1 Chronicles 2 27

1 Chronicles 2:27 kjv

And the sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel were, Maaz, and Jamin, and Eker.

1 Chronicles 2:27 nkjv

The sons of Ram, the firstborn of Jerahmeel, were Maaz, Jamin, and Eker.

1 Chronicles 2:27 niv

The sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel: Maaz, Jamin and Eker.

1 Chronicles 2:27 esv

The sons of Ram, the firstborn of Jerahmeel: Maaz, Jamin, and Eker.

1 Chronicles 2:27 nlt

The sons of Ram, the oldest son of Jerahmeel, were Maaz, Jamin, and Eker.

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 27 Meaning

1 Chronicles 2:27 meticulously lists the descendants of Ram, who was the firstborn son of Jerahmeel. This verse, a brief segment within a broader genealogical record of the tribe of Judah, specifically identifies Ram's sons as Maaz, Jamin, and Eker. Its primary significance lies in preserving the intricate family lineages of Israel, particularly those related to Jerahmeel, a prominent subclan within Judah whose territories were located in the Negeb, south of Judah proper. The verse serves to establish tribal identities, confirm ancestral rights, and highlight the comprehensive nature of the post-exilic community's ties to their past.

1 Chronicles 2 27 Context

1 Chronicles 2 initiates the detailed genealogical records that dominate the early chapters of the book, shifting focus from a broad scope (Adam to the patriarchs and their offspring) to a granular examination of the twelve tribes of Israel. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 2 concentrates heavily on the lineage of Judah, the tribe from which David—and ultimately the Messiah—would descend. The Chronicler meticulously enumerates Judah's family lines, not only those leading directly to David but also those of related clans like the Jerahmeelites (as seen in verse 27) and the Calebites.

This thorough recording of ancestry served vital functions for the post-exilic community in Judah. It confirmed the legitimacy of claims to land inheritance, verified the authenticity of priestly and levitical service, and most importantly, established continuity with their covenant past. The inclusion of diverse clans, even those not directly on the messianic line, underscores the comprehensiveness of Israel's national identity. Verse 27, in particular, demonstrates the Chronicler's commitment to documenting even the lesser-known but significant branches of the Judahite lineage, providing a structured record that affirmed tribal and familial identities in the re-established community.

1 Chronicles 2 27 Word analysis

• The sons (בְּנֵי - bᵊnê): Plural construct of בֵּן (ben), meaning "son" or "descendant." It denotes direct offspring or later generations from a common ancestor, establishing lineage. Its presence here is foundational to all genealogical lists.

• of Ram (רָם - Ram): A proper name. The name "Ram" itself means "high" or "exalted." This Ram is specifically identified as the firstborn of Jerahmeel. This distinguishes him from another significant "Ram" mentioned in David's ancestry (1 Chr 2:9), highlighting the need for careful discernment within genealogies. The Chronicler is precise in identifying which "Ram" is being referred to through his father, Jerahmeel.

• the firstborn (בְּכֹר - bᵊkōr): A masculine noun meaning "firstborn." In ancient Israelite society, the firstborn held special privileges, including a double portion of the inheritance and, in certain contexts, leadership roles. The explicit mention of Ram as "the firstborn" of Jerahmeel indicates his primary status within that immediate family line.

• of Jerahmeel (יְרַחְמְאֵל - Yəraḥmᵊ’ēl): A proper name, derived from a root meaning "to be compassionate" and the divine name El (God), hence "May God have compassion" or "God has had compassion." Jerahmeel was a son of Hezron (1 Chr 2:25) and thus a grandson of Judah. His descendants, the Jerahmeelites, formed a distinct subclan, sometimes interacting with figures like David (1 Sam 27:10). Their inclusion signifies their recognized place within the tribal structure of Judah.

• were Maaz (מַ֙עַץ֙ - Ma‘aṣ): A proper name. No significant etymological meaning is readily apparent or consistently attested in relation to biblical narratives. Its sole function here is to identify a direct descendant.

• Jamin (יָמִ֖ין - Yāmîn): A proper name meaning "right hand" or "south." While shared with a son of Simeon (Gen 46:10) and a man mentioned in Neh 8:7, here it refers to a distinct son of Ram. The repetition of common names highlights the careful distinction by the Chronicler through patronymics.

• and Eker (וָעֵ֑קֶר - wā‘Êqer): A proper name, likely meaning "root" or "sterility." Like Maaz and Jamin, Eker's significance is purely in his position within this genealogical sequence, demonstrating the full recording of Jerahmeel's lineage through his firstborn, Ram.

• The sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel: This phrase clearly identifies the specific lineage being tracked. It underscores the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where identity and legal standing were largely derived through one's father. The "firstborn" designation of Ram is important, as it clarifies the continuation of the line and its place within Jerahmeel's broader family. The mention of "Jerahmeel" contextualizes this specific branch within the larger tribe of Judah. The Chronicler's method of precision with family relations and birth order highlights the accurate preservation of these records.

1 Chronicles 2 27 Bonus section

• The exhaustive nature of the genealogies in 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9) is unmatched in the Hebrew Bible. Scholars suggest the Chronicler utilized official court records, tribal registries, and possibly private family archives to compile such detailed lists. This points to the high value placed on ancestral lines in preserving collective identity.
• While some genealogies in Chronicles can seem fragmented or briefly mentioned, the attention to the Jerahmeelite line here (which extends to 1 Chr 2:25-41) indicates its historical importance and the Chronicler's effort to integrate these specific families into the overall narrative of Judah.
• The emphasis on "firstborn" throughout Israelite history, from Esau and Jacob to Reuben's lost birthright, underscores the social, legal, and often spiritual significance of primogeniture. In 1 Chronicles, recording the firstborn often served as the primary means of tracing successive generations and their inheritance rights.

1 Chronicles 2 27 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:27 stands as a testament to the meticulous record-keeping intrinsic to ancient Israelite society, particularly as compiled by the Chronicler. Far from being a mere list, this verse, along with the surrounding genealogies, serves a crucial theological and national purpose. For a community returning from Babylonian exile, identity and lineage were paramount. This seemingly dry enumeration of names like Maaz, Jamin, and Eker, as sons of Ram, firstborn of Jerahmeel, validated ancestral claims to land, defined tribal boundaries, and, most importantly, reaffirmed their connection to God's covenant promises made to Abraham and David.

The Jerahmeelites, though not central to the main Davidic line, were an important Judahite subclan in the southern Negeb, demonstrating the breadth of Judah's influence and family ties. Their inclusion in this detailed record emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the Chronicler's history. It suggests that every branch of the Lord's people mattered and had a place in His ongoing plan, irrespective of their immediate prominence. The accuracy of these records provided a tangible link for the post-exilic generations to their heritage, offering stability and hope for the future. In a spiritual sense, it echoes God's intimate knowledge and remembrance of each individual within His larger family.