1 Chronicles 2:35 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 2:35 mean?

1 Chronicles 2:35 records that Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to Jarha, who was his servant, and together they had a son named Attai. This verse notes a specific family connection within the genealogy of Judah, highlighting an unusual marriage arrangement.

The verse appears in a long list tracing the descendants of Judah. Sheshan, lacking a male heir, gives his daughter to Jarha, an Egyptian servant, which was not the typical custom for Israelite families. This detail shows how Sheshan’s family line continued through this union, and it also reflects the inclusion of non-Israelites into Israel’s genealogies.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 2:35

• שֵׁשַׁן (Sheshan): This is the name of the Israelite man who arranged the marriage. His lack of sons is significant in the genealogy.
• יָרְחָע (Jarha): This is the servant’s name, and the text identifies him as an outsider, likely Egyptian, which is unusual in these records.
• עֶבֶד (ʿeved): Translated “servant,” this word often means a household servant or bondman. The fact that a servant marries into the family highlights a break from normal social expectations.
• נָתַן (natan): Translated “gave,” this word shows that Sheshan actively arranged the marriage, emphasizing his role in continuing his family line.

Why 1 Chronicles 2:35 matters

• This verse highlights an exception to the usual Israelite custom of marrying within the same community, showing that family lines sometimes continued in unexpected ways.
• The inclusion of Jarha, an Egyptian servant, in the genealogy demonstrates that Israel’s history sometimes included outsiders, which adds depth to the understanding of Israelite identity.
• By recording this detail, the chronicler emphasizes the importance of preserving family lines, even when it required unconventional solutions.