1 Chronicles 2:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 2:5 mean?

1 Chronicles 2:5 lists the sons of Pharez as Hezron and Hamul. This verse is part of a genealogy, recording the descendants of Judah’s son Pharez for the historical record.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is compiling the family line of Judah for the people of Israel, likely after their return from exile. By naming Hezron and Hamul as sons of Pharez, the verse helps trace the lineage that leads to important figures later in Israel’s history. This careful recordkeeping was important for tribal identity and inheritance.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 2:5

• בְּנֵי (benê, H1121): This word means "sons" or "descendants." In genealogies like this, it can refer to direct sons or sometimes more distant male descendants, emphasizing the continuity of the family line.
• פֶּרֶץ (Peretz, H6557): This is the Hebrew name transliterated as "Pharez." The name means "breach" or "bursting forth," which connects back to the story of his unusual birth in Genesis 38.
• חֶצְרוֹן (Hetzron, H2696): This is the Hebrew name for "Hezron," one of Pharez’s sons. Hezron’s descendants become significant clans within the tribe of Judah.
• חָמוּל (Hamul, H2538): This is the Hebrew name for "Hamul," the other son of Pharez. Though less is known about Hamul, his inclusion shows the careful preservation of even lesser-known family branches.

Why 1 Chronicles 2:5 matters

• This verse clarifies the direct line from Judah through Pharez, which is important because King David and, later, Jesus are traced through this lineage.
• By naming both Hezron and Hamul, the verse shows that even less prominent family members were remembered and valued in Israel’s history.
• The verse fits into a larger effort in 1 Chronicles to establish tribal and family identities after the exile, reminding the people of their roots and God’s faithfulness through generations.