1 Chronicles 2 32

1 Chronicles 2:32 kjv

And the sons of Jada the brother of Shammai; Jether, and Jonathan: and Jether died without children.

1 Chronicles 2:32 nkjv

The sons of Jada, the brother of Shammai, were Jether and Jonathan; Jether died without children.

1 Chronicles 2:32 niv

The sons of Jada, Shammai's brother: Jether and Jonathan. Jether died without children.

1 Chronicles 2:32 esv

The sons of Jada, Shammai's brother: Jether and Jonathan; and Jether died childless.

1 Chronicles 2:32 nlt

The sons of Jada, Shammai's brother, were Jether and Jonathan. Jether died without children,

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 32 Meaning

This verse details a specific part of the genealogy of Judah, within the lineage of Hezron, specifically through Jerahmeel his son. It states that Jether and Jonathan were sons of Jada, who was the brother of Shammai. The verse then specifically notes that Jether died without any children, an important detail in the context of Israelite inheritance and the continuation of family lines.

1 Chronicles 2 32 Context

First Chronicles provides a detailed genealogical record, particularly focusing on the tribe of Judah, the Davidic line, and the Levitical priesthood. Chapter 2 specifically delves into the descendants of Judah, tracing them through his sons, particularly Perez and Hezron. This intricate list establishes the continuity of various family lines and their associated inheritance and tribal identity. The chronicler meticulously records the births, relationships, and sometimes the significant events, or lack thereof, within these families. The inclusion of Jether dying without children (lo'-banim) highlights the precision and comprehensiveness of these records, indicating when a family line reached its end in terms of male heirs, which was crucial for land tenure and tribal integrity in ancient Israel. These genealogies served a vital role for the post-exilic community in establishing their identity, land claims, and legitimacy to return and rebuild.

1 Chronicles 2 32 Word analysis

• And the sons of Jada (וּבְנֵי יָדָע - ū·ḇə·nê Yā·ḏā‘):
  • Jada (יָדָע - Yada): Hebrew for "He knows" or "Known." This name signifies an established individual within the lineage, whose specific descendants are now being recorded. The Chronicler provides this detail to ensure accurate tracking of every branch of the Judahite tribe.
• the brother of Shammai (אֲחִי שַׁמַּי - ’ă·ḥî Šam·may):
  • Brother (אָח - ’ach): Standard Hebrew term for a brother, establishing Jada's relationship within the immediate family (both sons of Jerahmeel, from 1 Chron 2:28). This precise familial identifier further solidifies the genealogical placement.
  • Shammai (שַׁמַּי - Shammai): Meaning uncertain, possibly related to "heaven" or "appointed." It serves primarily as an anchor point within the lineage to properly situate Jada's branch.
• Jether (יֶתֶר - Yeṯer):
  • Jether: Hebrew for "Remainder," "Excellence," or "Abundance." The irony of a name meaning "remainder" or "abundance" given that he died without offspring, cutting off his family line, is a striking contrast emphasizing the factual and objective nature of the record.
• and Jonathan (וְיוֹנָתָן - wə·Yō·w·nā·ṯān):
  • Jonathan (יוֹנָתָן - Yonatan): Hebrew for "The LORD has given." A common name, emphasizing divine gift, which here forms a contrasting presence with his brother who had no sons. He would have been the one to carry on Jada's lineage.
• and Jether died without children (וַיָּמָת יֶתֶר לֹא בָנִים - way·yā·mōṯ Yeṯer lō’ ḇā·nîm):
  • Died (וַיָּמָת - way·yā·mōṯ): Standard verb "he died." Simple, factual.
  • Without children (לֹא בָנִים - lō’ ḇā·nîm): Literally "no sons." This is a crucial phrase. In ancient Israelite society, especially a patriarchal one like Judah's, the absence of male heirs was a significant matter. It meant the cessation of that particular family branch's line, with potential implications for land inheritance, as land was tied to the tribal allocation and passed down through the male line. It implies the end of a family name through natural succession.

1 Chronicles 2 32 Bonus section

The careful documentation of Jether dying without children highlights a tension in Israelite society: the covenant blessing often promised abundant offspring (Gen 12:2; 22:17; Ps 127:3-5), yet some individuals or branches naturally ended. The Chronicler, compiling this post-exile, was affirming the legitimacy and continuity of "true Israel" despite gaps or difficulties in the historical record. The note of Jether's childlessness implicitly underscores the cultural and religious importance of continuation of a family's name and portion within Israel. While the levirate marriage law (Deut 25:5-10) provided a mechanism to raise up an heir for a deceased brother, its application depended on specific circumstances not detailed here. The inclusion of such "negative" genealogical details enhances the historical reliability and thoroughness of the Chronicler's work.

1 Chronicles 2 32 Commentary

This verse, while seemingly a dry list, serves as a meticulous record of the tribe of Judah's lineage. The Chronicler's primary purpose was to affirm the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, particularly through the Davidic line (which stemmed from Judah) and the rightful inheritance of the land. The inclusion of Jether's death "without children" is not a mere anecdotal detail but a crucial piece of information within a genealogy. It meticulously documents the cessation of a specific branch within the Jerahmeelite family of Judah, preventing future confusion regarding lineage, inheritance, or tribal claims. This detail reflects the absolute accuracy the Chronicler aimed for, presenting the full factual record, including instances where family lines ended. It subtly emphasizes the importance of posterity for the covenant community, demonstrating the practical implications of progeny (or the lack thereof) in ancient Israelite life for maintaining tribal and familial identity, particularly in the context of the return from exile and the re-establishment of the nation. It highlights how physical lineage was valued, but also points forward to the broader truth of God's sovereign plan for His people.