1 Chronicles 2 33

1 Chronicles 2:33 kjv

And the sons of Jonathan; Peleth, and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel.

1 Chronicles 2:33 nkjv

The sons of Jonathan were Peleth and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel.

1 Chronicles 2:33 niv

The sons of Jonathan: Peleth and Zaza. These were the descendants of Jerahmeel.

1 Chronicles 2:33 esv

The sons of Jonathan: Peleth and Zaza. These were the descendants of Jerahmeel.

1 Chronicles 2:33 nlt

but Jonathan had two sons named Peleth and Zaza. These were all descendants of Jerahmeel.

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 33 Meaning

1 Chronicles 2:33 is part of the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing the lineage through Hezron and Jerahmeel. It records the two sons of Jada: Jether and Jonathan. The verse notably states that Jether died without leaving any children, marking an end to his direct line. It further identifies Jonathan by an alternative name, Peleth, before concluding this segment by reaffirming that these individuals belong to the larger family of Jerahmeel. This verse contributes to the meticulous record-keeping essential for the chronicler's purpose of establishing post-exilic identity and covenant continuity.

1 Chronicles 2 33 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 2 opens the detailed genealogical records of Israel, beginning with the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). It swiftly narrows the focus to the lineage of Judah, the tribe from which kings would come, culminating in the Davidic dynasty. Verses 1-2 set the stage, then verses 3-55 delve deep into the family of Judah, particularly through his son Perez. Within this extensive genealogy, verses 9-55 focus on the descendants of Hezron, Judah's grandson, who had three sons: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai (Caleb). Chapter 2:33 is nested within the section dedicated to Jerahmeel and his descendants, specifically those through his son Jada. The immediate context of verses 26-41 outlines various branches and sub-clans within the Jerahmeelites, listing individuals, their offspring, and sometimes notable facts about their lives or lack thereof, like the mention of Jether dying without children. This meticulous tracing served to affirm the continuity and purity of tribal lines, particularly for the returning exiles who needed to re-establish their identity and claims to the land and the Temple service.

1 Chronicles 2 33 Word analysis

• "And the sons of Jada": Hebrew: וּבְנֵי יָדָע (u-venei Yada).

  • וּבְנֵי (u-venei): "and sons of." Bene (plural of ben) denotes male descendants generally, though here implying direct sons. The conjunction "and" links this segment to the broader Jerahmeelite lineage previously described.
  • יָדָע (Yada): "Jada." This name signifies "He knows" or "Known," identifying a specific ancestor whose direct line is further detailed.

• "Jether, and Jonathan":

  • יֶתֶר (Yether): "Jether." This name means "abundance" or "remainder." His inclusion is notable primarily for the subsequent statement about his lack of offspring.
  • יוֹנָתָן (Yonatan): "Jonathan." A common biblical name meaning "YHWH has given" or "Gift of Yah."

• "and Jether died without children": Hebrew: וַיָּמָת יֶתֶר לֹא בָנִים (vai-yamat Yether lo banim).

  • וַיָּמָת (vai-yamat): "and he died." A straightforward historical record of an individual's demise.
  • לֹא בָנִים (lo banim): "no sons/children." This specific notation is crucial in a genealogy, signifying a discontinuation or termination of a direct male line. In Israelite society, male offspring were vital for perpetuating a name, inheritance, and tribal continuity.

• "And the name of Jonathan was Peleth": Hebrew: וְשֵׁם יוֹנָתָן פֶּלֶת (ve-shem Yonatan Pelet).

  • וְשֵׁם (ve-shem): "and name of." Indicates the provision of an alternative or second name.
  • פֶּלֶת (Pelet): "Peleth." Meaning "escape," "deliverance," or possibly "swiftness." This alternative name for Jonathan could allude to a significant event or characteristic associated with him, distinguishing his identity.

• "And these were the sons of Jerahmeel": Hebrew: וְאֵלֶּה בְּנֵי יְרַחְמְאֵל (ve-elleh benei Yerachme'el).

  • וְאֵלֶּה (ve-elleh): "and these." This serves as a concluding summary for the preceding individuals, grouping them under a common ancestor.
  • יְרַחְמְאֵל (Yerachme'el): "Jerahmeel." Meaning "May God have compassion" or "God shows compassion." This phrase explicitly reaffirms that Jada, Jether, and Jonathan/Peleth are part of the larger, significant Jerahmeelite clan within the tribe of Judah, reinforcing their tribal identity.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "And the sons of Jada; Jether, and Jonathan": This phrase introduces a specific segment of the Judahite lineage, providing the direct male descendants of Jada. It maintains the common genealogical structure, moving from progenitor to offspring, which helps to map out the intricate family tree.
  • "and Jether died without children": This is a distinct and informative detail, unusual for a pure genealogical list which typically focuses on continued lines. It precisely indicates a branch of the family tree that did not extend further through direct male offspring. In a cultural context where lineage and descendants were highly valued for societal status, inheritance, and covenant fulfillment, this detail implicitly underscores the significance of children by noting their absence, providing a complete and accurate historical record.
  • "And the name of Jonathan was Peleth": The mention of an alternative or descriptive name for Jonathan adds specific identifying information. This practice was common in the ancient world, often used to distinguish individuals, reflect a unique personal characteristic, or commemorate a significant life event or divine act (like an "escape" or "deliverance" if "Peleth" points to such). This precision further grounds the genealogy in historical specificity.
  • "And these were the sons of Jerahmeel": This concluding statement for the segment functions as a literary bracket or summary, reinforcing the paternal connection and confirming that the preceding names (Jada and his sons) belong to the prominent Jerahmeelite sub-clan within Judah. This reiteration helps the reader contextualize the lineage within the larger tribal structure, which was crucial for the post-exilic audience concerned with tribal affiliation and land claims.

1 Chronicles 2 33 Bonus section

The chronicler's deliberate inclusion of what appears to be minor, even negative, details like Jether's childless death, stands in stark contrast to royal inscriptions or narratives that often embellish or omit less favorable facts. This precision highlights a deep commitment to historical accuracy and an understanding that divine plans unfold even through breaks in human lineage. For the post-exilic audience, facing identity crises and the reconstruction of their nation, such genealogies were more than mere lists; they were vital documents for land ownership, temple service eligibility, and affirming their place as the heirs of God's covenant with Abraham, Jacob, and David. They provided an unwavering testament to God's continuous work through the generations, offering reassurance and grounding for a people rebuilding their national and spiritual life. The very "dryness" of the list serves a crucial theological purpose by authenticating the foundational identities upon which their future hope was built.

1 Chronicles 2 33 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:33, though seemingly a brief factual notation in a genealogical record, offers meaningful insights into the chronicler's purpose and the values of ancient Israel. Its primary function is to contribute to the meticulously compiled list of Judah's descendants, essential for establishing identity and lineage among the post-exilic community. The detail concerning Jether's childless death is particularly striking in a lineage primarily focused on continuity; it serves to maintain the factual accuracy of the record, acknowledge divine sovereignty in bestowing offspring, and indirectly emphasize the profound importance of children for extending one's name and family line within the covenant community. Jonathan's alternative name, Peleth, further refines the identity of this individual, suggesting unique significance. Ultimately, this verse, like the surrounding genealogies, acts as a bedrock for tribal claims, the integrity of the priesthood, and the enduring hope in God's faithfulness to the Davidic covenant, ensuring that the returnees could clearly trace their heritage within the promised land and under God's ongoing promises.