1 Chronicles 2 54

1 Chronicles 2:54 kjv

The sons of Salma; Bethlehem, and the Netophathites, Ataroth, the house of Joab, and half of the Manahethites, the Zorites.

1 Chronicles 2:54 nkjv

The sons of Salma were Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth Beth Joab, half of the Manahethites, and the Zorites.

1 Chronicles 2:54 niv

The descendants of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth Beth Joab, half the Manahathites, the Zorites,

1 Chronicles 2:54 esv

The sons of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth-beth-joab and half of the Manahathites, the Zorites.

1 Chronicles 2:54 nlt

The descendants of Salma were the people of Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth-beth-joab, the other half of the Manahathites, the Zorites,

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 54 Meaning

First Chronicles 2:54 details specific lineages and geographical affiliations descended from Salma, a prominent figure in the tribe of Judah, linking his progeny with important localities in Judah's inheritance. It records that from Salma came the inhabitants of Bethlehem, the Netophathites, the people of Atroth-beth-joab, and a segment of the Manahathites, as well as the Zorites. This verse primarily serves a genealogical function, delineating family groups and their territorial connections within the larger Judahite tribal structure.

1 Chronicles 2 54 Context

First Chronicles 2:54 is situated within an extensive genealogical record of the tribe of Judah, which begins in 1 Chronicles 2:3 and extends through the chapter. Specifically, verse 54 follows immediately after the lineage of Caleb, a son of Hezron and prominent Judahite figure. Verses 50-55 enumerate the descendants of Hur, Caleb’s firstborn son with Ephrathah, with Salma being one of Hur's sons (v. 51). The verse itself lists the specific sub-clans and settlements associated with Salma, highlighting Bethlehem and surrounding areas.

Historically, the book of Chronicles was compiled during the post-exilic period, likely around the 5th-4th century BC. At this time, the Jewish community had returned from Babylonian exile and sought to re-establish its identity, social structure, religious practices, and legitimate claims to ancestral land. Genealogical lists like this were crucial for verifying tribal affiliations, identifying rightful heirs to land inheritances (as per Joshua's distribution), validating claims to priestly or Levitical duties, and cementing a continuous connection to their Israelite heritage and God’s covenant promises. The precise listing of families and associated towns serves to legitimate these claims for the returning community. It also implicitly guards against infiltration by those not genuinely descended from Israel.

1 Chronicles 2 54 Word analysis

• The sons of: (Hebrew: Běney, בְּנֵי) This term commonly translates as "sons" but in a genealogical context often denotes broader descendants, members of a clan, or people associated with a patriarch. Here, it signifies the various groups, families, or towns linked by descent or affiliation to Salma.
• Salma: (Hebrew: Śal·māʼ, שַׂלְמָא) A son of Hur, and grandson of Caleb (1 Chr 2:19-20, 50-51). He is a significant figure in the genealogy of Judah, especially for his connection to Bethlehem.
• Bethlehem: (Hebrew: Bēth Le·ḥem, בֵּית לֶחֶם) Literally "house of bread." This is the famous town in Judah, known as the birthplace of King David and prophetically, the Messiah. In this context, it refers to the inhabitants of Bethlehem, signifying the Bethlehemite community descended from Salma. Its inclusion links a core Judahite identity and future importance to Salma's line.
• the Netophathites: (Hebrew: Han·Nə·ṭō·p̄ā·ṯî, הַנְּטֹפָתִים) The people from Netophah, a town south-east of Bethlehem. Netophathites are mentioned elsewhere as contributing warriors to David's army and as a group returning from exile (Ezra 2:22; Neh 7:26). Their inclusion specifies another recognized clan within Salma's descendants.
• Atroth-beth-joab: (Hebrew: ʿAṭ·rōwth Bēth Yō·’āḇ, עַטְרוֹת בֵּית יוֹאָב) Meaning "crowns/borders of the house of Joab." This is likely a locality or settlement named after a prominent "Joab" or his family. It is less well-known than Bethlehem or Netophah but identifies another specific territory or community linked to Salma's lineage.
• half of the Manahathites: (Hebrew: Ḥa·ṣî Ham·Mə·nā·ḥō·thî, חֲצִי הַמְּנָחֹתִי) "Manahathites" refers to people from Manahath, possibly a locale or clan, with "half" indicating that only a segment or a particular portion of this group was connected to Salma's lineage, or that it was divided for genealogical clarity. This detail provides specific clarity on sub-groupings.
• the Zorites: (Hebrew: Haṣ·Ṣō·rī, הַצּוֹרִי) The people from Zorah, a town in the Shephelah (foothills) of Judah, near Danite territory (Josh 15:33; Judg 13:2, 25, birthplace of Samson). This signifies another geographically defined clan affiliated with Salma’s descendants.

• "The sons of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites...": This phrase constructs a comprehensive list, not necessarily of direct biological sons but of the main groups, settlements, and lineages that sprang from or were associated with Salma. It underscores the practical administrative and territorial importance of genealogies in identifying and organizing communities within Judah.
• Geographical Grouping: The verse, by listing Bethlehem, Netophathites, Atroth-beth-joab, Manahathites, and Zorites, highlights Salma's widespread influence and the varied geographical reach of his descendants. These locales establish physical anchors for these familial lines within Judah's territory. This detailed mapping of families to places was vital for post-exilic resettlement and re-establishing communal structure and land claims.

1 Chronicles 2 54 Bonus section

The genealogical record in 1 Chronicles, of which this verse is a part, differs from those in Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, or even Ruth, by being highly consolidated and focused on the continuity of the covenant people from Adam to the returning exiles. Unlike the linear "begats," the Chronicler often organizes families by region or profession, reflecting practical communal organization post-exile. The deep detailing of Judah's lineage, particularly the Calebites, in this chapter is pivotal. It provides the foundation for the Davidic line, which originates from Bethlehem, emphasizing God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant with David, even after the monarchy's disruption and exile. The painstaking preservation of these obscure names and their associated locales underscores the belief that every family and every portion of land had a rightful place in the divine scheme for Israel's restoration. This served as a polemic against those who would deny Israel's historical or territorial rights, affirming their identity as a distinct people blessed by a faithful God.

1 Chronicles 2 54 Commentary

First Chronicles 2:54 provides a snapshot of the genealogical network originating from Salma, a grandson of Caleb within the tribe of Judah. Its concise listing of associated groups and towns (Bethlehem, Netophah, Atroth-beth-joab, Manahath, Zorah) is characteristic of the Chronicler's intense focus on accurate lineage. This level of detail served a crucial function for the post-exilic community in Israel: it affirmed tribal identity, legitimized land claims by establishing a clear connection to ancestral allocations (from the time of Joshua), and helped re-organize the societal and religious framework after the return from Babylon. The prominent mention of Bethlehem, even in this purely genealogical context, subtly prefigures its immense future theological significance as the birthplace of both King David and the Messiah, Jesus, solidifying its place in God's redemptive plan through an established tribal lineage. The inclusion of groups like the "half of the Manahathites" indicates careful record-keeping necessary for tribal and territorial accuracy, ensuring all legitimate claimants were acknowledged.