1 Chronicles 4 15

1 Chronicles 4:15 kjv

And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh; Iru, Elah, and Naam: and the sons of Elah, even Kenaz.

1 Chronicles 4:15 nkjv

The sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh were Iru, Elah, and Naam. The son of Elah was Kenaz.

1 Chronicles 4:15 niv

The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah and Naam. The son of Elah: Kenaz.

1 Chronicles 4:15 esv

The sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam; and the son of Elah: Kenaz.

1 Chronicles 4:15 nlt

The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh were Iru, Elah, and Naam. The son of Elah was Kenaz.

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 15 Meaning

This verse provides a genealogical record, detailing a segment of the descendants of Caleb, son of Jephunneh, specifically listing Iru, Elah, and Naam as his sons, and then further identifying Kenaz as the son of Elah. It underscores the continuation and meticulous tracing of important tribal lineages within Judah, reflecting God's sustained covenant with His people and the establishment of family identity and inheritance.

1 Chronicles 4 15 Context

1 Chronicles 4 is primarily concerned with presenting genealogies, particularly those of the tribe of Judah, which leads into the royal line of David. This chapter highlights specific families and individuals, sometimes with very little detail beyond their names, but occasionally inserting notable figures or brief narratives, like the prayer of Jabez. The purpose of these detailed lists, particularly in the post-exilic period when Chronicles was likely written, was to establish legitimate lineage, tribal identity, land rights, and qualifications for sacred service. For the returning community, knowing their precise ancestry was crucial for re-establishing the nation in the promised land, rebuilding the Temple, and restoring proper worship. This specific verse, therefore, fits within this broader recounting of Judah’s esteemed descendants, reinforcing the continuing significance and prosperity of Caleb’s highly regarded family line.

1 Chronicles 4 15 Word analysis

• And the sons of: This introductory phrase serves as a connective, linking this specific lineage to the broader genealogical narrative that precedes it in the chapter. It indicates a direct familial continuation, highlighting the flow of generations and the meticulous record-keeping.
• Caleb the son of Jephunneh: This identifies the specific Caleb in question. He is not just any Caleb but the famous one.
  • Caleb (כָּלֵב - Kalev): Often understood to mean "dog," but within the biblical context, it is also associated with "whole-hearted" or "faithful." This association is crucial for Caleb, as he is lauded throughout Scripture for his unwavering loyalty and singular devotion to the Lord (Num 14:24). His faith resulted in a unique inheritance and blessing from God, distinguishing him from his generation. His inclusion here emphasizes that divine promises are sustained through faithful lines.
  • Jephunneh (יְפֻנֶּה - Yepunneh): The father of Caleb. His inclusion solidifies Caleb’s identity and provides his immediate paternal lineage. This also connects Caleb to the Kenizzites (Josh 14:6), suggesting a deeper ancestral tribal link.
• Iru, Elah, and Naam: These are the names of three specific sons of Caleb (the son of Jephunneh). Their mention underscores the continuation and expansion of Caleb's line. While these individuals do not have extensive narratives elsewhere, their presence signifies the vitality and numerousness of Caleb’s progeny, fulfilling God's promise of descendants. Genealogies serve as a vital record of this familial continuity.
• and the sons of Elah: Kenaz: This provides further detail within Caleb's lineage, specifically identifying Kenaz as a descendant through Elah.
  • Kenaz (קְנַז - Qenaz): This name is particularly notable because it echoes the name of the tribe to which Caleb's family was sometimes associated – the Kenizzites (Josh 14:6, Judg 1:13). While Caleb himself is from Judah, his lineage is linked to this tribal group. The re-occurrence of the name "Kenaz" might emphasize this specific family's enduring connection to their Kenizzite heritage, demonstrating how various sub-groups and families were meticulously cataloged within larger tribal identities. It reinforces the importance of knowing one's ancestral ties.

1 Chronicles 4 15 Bonus section

The Chronicler's distinctive emphasis on genealogies, particularly compared to the books of Samuel and Kings, serves multiple purposes. For a returning remnant after the Babylonian exile, these lists provided tangible proof of their heritage, their right to inherit promised land, and their eligibility for specific tribal duties, especially for priestly and levitical services. The frequent appearance of proper names like Kenaz also subtly reinforced deep historical connections within broader Israelite identity, sometimes bridging specific tribal associations (like the Kenizzites) back to main tribal lineages, thereby emphasizing the intricate fabric of the restored community. This attention to detail ensured not just a historical record, but a living foundation for rebuilding the nation based on divinely ordained structure and promise.

1 Chronicles 4 15 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:15 is a concise genealogical entry, yet profoundly significant within the Chronicler's narrative. It meticulously records the lineage stemming from Caleb, son of Jephunneh, specifically noting Iru, Elah, and Naam as his sons, and then Kenaz as Elah's son. This verse does more than simply list names; it emphasizes the sustained blessings upon the lineage of a man renowned for his faith and wholehearted devotion to the Lord. By detailing Caleb's descendants, the Chronicler reaffirms God's faithfulness to His promises made to a loyal servant. In the post-exilic context of Chronicles, these genealogies were vital for establishing communal identity, validating land claims, and re-establishing the religious and social structures of Israel. The inclusion of specific individuals, even if not prominent elsewhere, underlines the divine orchestration of continuity and highlights how individual faith (like Caleb's) had lasting, generational implications, solidifying the restored nation's connection to its past and divine heritage.