1 Chronicles 2:41 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 2:41 mean?

1 Chronicles 2:41 records a brief part of a family line, stating that Shallum was the father of Jekamiah, and Jekamiah was the father of Elishama. This verse is part of a genealogy listing the descendants of Judah.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is tracing the ancestry of important families in Israel, specifically focusing here on the line that comes from Judah, one of Jacob’s sons. The verse simply lists three generations, showing the continuity of the family and connecting names that would have been significant to the original readers.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 2:41

• The word "begat" is יָלַד (yalad), which means "to father" or "to become the parent of." In genealogies like this, it marks the direct line of descent, emphasizing the passing of family heritage.
• The names שַׁלּוּם (Shallum), יְקַמְיָה (Jekamiah), and אֱלִישָׁמַע (Elishama) are preserved in the original text. Each name would have had meaning for ancient readers, often reflecting something about God or family hopes.

Why 1 Chronicles 2:41 matters

• This verse helps readers see the careful record-keeping of Israel’s history, showing how each generation was remembered and linked to the larger story of the nation.
• By including even brief genealogical notes, the Chronicler emphasizes the importance of every family and individual in the unfolding story of God’s people.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by filling in the details of Judah’s descendants, which is key for understanding the background of later figures in Israel’s history.