1 Chronicles 2 43

1 Chronicles 2:43 kjv

And the sons of Hebron; Korah, and Tappuah, and Rekem, and Shema.

1 Chronicles 2:43 nkjv

The sons of Hebron were Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema.

1 Chronicles 2:43 niv

The sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem and Shema.

1 Chronicles 2:43 esv

The sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem and Shema.

1 Chronicles 2:43 nlt

The sons of Hebron were Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema.

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 43 Meaning

1 Chronicles 2:43 identifies four sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema. This verse is part of an extensive genealogical record for the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing the descendants of Caleb, a key figure in Israel's early history for his faithfulness. These names represent family lines and continue the precise documentation of Israel's tribal heritage, affirming identity, land claims, and God's covenantal faithfulness.

1 Chronicles 2 43 Context

h21 Chronicles 2:43 is found within the extensive genealogical records that open the book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9). This particular section (1 Chr 2:3-55) details the descendants of Judah, focusing heavily on the lineage of Perez, one of Judah's sons, and specifically on Caleb, a descendant of Hezron (Perez's son). The "Hebron" mentioned in verse 43 is a specific individual, the son of Mareshah and grandson of Caleb. This precise detailing of tribal families and their generations served a crucial purpose for the post-exilic audience of Chronicles: to re-establish Israelite identity, justify land ownership based on tribal inheritance, legitimize leadership roles (especially the Davidic monarchy and the priesthood), and reinforce the continuity of God's covenant with His people despite exile. These lists provided a concrete link between the present community and their revered ancestors, including those who demonstrated faithfulness like Caleb.

1 Chronicles 2 43 Word analysis

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• Now (וְעַתָּה - v'attah): A conjunctive particle often used to introduce a new phase or detailed list following a broader statement. Here, it transitions from Hebron's father to his specific sons, indicating a continuation in the genealogical listing.
• the sons of (בְּנֵי - b'nei): A common Hebrew idiom meaning "descendants of," "children of," or literally "sons of." It denotes direct offspring or the tribal/familial group associated with the named individual. In genealogies, it explicitly traces the line of descent.
• Hebron (חֶבְרוֹן - Ḥevron): In this verse, Hebron refers to a person, a specific individual within Caleb's lineage, specifically the son of Mareshah (1 Chr 2:42). The name Hebron itself means "association" or "confederacy." It's important to distinguish this person from the historically significant city of Hebron, although the city held special significance as Caleb's inheritance (Josh 14:13-15). The name's reappearance here in a person might subtly reinforce Caleb's deep connection to his inherited land and identity.
• Korah (קֹרַח - Qoraḥ): One of the four sons of Hebron listed here. The name Korah means "bald" or "ice." While a well-known biblical figure named Korah led a major rebellion against Moses (Num 16), this individual in Chronicles is distinct. The repeated use of biblical names highlights their commonality across different eras and lineages, serving as a reminder that not all bearers of the same name share the same story or destiny. This Korah is simply a documented descendant of Caleb, emphasizing lineage over infamy.
• and Tappuah (וְתַּפּוּחַ - v'Tappuaḥ): Another son of Hebron. The name Tappuah means "apple" or "apple tree." Like other personal names in this genealogy, it grounds the list in natural, identifiable terms, even if its specific significance for this individual is not elaborated upon in scripture. It also appears as a place name in Judah (Josh 16:8; 17:8), again illustrating shared names between people and places.
• and Rekem (וְרֶקֶם - v'Reqem): Another son of Hebron. The name Rekem means "multicolored," "patterned," or "embroidered work." This name, too, appears elsewhere as a place or a Midianite king (Num 31:8; Josh 18:27). In this context, it simply functions as a personal name within the documented family tree.
• and Shema (וְשֶׁמַע - v'Shema): The fourth son listed for Hebron. The name Shema means "heard" or "hearing." This name carries a deep resonance within Israel, notably through the "Shema Israel" (Deut 6:4), emphasizing obedience and attentiveness to God's word. For this individual in the genealogy, it simply marks another distinct descendant of Hebron.

Words-group analysis

• "Now the sons of Hebron": This phrase precisely identifies the direct descendants being listed. It emphasizes the direct lineage from a prominent family (Caleb's), providing structural clarity to the genealogy and confirming a particular branch of the Judean tribal tree. The continued naming of "sons" underscores the patrilineal focus typical of ancient Israelite genealogies, vital for tracing inheritance and covenant.
• "Korah, and Tappuah, and Rekem, and Shema": The direct enumeration of these four names establishes distinct family lines descending from Hebron. In a genealogical record, each name represents a sub-clan or a primary branch of the larger family unit. The simple, declarative list serves to acknowledge and preserve these lines, ensuring that each family's identity and connection to the overarching tribal and national history is maintained, even if these individuals are otherwise obscure in scripture.

1 Chronicles 2 43 Bonus section

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• Chronicler's Emphasis on Judah: The extended focus on Judah, particularly Caleb's line, highlights the Chronicler's primary interest in the Southern Kingdom and the Davidic dynasty, whose legitimacy was tied to this tribal inheritance.
• Typological Significance of Names: While not direct types, names like "Hebron" (association) and "Shema" (hearing) can implicitly remind believers of the importance of community ("association" within the church body) and obedience to God's Word ("hearing"). Even names themselves carried a subtle call to remember aspects of divine truth and covenant.
• Genealogies as Affirmation of Divine Promises: The painstaking effort to record these lines serves as a tangible testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Abraham concerning innumerable descendants (Gen 15:5). Every named individual is a visible piece of that grand fulfillment.
• Connecting Past to Present (for the original audience): For the Jews returning from Babylonian exile, these lists were not abstract history but concrete evidence that they were still the chosen people, their heritage intact, and their claims to the land legitimate. This foundational sense of identity was critical for rebuilding their lives and nation.

1 Chronicles 2 43 Commentary

h21 Chronicles 2:43 is a prime example of the Chronicler's meticulous attention to genealogical detail, which underpins the entire book's theological and historical narrative. This verse, embedded within Caleb's descendants, emphasizes the continuous nature of God's covenantal promises to Israel through their generations. Even obscure names held significance for the original post-exilic audience, validating their lineage and claims to land and heritage. It reveals a deep-seated value placed on familial identity and the faithfulness of God in sustaining His people. Far from being a mere list, it represents the very fabric of Israel's national and religious identity, reflecting God's commitment to building His people. It subtly reminds us that God is interested in every part of His creation and every generation, documenting each link in the chain of salvation history.