1 Chronicles 2 50

1 Chronicles 2:50 kjv

These were the sons of Caleb the son of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah; Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim.

1 Chronicles 2:50 nkjv

These were the descendants of Caleb: The sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, were Shobal the father of Kirjath Jearim,

1 Chronicles 2:50 niv

These were the descendants of Caleb. The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim,

1 Chronicles 2:50 esv

These were the descendants of Caleb. The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim,

1 Chronicles 2:50 nlt

These were all descendants of Caleb. Descendants of Caleb's Son Hur The sons of Hur, the oldest son of Caleb's wife Ephrathah, were Shobal (the founder of Kiriath-jearim),

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 50 Meaning

This verse is a genealogical entry within the comprehensive record provided by the Chronicler, specifically detailing the lineage through Caleb within the tribe of Judah. It establishes a segment of his descendants through Hur, his son from Ephrathah, focusing on Shobal, who is identified as the progenitor or leading family of Kiriath-jearim. This detail is not merely a list of names; it serves to connect post-exilic Israel to their heritage, confirm tribal identities and land claims, and emphasize the continuous thread of God’s faithfulness through chosen families, linking them to significant geographical and historical sites in Israel.

1 Chronicles 2 50 Context

1 Chronicles chapters 1-9 are primarily dedicated to genealogies, a distinctive feature of the Chronicler’s work. This extensive record served a critical purpose for the post-exilic community in Jerusalem. After the Babylonian exile, identity, land rights, and tribal heritage needed re-establishing and validation. These genealogies connect the returning exiles to their divinely ordained past, assuring them of God's covenant faithfulness despite national disruption.Verse 2:50 falls within the detailed lineage of Judah, the royal tribe, through Hezron, Ram, and particularly Caleb (son of Hezron, also called Chelubai). This segment highlights influential Judahite families, detailing their origins and connections to key places. By naming individuals and associating them with specific settlements like Kiriath-jearim, the text solidifies tribal ownership and influence within the Promised Land, reinforcing a sense of belonging and continuity with Israel's past.

1 Chronicles 2 50 Word analysis

• These: (Heb. אֵלֶּה - elleh) A demonstrative pronoun, serving to introduce or point to the subsequent list of names, indicating the particular group being detailed. In genealogical contexts, it directs focus to the individuals and their lineage about to be presented.
• were the descendants of Caleb, (Heb. בְּנֵי כָלֵב - b'nei Kalev) Literally "sons of Caleb," but in genealogies, "sons of" (b'nei) often denotes "descendants" or a larger clan, rather than immediate male offspring. Caleb (כָּלֵב), an eminent figure in Judah, whose faithfulness to the Lord during the wilderness wandering earned him a special inheritance in the Promised Land (Num 14:24; Josh 14:6-14). Here, it refers to Caleb, son of Hezron, a prominent Judahite ancestor, rather than Caleb son of Jephunneh (though both are exemplary figures from Judah).
• the son of Hur, (Heb. בֶּן־חוּר - ben-Hur) Identifies Hur (חוּר) as the specific son of Caleb through whom this lineage flows. Hur is known from other biblical accounts for his close association with Moses and Aaron (Ex 17:10; 24:14), further lending prestige and historical depth to this line.
• the firstborn of Ephrathah: (Heb. בְּכוֹר אֶפְרָתָה - b'kōr 'Ephrathah) "Firstborn" (בְּכוֹר) signifies a position of preeminence, not necessarily being the very first child by birth. It denotes the leading or most important branch of the family. Ephrathah (אֶפְרָתָה) here is generally understood to be Caleb's wife and Hur's mother. The name "Ephrathah" is also closely associated with Bethlehem, "Bethlehem Ephrathah" (Gen 35:19; Mic 5:2), thereby connecting this important Judahite lineage to the region destined to be David’s birthplace and later, that of the Messiah. This emphasizes the vital connection between a leading family, a prominent woman, and a significant locale.
• Shobal, (Heb. שׁוֹבָל - Shoval) A proper name, representing a direct descendant of this specific line from Hur and Ephrathah. Shobal appears again in the genealogies, marking a key individual within this branch of Judah.
• the father of Kiriath-jearim; (Heb. אֲבִי קִרְיַת יְעָרִים - 'avi Qiryath-Ye'arim) "Father of" (אֲבִי) signifies not necessarily a biological parentage of the town itself, but rather that Shobal was the founder, leader, or primary head of the family or clan that established or had significant control over Kiriath-jearim. Kiriath-jearim (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים, lit. "city of forests") was a significant Gibeonite city later incorporated into Judah. It holds historical importance as the place where the Ark of the Covenant resided for many years before King David moved it to Jerusalem (1 Sam 7:1-2; 1 Chr 13:5-6), implying this family's significant role in regional governance and potentially the custody of sacred artifacts.

1 Chronicles 2 50 Bonus section

The phrase "father of [place]" found here and elsewhere in Chronicles (e.g., Salma the father of Bethlehem in the fuller context of 1 Chron 2:51) indicates an honorific or leadership title rather than biological fatherhood of a town. It signifies the primary family, patriarch, or founding leader of the city's inhabitants or major clan. These individuals or their direct descendants likely had significant administrative or possessive control over these settlements, solidifying the territorial claims and historical influence of Judah in the region, particularly after the return from exile when such claims were crucial. The meticulous listing served as a vital record for the exiles, reassuring them of their identity and inheritance as God's people.

1 Chronicles 2 50 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:50 presents a pivotal piece in the Chronicler’s genealogical tapestry of Judah, connecting a vital line from Caleb, through Hur and Ephrathah, to Shobal, the foundational figure of Kiriath-jearim. This isn't mere ancestry; it validates the continuity of God's covenant people. The naming of Ephrathah implicitly links this line to Bethlehem, a geographically minor but theologically monumental site prophesied to be the birthplace of the Messiah. By detailing such specific familial-geographical ties, the Chronicler underscored the legitimacy of post-exilic Judah's claims to their heritage, their land, and their central role in God's redemptive plan. It confirms that the divine promise of a future king and an enduring kingdom remained securely rooted in families chosen and preserved by God throughout generations, emphasizing the precision and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His Word even through seemingly mundane genealogical records.