1 Chronicles 2 31

1 Chronicles 2:31 kjv

And the sons of Appaim; Ishi. And the sons of Ishi; Sheshan. And the children of Sheshan; Ahlai.

1 Chronicles 2:31 nkjv

The son of Appaim was Ishi, the son of Ishi was Sheshan, and Sheshan's son was Ahlai.

1 Chronicles 2:31 niv

The son of Appaim: Ishi, who was the father of Sheshan. Sheshan was the father of Ahlai.

1 Chronicles 2:31 esv

The son of Appaim: Ishi. The son of Ishi: Sheshan. The son of Sheshan: Ahlai.

1 Chronicles 2:31 nlt

but Appaim had a son named Ishi. The son of Ishi was Sheshan. Sheshan had a descendant named Ahlai.

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 31 Meaning

1 Chronicles 2:31 details a specific part of the genealogical record of the tribe of Judah, focusing on the lineage descending from Appaim. The verse lists Appaim as the father of Ishi, Ishi as the father of Sheshan, and then names Ahlai as the child or offspring of Sheshan. This brief mention contributes to the larger purpose of 1 Chronicles, which is to establish and preserve the complete genealogies of Israel, particularly highlighting the tribe of Judah and the line of David, thereby reinforcing national and spiritual identity, especially for the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 2 31 Context

First Chronicles chapter 2 meticulously lists the descendants of Judah, tracing the various families and clans within this pivotal tribe. The Chronicler's primary aim is to establish the legitimacy and continuity of the true Israel, especially for a post-exilic community grappling with identity, land claims, and re-establishment of worship. These genealogies are not merely dry lists but served as crucial documents for establishing rightful inheritance, priesthood, and political leadership, particularly the royal Davidic line. Verses 31-35 are specifically embedded within a section dealing with the descendants of Caleb, the son of Hezron, a prominent figure in the lineage of Judah. The inclusion of Appaim, Ishi, Sheshan, and Ahlai, even though seemingly minor figures, contributes to the exhaustive detailing of the Judahite lines, ensuring no legitimate claim or historical tie is lost, affirming the divine preservation of God's covenant people through their recorded heritage.

1 Chronicles 2 31 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew "waw" (וְ) - a common conjunction, simply linking sequential elements in the genealogy.
• the son of: Hebrew "ben" (בֶּן) - signifying direct male progeny, a foundational term in genealogical records, indicating paternity and lineage.
• Appaim: Hebrew אַפַּיִם ('Appayim) - A proper noun, indicating an individual. In this genealogical context, it connects him as a descendant of Caleb (1 Chr 2:30). The name itself may relate to "nostrils" or "face" but is used purely as a personal identifier here.
• Ishi: Hebrew יִשְׁעִי (Yishi) - A proper noun. The name means "my salvation" or "man of my salvation," possibly hinting at the character or divine blessing on this individual's line. He serves as an intermediate link in the genealogical chain.
• Sheshan: Hebrew שֵׁשָׁן (Sheshan) - A proper noun. This individual is a critical link. He is identified as having no sons, only daughters, a detail expanded upon in 1 Chronicles 2:34. This makes his listing, and especially Ahlai's, significant for the continuation of the lineage.
• And the children of Sheshan; Ahlai: This is a crucial phrase.
  • children: Hebrew בָּנָיו (banav), typically translates to "his sons" or "his children." In general genealogical listings, "sons" is the default expectation for direct male lineage. However, 1 Chronicles 2:34 explicitly states, "Now Sheshan had no sons, only daughters. And Sheshan had an Egyptian servant whose name was Jarha." This immediately contextualizes "children" in verse 31 to specifically include (or primarily refer to) his daughter(s).
  • Ahlai: Hebrew אַחְלַי ('Aḥlay) - A proper noun. While "children" is plural, only Ahlai is listed by name here. 1 Chronicles 2:34 confirms Ahlai as Sheshan's daughter. Her inclusion highlights an instance where the direct male line was broken, but the lineage was providentially maintained through a female heir. This mirrors scenarios like Zelophehad's daughters (Num 27), where women were instrumental in preserving family inheritance and lineage. This seemingly minor detail underscores the Chronicler's concern for meticulous lineage tracking, even when it deviates from the standard "son-to-son" pattern, to ensure the full ancestral tree, especially the critical Judahite and Davidic roots, is preserved. This unique aspect shows God's sovereign hand in sustaining chosen lines despite challenges.

1 Chronicles 2 31 Bonus section

The inclusion of Ahlai in this direct manner within a generally male-dominated genealogy speaks volumes about the Chronicler's attention to detail and, implicitly, God's faithfulness in unusual circumstances. The fact that the lineage of Sheshan was continued not through a son, but through his daughter Ahlai marrying an Egyptian servant (Jarha, 1 Chr 2:34-35), illustrates divine providence at work to maintain the covenant lineage, despite societal or genealogical norms. This scenario underscores the biblical principle that God uses diverse means to fulfill His purposes. It may also signify an early recognition of the importance of women in maintaining family lines when male heirs are absent, setting a precedent similar to the daughters of Zelophehad. Furthermore, the inclusion of an "Egyptian servant" (Jarha) into the Judahite lineage through marriage to Ahlai highlights a subtle but profound example of incorporation and the widening scope of God's covenant blessings, even predating the broader New Testament emphasis on inclusion. This small detail ensures the accurate, comprehensive account of those connected to Judah's line, foundational for Israel's identity and future hope in the Messiah.

1 Chronicles 2 31 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:31 serves as a seemingly straightforward record within a larger genealogical framework. However, its succinctness hides deeper significance. It underscores the Chronicler's rigorous commitment to preserving the purity and integrity of Israel's lineage, especially after the Babylonian exile when tribal identity and land rights were paramount. The verse, particularly in its mention of Ahlai, hints at an unusual yet providentially guided succession. As clarified by subsequent verses, Sheshan had no sons, leading to the preservation of his line through his daughter, Ahlai, who married his Egyptian servant Jarha (1 Chr 2:34-35). This exemplifies God's faithful orchestration of events, ensuring the continuity of His people and the intricate weaving of lives into the tapestry of His redemptive plan, even through what might appear to be indirect or challenging paths. It demonstrates that the divine purpose is not limited by human conventions but extends even to unexpected familial unions to sustain the covenant line, ultimately leading to Christ. The focus remains on God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving His chosen line.