1 Chronicles 2 39

1 Chronicles 2:39 kjv

And Azariah begat Helez, and Helez begat Eleasah,

1 Chronicles 2:39 nkjv

Azariah begot Helez, and Helez begot Eleasah;

1 Chronicles 2:39 niv

Azariah the father of Helez, Helez the father of Eleasah,

1 Chronicles 2:39 esv

Azariah fathered Helez, and Helez fathered Eleasah.

1 Chronicles 2:39 nlt

Azariah was the father of Helez.
Helez was the father of Eleasah.

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 39 Meaning

The verse 1 Chronicles 2:39, "And Attai begat Nathan, and Nathan begat Zabad," is a concise statement found within a comprehensive genealogical list of the tribe of Judah. It meticulously documents the generational progression within a specific family branch, showing the lineage from Attai, through his son Nathan, to his grandson Zabad. In the broader context of Chronicles, these genealogies were crucial for the post-exilic community of Israel to re-establish and confirm their tribal identities, validate claims to ancestral lands, ensure eligibility for priestly and levitical roles, and preserve the historical and covenantal continuity of God's people after their return from exile.

1 Chronicles 2 39 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 2 inaugurates a detailed accounting of the descendants of Judah, primarily through his son Perez (1 Chron 2:4). This extensive chapter provides the framework for understanding the composition and continuity of the Davidic line and other significant families within the tribe. Verse 39 specifically forms part of a remarkable passage (1 Chron 2:34-41) detailing the lineage descending from Sheshan, a Jerahmeelite within Judah, who had no sons. Instead, his daughter married Jarha, an Egyptian servant. The names in verse 39, Attai, Nathan, and Zabad, represent direct descendants from this unique union of a Judahite woman and an integrated outsider. The book of Chronicles was compiled likely during the post-exilic period, making these meticulously preserved genealogies critical for the returning community to reaffirm their heritage, establish legitimate claims to land, and confirm tribal affiliations necessary for their societal and religious restoration. This inclusion of Jarha's lineage also serves a profound theological purpose, demonstrating that loyalty and integration could incorporate even those outside the traditional ethnic boundaries into the covenant community, gently challenging narrow ethnocentric perspectives that might have existed at the time.

1 Chronicles 2 39 Word analysis

• And (וְ, ve): This ubiquitous Hebrew conjunction links the genealogical entry to the preceding one, maintaining the linear flow of the generational record. It simply denotes a continuation in the sequence of names.
• Attai (עַתַּי, Attay): A masculine proper noun. The name Attay translates to "opportune" or "my time." As recorded in 1 Chronicles 2:36, Attai is the son of Nathan, and in this verse 39, he is listed as the father of Nathan, and subsequently Zabad. This is resolved by understanding Attai to be Jarha’s firstborn son through Sheshan's daughter, as stated in verse 36, meaning he is the son who continues Jarha's line through this woman. This verse 39 describes his direct lineage down through a son named Nathan, implying two different men named Nathan in close succession, though the structure remains consistent in detailing this line's progress.
• begat (יָלַד, yalad): The Hebrew verb yalad signifies "to give birth," "to bring forth," or "to beget." In the context of genealogies, its consistent usage denotes direct paternal lineage. The repeated deployment of this verb underscores the unbroken succession of generations, vital for validating ancient Israelite identity, land rights, and the enduring nature of divine covenant promises. It also highlights God's role in orchestrating and sustaining these family lines.
• Nathan (נָתָן, Natan): A Hebrew proper noun, Natan means "He gave" or "gift." This is a common biblical name, distinct from the Prophet Nathan (2 Sam 7) or David's son Nathan (2 Sam 5:14). Within this specific Judahite branch, this Nathan serves as a direct generational link, son of Attai and father of Zabad, ensuring the lineage's continuity.
• Zabad (זָבָד, Zabad): A masculine proper noun meaning "He (God) has given" or "endowed." Its etymology reflects divine provision, a common theme in Hebrew naming conventions. Zabad concludes this segment of the family record as the son of Nathan, continuing this particular Jerahmeelite line of Judah.

Words-Group by Words-Group analysis

• "And Attai begat Nathan": This phrase succinctly documents the direct father-son relationship, explicitly stating Attai as Nathan's progenitor. It follows the standard genealogical formula, "X begat Y," which ensures clarity in tracking descent. This particular link marks the continuation of the Jerahmeelite branch through Jarha, the Egyptian servant's progeny.
• "and Nathan begat Zabad": This continues the linear generational record from Nathan to his son Zabad. The consistent use of the yalad verb and the "and X begat Y" structure reinforces the systematic and thorough nature of these ancient records. This continuous chain of names not only preserves historical information but also symbolically emphasizes God's ongoing faithfulness in preserving His people through their successive family lines, even incorporating unique circumstances like the Jarha intermarriage.

1 Chronicles 2 39 Bonus section

• Meticulous Record-Keeping: The emphasis on precise genealogies in Chronicles, exemplified by this verse, reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of preserving detailed family and tribal records. For Israel, this was tied to land tenure, inheritance laws, religious office qualifications (especially for priests and Levites), and the broader covenant identity.
• Theological Implications of Inclusion: The passage containing this verse (1 Chron 2:34-41) provides a strong undercurrent of inclusion. Jarha, an Egyptian servant, is not just integrated but becomes a vital link in a significant Judahite line. This quietly challenges any purely ethnic or bloodline-based understanding of "Israel," subtly anticipating the broader scope of God's redemptive work where faith transcends racial barriers, a concept more explicitly developed in the New Testament.
• Chronicles' Perspective: Unlike the books of Samuel and Kings, Chronicles presents a priestly and theological re-telling of Israel's history, often emphasizing elements like genealogies, Temple worship, and divine covenant more strongly. This verse, embedded in Judah's genealogy, supports the broader Chronicler's agenda of consolidating post-exilic identity around core theological principles and communal structures.

1 Chronicles 2 39 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:39, while seemingly a straightforward listing of names, plays a vital role within the larger genealogical tapestry of Judah. This verse, "And Attai begat Nathan, and Nathan begat Zabad," is part of a unique sub-lineage that arose from the marriage of Sheshan's daughter to his Egyptian servant, Jarha (1 Chron 2:34-35). This inclusion serves as a theological testament to God's expansive plan, demonstrating that commitment and integration, even from those of non-Israelite descent, could legitimize one's place within the covenant community. For the post-exilic audience of Chronicles, such detailed family records provided concrete assurance of their historical roots and legitimate claims, fostering unity and hope amidst national reconstruction. The repetitive "begat" formula underscores God's sustained providence, ensuring the preservation of generations and, implicitly, the promises attached to specific family lines within Israel. The attention to such detail for an obscure branch illustrates the meticulous care with which God oversees the unfolding of His redemptive purposes, often working through seemingly minor, yet divinely appointed, individuals and families.