1 chronicles 2:18 - Caleb the son of Hezron became the father of children of Azubah his wife, and of Jerioth; and these were her sons: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.

Generated Verse: 1 chronicles 2:18

What does "1 chronicles 2:18" mean?


This verse (1 Chronicles 2:18) is a genealogical statement within the broader genealogy of the tribe of Judah. Let's break it down:

"Caleb the son of Hezron became the father of children of Azubah his wife, and of Jerioth..." This tells us that Caleb, son of Hezron, had children with two women: Azubah and Jerioth. It specifically names Azubah as his wife, while the relationship with Jerioth isn't explicitly stated as marriage. However, both Azubah and Jerioth are called "wives" in other translations.

"...and these were her sons: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon." This clarifies that Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon were the sons of Azubah. The verse doesn't specify any children of Jerioth here, but there are other verses which list Jerioth's descendants.

Meaning and Significance

Genealogical Record: The primary purpose is to trace family lineages. Genealogies were extremely important in ancient Israel for establishing land rights, tribal affiliations, and even royal lineage.

Establishing Identity: These names connect individuals to a larger historical and tribal context. Knowing your lineage was crucial for social standing and understanding your place in the community.

Importance of Caleb: The mention of Caleb is significant because he was a prominent figure in Israelite history, one of the two spies (along with Joshua) who brought back a positive report about the Promised Land and encouraged the Israelites to enter. He was later rewarded with land in the inheritance of Judah.

Relationship complexities: The mention of two "wives" or women connected to Caleb also raises some questions. It's possible that Jerioth was a second wife or concubine. Sometimes, the term "wife" could be used more broadly to describe a woman who had a significant relationship with a man and bore him children.

In summary, 1 Chronicles 2:18 is a small piece of a larger genealogical puzzle that helps to define the relationships and lineage within the tribe of Judah, and it places Caleb within that context. It's not a dramatic story or a theological statement, but an important record of family history.

What categories does "1 chronicles 2:18" have?