records of Judah and validates the continuation of its families.

1 Chronicles 2 26 Context

This verse is situated within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, starting in 1 Chronicles 2. Specifically, it belongs to the detailed lineage of Hezron, one of Judah’s prominent descendants. Jerahmeel, Hezron's son, heads a significant branch of this family (1 Chron 2:9). The chronicler meticulously records various sub-branches, wives, and children, ensuring a complete and accurate tribal registry for the post-exilic community. This historical record was crucial for re-establishing land claims, maintaining tribal and family identities, confirming priestly roles, and, most importantly, preserving the Davidic royal lineage. The mention of a "second" wife and her offspring, like Atarah and Onam, highlights the comprehensive nature of these records, where every familial detail, regardless of its immediate historical impact, contributes to the holistic understanding of Israel’s foundational identity and divine faithfulness in preserving their generations.

1 Chronicles 2 26 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew "וַיְהִי" (wayhî). A common narrative connector, meaning "and there was" or "and it came to pass." It links this genealogical detail seamlessly to the preceding family information, maintaining the flow of the record.
• Jerahmeel: Hebrew "לְיֶרַחְמְאֵל" (ləyeraḥməʼēl), "to Jerahmeel" or "Jerahmeel had." The name (יְרַחְמְאֵל, Yəraḥməʼēl) means "May God have compassion" or "God has shown compassion." His descendants, the Jerahmeelites, are also mentioned elsewhere in Scripture (1 Sam 27:10), indicating they were a distinct clan or regional group. Their inclusion here confirms their integral place within Judah's larger tribal structure.
• had another wife: Hebrew "אִשָּׁה אַחֶרֶת" (ʾishshah ʾaḥereth). "Another wife" explicitly notes that this was not Jerahmeel's first wife (his other sons, Ram, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, Ahijah, are listed from his primary wife in 1 Chron 2:25). The meticulousness of recording all wives and their children underscores the detailed nature of these ancient records, essential for tracing all lines within a family.
• whose name was Atarah: Hebrew "וּשְׁמָהּ עֲטָרָה" (ūshəmah ʻaṭarah). "Atarah" (עֲטָרָה, ʻAṭarah) means "crown" or "diadem." While the meaning of the name is notable, in this genealogical context, it primarily serves as a clear identifier for Jerahmeel's wife. Naming her explicitly provides precision and affirms her individual identity and contribution to the family lineage.
• she was the mother of Onam: Hebrew "הִיא אֵם אוֹנָם" (hî ʾēm ʼônām). This phrase clearly links Atarah as the biological mother of Onam, emphasizing the direct maternal line for this specific son. "Onam" (אוֹנָם, ʼÔnām) likely means "their strength" or "vigor." The recording of specific maternity was important for inheritance rights, tribal registration, and identifying family sub-branches (e.g., Onam has sons, 1 Chron 2:28, 32). This simple statement ensures the complete record of Jerahmeel's progeny.

1 Chronicles 2 26 Bonus section

The extensive genealogies in Chronicles serve a primary didactic purpose for the post-exilic community. They provided a continuous link to their pre-exilic heritage, ensuring that the identity of "all Israel" (1 Chron 9:1) was maintained despite the dispersion. For instance, knowing one's ancestral line could prove claims to priestly duties or land ownership (e.g., Ezra 2, Neh 7). The detailed inclusion of minor branches, like Jerahmeel's second wife Atarah and their son Onam, further illustrates the comprehensive scope the Chronicler desired to provide. It shows a commitment to completeness, asserting that all genuine Israelites could find their place within these sacred records, reinforcing their unity and continuity under God's covenant. This meticulous tracking laid the groundwork for the future re-establishment of the temple worship and the reassertion of the Davidic line, central to Israel's hope for a future Messiah.

1 Chronicles 2 26 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:26, a seemingly brief and dry genealogical entry, holds profound significance within the Chronicler's larger theological and historical project. It is not merely a collection of names but a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through generations, even amidst national upheaval and exile. The meticulous recording of secondary wives like Atarah and their children ensures a complete account of Israelite identity, vital for post-exilic communities re-establishing their land rights, tribal roles, and covenant heritage. It underscores the belief that every individual, regardless of their historical prominence, played a part in the tapestry of God's redemptive plan for His people. This detail, alongside countless others, affirms that the Lord cares about individual lineages, upholding His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.