And Azariah begat Helez, and Helez begat Eleasah,

1 CHRONICLES 2:39KJV
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1 Chronicles 2:39 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 2:39 mean?

1 Chronicles 2:39 records part of a family genealogy, stating that Azariah was the father of Helez, and Helez was the father of Eleasah. This verse is simply listing the descendants in a particular family line within the tribe of Judah.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is carefully tracing the ancestry of important families in Israel, especially those connected to Judah. This genealogy would have helped the original readers understand their heritage and the continuity of their community after returning from exile. The verse is part of a larger section that establishes family connections and tribal identity.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 2:39

  • אָזַרְיָה (Azaryah, "Azariah"): This name means "Yahweh has helped," and its inclusion highlights the importance of individuals in the family line.
  • יָלַד (yalad, "begat"): This verb means "to father" or "to bring forth," showing the direct parent-child relationship in the genealogy.
  • חֶלֶץ (Heletz, "Helez"): A personal name, repeated for clarity, marking the next generation in the line.
  • אֶלְעָשָׁה (Eleasah, "Eleasah"): Another personal name, meaning "God has made," showing the ongoing line of descent.

Why 1 Chronicles 2:39 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the specific lineage within the tribe of Judah, which was especially important for land rights, leadership, and priestly roles in ancient Israel.
  • By preserving these names, the Chronicler emphasizes the value of every generation and the faithfulness of God in maintaining the people’s heritage.
  • The verse connects to the broader purpose of 1 Chronicles, which is to remind the returned exiles of their roots and the unbroken line from their ancestors to their present community.

Where else these words appear

“Helez” Hebrew H2503 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Samuel 23:26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,
  • 1 Chronicles 11:27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
  • 1 Chronicles 27:10 The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

“Eleasah” Hebrew H501 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 2:40 And Eleasah begat Sisamai, and Sisamai begat Shallum,
  • 1 Chronicles 8:37 And Moza begat Binea: Rapha was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son:
  • Ezra 10:22 And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel, Jozabad, and Elasah.

“Azariah” Hebrew H5838 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Kings 4:2 And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,
  • 1 Chronicles 6:10 And Johanan begat Azariah,(he it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)
  • 2 Chronicles 31:10 And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.