1 Chronicles 2 42

1 Chronicles 2:42 kjv

Now the sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel were, Mesha his firstborn, which was the father of Ziph; and the sons of Mareshah the father of Hebron.

1 Chronicles 2:42 nkjv

The descendants of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel were Mesha, his firstborn, who was the father of Ziph, and the sons of Mareshah the father of Hebron.

1 Chronicles 2:42 niv

The sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel: Mesha his firstborn, who was the father of Ziph, and his son Mareshah, who was the father of Hebron.

1 Chronicles 2:42 esv

The sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel: Mareshah his firstborn, who fathered Ziph. The son of Mareshah: Hebron.

1 Chronicles 2:42 nlt

The descendants of Caleb, the brother of Jerahmeel, included Mesha (the firstborn), who became the father of Ziph. Caleb's descendants also included the sons of Mareshah, the father of Hebron.

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 42 Meaning

1 Chronicles 2:42 serves as a genealogical entry, meticulously listing a segment of the descendants of Caleb, the brother of Jerahmeel, within the tribe of Judah. It specifically records Mesha, identified as Caleb's firstborn and progenitor of Ziph, and subsequently mentions "the sons of Mareshah," indicating a familial link to Mareshah, who is here depicted as the "father of Hebron." This verse's primary purpose is to trace and document family lines, establishing connections to significant people and places within the land of Judah, underscoring lineage and territorial claims foundational to the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 2 42 Context

1 Chronicles 2:42 is situated within the lengthy and detailed genealogies of 1 Chronicles chapters 1-9. Specifically, it forms part of the lineage of Judah, which is given particular prominence (1 Chr 2-4). Chapter 2 traces the sons of Israel through Judah, emphasizing the line of Perez and Zerah. Within this, the family of Hezron (a son of Perez) receives extensive coverage, particularly his sons Ram (ancestor of David), Caleb, and Jerahmeel. Verse 42 thus zooms in on a specific branch of Caleb's numerous descendants, showcasing their historical connections to significant locations within Judah's tribal territory. The Chronicler's historical and cultural context is post-exilic Judah, where re-establishing identity, land claims, priestly legitimacy, and the foundational narrative of God's faithfulness to Israel through documented lineage was paramount. These precise records solidified their right to the land and their place in the renewed covenant community.

1 Chronicles 2 42 Word analysis

• Now: (Hebrew: we) A common conjunction, initiating a new section or continuation of a thought in a genealogical listing, shifting focus to a new branch.
• the sons: (Hebrew: bəney) Denotes descendants, offspring, or members of a lineage/family group, not necessarily direct sons.
• of Caleb: (Hebrew: Kalev) A significant figure in Israelite history, known for his unwavering faith and loyalty to the LORD (Num 14:24). His name might mean "dog" (symbolizing devotion) or relate to "wholehearted." Caleb was rewarded for his faithfulness with the inheritance of Hebron (Josh 14). His extensive genealogy in Chronicles underscores his prominence in Judah.
• the brother: (Hebrew: ’aḥ) Emphasizes the familial relationship to Jerahmeel, another prominent son of Hezron, establishing Caleb's direct connection within that major sub-tribe of Judah.
• of Jerahmeel: (Hebrew: Yerachme’el) Another important clan head within Judah, meaning "May God have compassion" or "God will show mercy." The detail distinguishes this Caleb (Caleb son of Hezron) from any other individuals named Caleb and specifies his relationship to Jerahmeel.
• were Mesha: (Hebrew: Mesha’) A personal name, likely meaning "deliverance" or "salvation." His listing as Caleb's firstborn (in this context, potentially implying the leader of a significant sub-clan or the initial figure of this specific lineage) highlights the primary branch being described.
• his firstborn: (Hebrew: bəḵor) Designates Mesha as the first, or chief, son. In genealogical contexts, the firstborn often holds a position of prominence, indicating the primary line of descent or a significant branch.
• who was the father of Ziph: (Hebrew: ’aḇî Ziph) This phrase suggests Ziph originated from or was founded/settled by Mesha or his descendants. "Ziph" (Hebrew: Ziyph) is a well-known city in the hill country of Judah (Josh 15:55), famed for being a place where David hid from Saul (1 Sam 23:14). Here, "father of" can denote progenitor, founder, or even the primary clan/resident associated with a specific locale. It highlights a strong socio-geographical link.
• and the sons: (Hebrew: uḇəney) Continues the listing of Caleb's descendants, now moving to another group.
• of Mareshah: (Hebrew: Mareshah) Both a personal name and a city in the Shephelah (lowlands) of Judah (Josh 15:44). It was an important fortified city (2 Chr 11:8) and the site of Asa's great victory over the Cushites (2 Chr 14:9-10). The inclusion of Mareshah connects this branch of Caleb's family to a geographically and historically significant location.
• the father of Hebron: (Hebrew: ’aḇî Ḥeḇrōn) This signifies a direct relationship between Mareshah (or a line stemming from him/her) and Hebron. "Hebron" (Hebrew: Ḥeḇrōn) is one of the oldest and most important cities in Judah. It was associated with Abraham (Gen 23), the capital for David before Jerusalem (2 Sam 2:1-4), and given to Caleb as his inheritance (Josh 14:13-15). The "father of X" construction for cities or places is a common literary device in genealogies to indicate founder, predominant clan, or a strong proprietary relationship, emphasizing land claims and historical connections.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "the sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel": This opening phrase is crucial for precise identification. It differentiates this Caleb (Caleb son of Hezron, brother of Jerahmeel) from any other individuals with similar names in the wider genealogical records. It underscores his direct ancestral link to Hezron, a prominent son of Judah, and firmly places his lineage within the framework of Judah's major clans. The Chronicler emphasizes accuracy in lineage to ensure rightful inheritance and tribal affiliation.
• "Mesha his firstborn, who was the father of Ziph": This grouping ties Caleb's immediate direct male lineage to a specific region and community, Ziph. By presenting Mesha as "father of Ziph," it might mean he was the first or chief resident, founder, or the predominant ancestor of the clan associated with the city Ziph. This serves to establish ancient claims and historical presence for Caleb's descendants in specific areas of Judah. It demonstrates how individuals' names become linked to place names to illustrate tribal movements or settlement patterns.
• "and the sons of Mareshah, the father of Hebron": This clause introduces another significant branch of Caleb's descendants, tracing them through "Mareshah" to the exceptionally important city of "Hebron." The "father of Hebron" suggests a powerful link between Mareshah's lineage and this city. While Caleb himself was given Hebron, this phrase indicates a continuation or specific branch of his descendants that had a direct and named association with Hebron, solidifying their historical and inherited rights to this foundational city in Judah. This again uses the "father of" convention to highlight settlement and deep roots.

1 Chronicles 2 42 Bonus section

• Polemics/Purpose: While not a direct polemic, the precise genealogical listings throughout 1 Chronicles, including this verse, subtly countered potential challenges to the post-exilic community's identity and rights. By establishing clear, God-ordained lineage and land claims, the Chronicler validated the community's legitimacy against those who might question their authenticity or inheritance. The genealogies also emphasized the concept of faithfulness, seen prominently in Caleb himself, whose lineage continues to be blessed.
• Literary Device: The recurring "father of" construction in these genealogies, where a person is the "father" of a city (e.g., Mesha father of Ziph, Mareshah father of Hebron), is a common ancient Near Eastern literary device. It signifies that the individual was the founder, chief settler, or principal clan head associated with that location, not necessarily a literal father in the modern biological sense. This highlights tribal consolidation and control over specific regions.
• Hebron's Continued Significance: Hebron's mention, given its sacred history (patriarchal burial cave) and later political role (David's first capital), underscores the deep roots of Caleb's lineage within the core identity of Israel and Judah. It connects this branch to one of the most venerable sites in Israel.

1 Chronicles 2 42 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:42 serves as a pivotal genealogical entry within the Chronicler's elaborate recounting of Israel's tribal origins, particularly for the dominant tribe of Judah. Its primary function is to authenticate the lineage of key clans of Caleb, linking them explicitly to strategically vital locations within Judah's territory: Ziph, Mareshah, and Hebron. This verse, though seemingly just a list of names, is highly significant. It solidifies the ancient claims of Caleb's descendants to these areas, establishing their presence and influence from an early stage. The Chronicler's emphasis on meticulous genealogies was paramount for the post-exilic community in Jerusalem. These records provided a sense of continuity with their heritage, affirmed their identity, legitimized their land ownership after the return from exile, and ensured proper social and religious structures, including the priesthood and, implicitly, the royal line that would stem from Judah. By mentioning cities as "fathers" of places, the text creates an enduring bond between these families and their geographical domains, ensuring their claims were firmly rooted in historical fact.