1 Chronicles 2 47

1 Chronicles 2:47 kjv

And the sons of Jahdai; Regem, and Jotham, and Gesham, and Pelet, and Ephah, and Shaaph.

1 Chronicles 2:47 nkjv

And the sons of Jahdai were Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph.

1 Chronicles 2:47 niv

The sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah and Shaaph.

1 Chronicles 2:47 esv

The sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph.

1 Chronicles 2:47 nlt

The sons of Jahdai were Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph.

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 47 Meaning

1 Chronicles 2:47 presents a concise genealogical entry, stating the names of six sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph. Its primary meaning is to record and preserve a specific lineage within the tribal framework of Judah, contributing to the larger comprehensive genealogy meticulously compiled by the Chronicler. It emphasizes the importance of family identity and continuity for the post-exilic community, affirming their heritage and tribal affiliations.

1 Chronicles 2 47 Context

1 Chronicles 2 is a detailed genealogical record focusing primarily on the descendants of Judah. It meticulously traces the lineage from Israel (Jacob) through Judah, then to Perez, Hezron, and onwards. This chapter identifies numerous subclans and families within Judah, including those of Caleb (Chelubai), Jerahmeel, and various other family heads. The chronicler’s intense focus on genealogies, especially Judah and Levi, serves several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community: to confirm their identity as the true Israel, validate their claims to land inheritance, and establish the legitimacy of their leadership, particularly the Davidic line. Verse 47, specifically listing "The sons of Jahdai," is embedded within this extensive listing of lesser-known families. Jahdai appears to be part of one of these numerous subdivisions within the larger tribal structure, possibly related to Caleb or one of the other branches detailed in the surrounding verses. This specific entry demonstrates the Chronicler's commitment to completeness and precision in documenting the full spectrum of Judah's descendants, not just the most prominent.

1 Chronicles 2 47 Word analysis

• The sons of: (בְּנֵ֤י - b'nēy): The common Hebrew term indicating lineage, offspring, or descendants. In genealogical contexts, it strictly means direct male progeny or can sometimes refer to a larger tribal or family unit. Here, it refers to direct sons.
• Jahdai: (יַחְדָּי - Yaḥdāy): A Hebrew proper noun. The name likely means "united" or "my unique one" or possibly "belonging together." While its etymological root (y-ch-d, "to unite") provides a possible meaning, its primary significance here is as a specific individual's name within the complex family tree of Judah. There are no direct polemical implications of this specific name in its original context. Its importance lies simply in its inclusion as part of the established record, indicating its factual basis for the chronicler's audience. The very presence of such seemingly minor names highlights the Chronicler's exhaustive record-keeping.
• Regem: (רֶ֙גֶם֙ - Regem): A proper noun, likely meaning "friend" or "heap of stones." Just a name in this context.
• Jotham: (יוֹתָם - Yōthām): A proper noun, meaning "Yahweh is perfect" or "Yahweh is complete." Another name, known from a later king of Judah (though not this person).
• Geshan: (גֵּישָׁן - Gêshān): A proper noun. Its meaning is uncertain but possibly related to "clod of earth."
• Pelet: (פֶּ֥לֶט - Pelet): A proper noun, meaning "deliverance" or "escape."
• Ephah: (עֵיפָה֙ - ʿÊphāh): A proper noun, also known as a female name in Gen 25:4 (Midian's son), here possibly male.
• Shaaph: (שָׁעַף - Shaʿap̄): A proper noun, likely meaning "flow," "flood," or "division."

Word-Group Analysis:

• "The sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph.": This phrase constitutes a simple, direct statement of familial relationship. Its structure is characteristic of biblical genealogies—a patronymic (sons of X) followed by a list of names. The simplicity of the structure belies the profound purpose behind such lists in ancient Israel:
  • Legal & Societal Importance: These lists established inheritance rights, clan affiliations, and claims to tribal lands. For the returning exiles, these genealogies were crucial for re-establishing society, validating land ownership in the promised land (allotted according to tribe), and confirming membership within the covenant community.
  • Historical & Theological Significance: They affirmed God's faithfulness in preserving His people, from the initial covenants with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, through their multiplication into tribes, and even through exile. The detailed records ensured that the prophecies concerning the lineage of the Messiah could be tracked and confirmed, particularly through the line of Judah.
  • The Chronicler's Purpose: The Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic community, was less concerned with just recording names for historical sake but rather to instill confidence in their heritage and God's plan, remind them of their responsibilities under the Mosaic Law, and prepare them for a rebuilt temple worship and a restored nation under God's guidance. The inclusion of even obscure individuals like Jahdai’s sons demonstrates the all-encompassing nature of God’s covenant with Israel.

1 Chronicles 2 47 Bonus section

The genealogies in Chronicles are not merely factual historical records but serve a theological and hortatory purpose. They were a key instrument for shaping the identity of the returning exiles by affirming their unbroken connection to their ancestors, particularly Abraham, Judah, David, and the Levitical priesthood. The meticulous detail in chapters like 1 Chronicles 2, even for less prominent figures such as Jahdai, highlights the Chronicler's intention to provide a comprehensive, albeit selective, historical framework that emphasized national unity and adherence to the covenant. This focus contrasts with some pagan cultures where genealogies often emphasized legendary, divine ancestors; Israel’s genealogies stressed their specific, human origins under God's providence, tracing lineage to real people. The inclusion of such obscure names emphasizes the exhaustive nature of the historical documentation, establishing clear boundaries of tribal membership, crucial for maintaining purity and order within the restored community.

1 Chronicles 2 47 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:47, listing the sons of Jahdai, is a concise yet significant genealogical entry embedded within the detailed historical and theological narrative of the Chronicler. For a post-exilic audience striving to reclaim their identity and place in the promised land, these seemingly simple lists were foundational. This verse confirms the existence and continuation of specific family lines within the sprawling tribe of Judah. While Jahdai and his sons are not prominent figures in broader biblical narratives, their inclusion testifies to the meticulous record-keeping of the chronicler, whose aim was to affirm the legitimacy and integrity of the whole community of Israel, even down to its lesser-known branches.

The Chronicler's purpose was not merely to record history but to provide hope and direction. By painstakingly listing these lineages, he underscored God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of Israel through tumultuous times, confirming their ancestral claims and connections. This served to remind the returnees that their identity was firmly rooted in their divinely ordained lineage, ensuring their continuity and collective heritage as God’s chosen people. It also implicitly points to God’s comprehensive knowledge of all individuals within His covenant people, assuring them that no one, however seemingly minor, is overlooked.