1 Chronicles 2:48 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 2:48 mean?

1 Chronicles 2:48 records that Maachah, who was a concubine of Caleb, gave birth to two sons named Sheber and Tirhanah. This verse is part of a genealogy, listing descendants of Caleb to show his family line.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is presenting a detailed family record for the tribe of Judah, specifically focusing here on Caleb’s descendants. By naming Maachah as a concubine (not a primary wife) and listing her children, the verse highlights the broader family structure and the importance of every branch in the genealogy, not just those from main wives.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 2:48

• מַעֲכָה (Maachah, transliteration: Maʿăkhāh): This is a personal name, and here it identifies the woman who bore children to Caleb. Naming her specifically shows her recognized place in the genealogy.
• פִּילֶגֶשׁ (concubine, transliteration: pilegesh): This word means a woman who has a recognized relationship with a man but holds a lower status than a wife. Including her status clarifies the family structure and the social standing of her children.
• יָלַד (bare, transliteration: yalad): This verb means "to give birth." Its use here simply states that Maachah was the biological mother of Sheber and Tirhanah.

Why 1 Chronicles 2:48 matters

• This verse helps clarify that not all descendants listed in Israel’s genealogies come from primary wives, showing the complexity of ancient family structures.
• By naming Maachah and her sons, the verse ensures that even those from less prominent family branches are included in the official record, emphasizing the value placed on every member of the tribe.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by continuing the detailed listing of Caleb’s descendants, which is important for understanding the tribal divisions and inheritance in Israel’s history.