1 Chronicles 2:44 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 2:44 mean?

1 Chronicles 2:44 lists part of a family line, stating that Shema was the father of Raham, who was the ancestor of Jorkoam, and that Rekem was the father of Shammai. This verse is part of a genealogy tracing the descendants of Judah.

This verse appears in a long section where the writer of 1 Chronicles records the family history of the tribe of Judah. The focus is on naming specific individuals and their descendants, showing how different families and clans are connected. The verse does not tell a story or give commands; it simply records names to preserve the lineage.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 2:44

• "begat" (יָלַד, yalad): This Hebrew word means "to father" or "to bring forth." In genealogies like this, it marks the direct line of descent, showing who is the biological ancestor of whom.
• "father" (אָב, av): In this context, "father" can mean either a direct parent or a more distant ancestor, sometimes even the founder of a clan or settlement. Here, it highlights Raham as the origin or leader of the group called Jorkoam.

Why 1 Chronicles 2:44 matters

• This verse helps map out the family structure within the tribe of Judah, which is important for understanding the roles and inheritance of different groups in Israel’s history.
• By recording these names, the Chronicler preserves the memory of lesser-known families, emphasizing that every branch of Judah’s descendants had a place in the nation’s story.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by showing how various clans and settlements originated, which can help readers trace connections between people and places mentioned elsewhere in the Bible.