And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.

1 CHRONICLES 1:44KJV
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1 Chronicles 1:44 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 1:44 mean?

1 Chronicles 1:44 records a change in leadership among the early descendants of Esau, stating that after Bela died, Jobab, the son of Zerah from Bozrah, became the next ruler. The verse simply notes the succession of one leader by another within a specific family line.

This verse is part of a genealogy listing the chiefs or kings of Edom, the nation descended from Esau. The chronicler is documenting the order of rulers, showing how leadership passed from Bela to Jobab. The mention of Bozrah, a significant Edomite city, helps place these events geographically and connects the people to their land.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 1:44

  • בֵּלָע (Bela, transliterated "Bela") is the name of the former ruler, highlighting the specific individual whose death led to the succession.
  • מֵת (met, transliterated "dead") is the Hebrew word for "dead," indicating the reason for the change in leadership.
  • יוֹבָב (Yovav, transliterated "Jobab") is the name of the new ruler, showing the continuity in the line of chiefs.
  • בֶּן (ben, transliterated "ben") means "son," clarifying the family relationship between Jobab and Zerah.
  • זֶרַח (Zerach, transliterated "Zerah") is the name of Jobab’s father, anchoring Jobab’s identity in his lineage.
  • בָּצְרָה (Botzrah, transliterated "Bozrah") refers to a prominent city in Edom, giving a geographic context to Jobab’s rule.
  • מָלַךְ (malakh, transliterated "reigned") is the verb for "reigned," emphasizing the official transfer of authority.

Why 1 Chronicles 1:44 matters

  • This verse clarifies the historical sequence of Edomite rulers, helping readers trace the leadership line from Esau’s descendants.
  • By naming both the new ruler and his city, the verse connects people and places, grounding the genealogy in real locations.
  • The verse fits into a larger pattern in 1 Chronicles 1, where the chronicler is careful to document not just Israel’s history but also the neighboring peoples, showing a broader view of ancient family lines.

Where else these words appear

“Jobab” Hebrew H3103 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 10:29 And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these were the sons of Joktan.
  • Genesis 36:34 And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of Temani reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:45 And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.

“Bozrah” Hebrew H1224 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 36:33 And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
  • Isaiah 63:1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
  • Jeremiah 49:22 Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

“Bela” Hebrew H1106 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 14:2 That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.
  • Genesis 46:21 And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:8 And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baalmeon:

“Zerah” Hebrew H2226 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 36:13 And these are the sons of Reuel; Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife.
  • Numbers 26:20 And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:6 And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all.