1 Chronicles 2 36

1 Chronicles 2:36 kjv

And Attai begat Nathan, and Nathan begat Zabad,

1 Chronicles 2:36 nkjv

Attai begot Nathan, and Nathan begot Zabad;

1 Chronicles 2:36 niv

Attai was the father of Nathan, Nathan the father of Zabad,

1 Chronicles 2:36 esv

Attai fathered Nathan, and Nathan fathered Zabad.

1 Chronicles 2:36 nlt

Attai was the father of Nathan.
Nathan was the father of Zabad.

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 36 Meaning

This verse records two direct successions within the tribe of Judah: Attai begot Nathan, and Nathan begot Zabad. It continues a genealogical record that follows the descendants of Sheshan, highlighting the lineage's continuity and the preservation of tribal identity. Significantly, this specific line began through an unconventional union detailed in previous verses (1 Chr 2:34-35): Sheshan, having no sons, gave his daughter to his Egyptian servant, Jarha. Therefore, Attai, Nathan, and Zabad are part of a family branch that beautifully illustrates God's sovereign faithfulness and His ability to maintain His redemptive purposes, even through unexpected means and by integrating outsiders into the family of Israel.

1 Chronicles 2 36 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 2 opens the comprehensive genealogies in the book, immediately delving into the detailed lineages of the sons of Israel, with a strong emphasis on Judah, the tribe from which David and the Davidic monarchy sprang. From verse 9 through 55, the chapter meticulously traces the descendants of Judah's son Hezron, documenting key families vital for affirming tribal identity, land rights, and eligibility for temple service in the post-exilic period for whom the Chronicler wrote. Verse 36 is specifically nestled within a pivotal section (verses 34-41) concerning Sheshan's line. The narrative highlights that Sheshan, lacking a male heir, arranged for his daughter to marry his Egyptian servant Jarha (1 Chr 2:34-35). This unprecedented union enabled the continuation of Sheshan's lineage through an assimilated outsider, demonstrating God's sovereign control over seemingly unpredictable events. The record of Attai, Nathan, and Zabad's succession emphasizes how divine purposes are sustained through both expected and unexpected means, illustrating the providential hand of God in preserving Israel's family lines.

1 Chronicles 2 36 Word analysis

• Attai (עַתַּי - `Attay`): A Hebrew personal name that potentially signifies "timely" or "opportune," derived from a root associated with "time." Its placement here could subtly allude to the divinely opportune circumstances of his birth, especially considering that his immediate progenitor was Jarha, an Egyptian servant integrated into the Judahite family line. Attai's existence marks a crucial and deliberate continuation of Sheshan's unique lineage.
• begot (וַיּוֹלֶד - `wayyoled`): This is a standard Qal perfect consecutive form of the Hebrew verb `yalad`, meaning "to bear" or "to beget." In biblical genealogies, it functions as the definitive marker of paternity and direct male descent, underscoring the legal and tribal legitimacy of succession. Its repeated use signifies the continuous, unbroken chain of generations, validating connections within Israel's intricate social and religious framework.
• Nathan (נָתָן - `Natan`): This Hebrew name means "He has given" or simply "gift." It is a common name throughout the Old Testament (e.g., the prophet Nathan). In the context of this specific genealogy, coming after the unusual integration of Jarha, the name 'Nathan' resonates powerfully with the idea of divine giving or provision. His birth symbolizes that the continuation of this line, despite its unconventional origin, is indeed a providential "gift" from God.
• and Nathan begot (וְנָתָן וַיּוֹלֶד - `wənatan wayyoled`): This conjunction and verb phrase are typical for genealogical entries, reinforcing the direct, sequential flow of generations. Each such link is crucial in maintaining the historical and theological thread of God's covenant people. This emphasizes the intentional and uninterrupted progress of the lineage, underscoring that the plan initiated through the unique union involving Jarha remained fully on track.
• Zabad (זָבָד - `Zabad`): Another Hebrew name that shares a similar meaning to Nathan, primarily "He has bestowed" or "gift." While multiple individuals bear this name in the Old Testament, its presence here, following "Nathan," further reinforces the overarching theological theme of divine providence. The recurrence of names associated with "giving" or "bestowal" in successive generations within this specific, unique lineage, provides a subtle textual emphasis on God's active hand in graciously sustaining His plans.

1 Chronicles 2 36 Bonus section

• Divine Sovereignty Over Social Norms: The unusual lineage originating with Sheshan giving his daughter to Jarha (1 Chr 2:34-35) stands out. This demonstrates that God's plans are not confined by human social constructs or ethnic boundaries, providing a profound lesson that divine will transcends and sometimes redefines societal expectations to accomplish His purposes. It's a testament to God's inclusive nature, even within the framework of the Old Covenant.
• Theological Importance of "Begetting": Beyond a simple biological fact, "begot" in these genealogies is a theological statement. It signifies not just physical descent but also the continuation of a covenant line, the passing of promises, and the ongoing unfolding of God's redemptive history towards the Davidic kingship and ultimately the Messiah. Every generation is a link in God's plan.
• Contextualizing for the Exiles: For the returning exiles to Jerusalem, these detailed genealogies in Chronicles were immensely practical and deeply spiritual. They provided confirmation of identity, land claims, and rights to serve in the newly rebuilt temple, assuring them of their legitimate place within the renewed covenant community and linking them to God's ancient promises.

1 Chronicles 2 36 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:36 appears as a simple, unassuming record in a long genealogical list, yet within its immediate context, it speaks volumes about God's sovereign and unexpected ways. It is a critical link in the continuation of Sheshan's Judahite line, which diverged from traditional Israelite patrilineal customs by integrating an Egyptian servant, Jarha, through marriage to Sheshan's daughter. This verse thus demonstrates divine faithfulness beyond human social norms, showing that God works through unconventional channels to sustain His chosen people and their history. The birth of Attai, Nathan, and Zabad ensures the preservation of this branch of Judah, validating the Chronicler's larger theological aim: to establish identity, continuity, and the unwavering reality of God's covenant promises to the post-exilic community. This seemingly dry listing affirms that every individual in God's historical chain plays a role in His grand redemptive narrative.