1 Chronicles 4 11

1 Chronicles 4:11 kjv

And Chelub the brother of Shuah begat Mehir, which was the father of Eshton.

1 Chronicles 4:11 nkjv

Chelub the brother of Shuhah begot Mehir, who was the father of Eshton.

1 Chronicles 4:11 niv

Kelub, Shuhah's brother, was the father of Mehir, who was the father of Eshton.

1 Chronicles 4:11 esv

Chelub, the brother of Shuhah, fathered Mehir, who fathered Eshton.

1 Chronicles 4:11 nlt

Kelub (the brother of Shuhah) was the father of Mehir. Mehir was the father of Eshton.

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 11 Meaning

This verse records a segment of the lineage within the tribe of Judah, stating that Chelub, identified as the brother of Shuah, fathered Mehir. Subsequently, Mehir is identified as the father of Eshton. This detail is a foundational building block within the extensive genealogies of 1 Chronicles, affirming the continuity of tribal descent and the specific generational relationships within the people of Israel.

1 Chronicles 4 11 Context

This verse is embedded within 1 Chronicles chapter 4, which is largely dedicated to the detailed genealogies of the tribe of Judah, starting from Perez. This particular chapter continues the painstaking record of the descendants of Judah, specifying numerous families and their patriarchs. Genealogies form the substantial opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, a book written after the Babylonian exile to reassure the returned Jewish community of their identity, their heritage, and their rightful place in the land and in God's covenant promises. Historically, these lists were vital for land inheritance, tribal affiliation, and establishing claims for priestly service. They connected the post-exilic community to their glorious past and God's faithfulness in preserving their lineage, demonstrating the continuity of God’s covenant people despite displacement.

1 Chronicles 4 11 Word analysis

• And: (וְ, wə) A common Hebrew conjunction, functioning here to connect this genealogical entry to the preceding ones, indicating continuation within the ongoing record of descents.
• Chelub: (כְּלוּב, Kəlūb) A proper name, potentially meaning "cage" or "basket." In ancient Israelite society, names often carried meaning, though their significance isn't always explicitly elaborated in genealogical lists. His identification as "the brother of Shuah" helps distinguish him from any other individuals named Chelub.
• the brother of: (אֲחִי, ’aḥı̂) This phrase clearly defines Chelub's familial relationship to Shuah, ensuring proper identification in a society where many shared names. Such precise identifiers were crucial for validating land claims and lineage rights.
• Shuah: (שׁוּחָה, Shūḥâ) A proper name. The Septuagint and some traditions take Shuah here as a man’s name. Its precise meaning isn't crucial for the genealogy itself but serves to anchor Chelub's identity within the broader family structure of Judah.
• begat: (הוֹלִיד, hōlı̂d) This is the Hiphil perfect form of the verb yālad (יָלַד), meaning "to give birth," or in the Hiphil, "to cause to be born," "to beget." It is the standard Hebrew term for direct paternal descent, signifying a biological father-son relationship and the passing of lineage. This verb is fundamental to all biblical genealogies.
• Mehir: (מְחִיר, Məḥı̂r) A proper name, meaning "price" or "hire." Like other names, its individual meaning doesn't overtly impact the theological message of the genealogy but serves to meticulously document the chain of generations.
• which was the father of: (הוּא אֲבִי, hū ’aḇı̂) Literally, "he [was] my father," but in context, "he was the father of." This phrasing reiterates the paternal relationship for the next generation, confirming Mehir's role as the progenitor of Eshton, continuing the precise genealogical record.
• Eshton: (אֶשְׁתּוֹן, ’Eštōn*) A proper name, possibly related to "rest" or "quiet." He is the last named individual in this direct sequence, concluding this specific branch within the larger tribal listing.

• "Chelub the brother of Shuah": This phrase is an essential descriptor in ancient Hebrew genealogies, serving to precisely differentiate an individual from others who might bear the same popular name within the same broad lineage. It provides clarity and avoids confusion in tracking specific family lines.
• "begat Mehir, which was the father of Eshton": This concise three-generation sequence illustrates the fundamental pattern of biblical genealogies. It details the unbroken line of descent, vital for maintaining tribal identity, land inheritance rights, and demonstrating the faithfulness of God in preserving His people through successive generations, no matter how brief or extensive the listed lineage may appear.

1 Chronicles 4 11 Bonus section

• Significance of "Minor" Figures: Even without significant narratives attached to them, figures like Chelub, Mehir, and Eshton were important links in the continuous chain of lineage that God chose to preserve. Their inclusion affirms that every individual, even those without prominent roles, contributes to the divine tapestry of history and salvation.
• Accuracy and Purpose: The meticulous nature of these genealogical records reflects their high importance in ancient Israelite society. They weren't just random lists; they were legal documents, historical evidence, and spiritual anchors, designed to provide certainty about lineage, land, and the divine covenant.
• Theological Parallel to Covenant: The unbroken succession of names in genealogies echoes God's covenant faithfulness – His promises flow continuously through generations, just as physical life does.

1 Chronicles 4 11 Commentary

This concise verse, detailing three generations within the tribe of Judah, may seem unremarkable on the surface, but it plays a crucial role in the theological and historical framework of 1 Chronicles. Rather than being merely an archival record, the genealogies in Chronicles served to establish identity, inheritance, and continuity for the post-exilic community. Each name listed, even of seemingly minor figures like Chelub, Mehir, and Eshton, contributes to the overarching narrative of God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people. These lists underscore the idea that Israel’s existence was not accidental but divinely sustained, a living testimony to the promises made to the patriarchs. The painstaking documentation reinforces the truth that every individual, no matter their perceived prominence, is part of God’s grand plan. It highlights the divine precision in fulfilling promises across generations, anchoring the returning exiles to their heritage and God’s unchanging commitment. For the Israelite, this validated their right to the land, their tribal membership, and their spiritual inheritance, confirming their place in the lineage leading to the Messiah.