1 Chronicles 2:53 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 2:53 mean?

1 Chronicles 2:53 lists several family groups that came from the town of Kirjathjearim: the Ithrites, Puhites, Shumathites, and Mishraites. From these families came the Zareathites and Eshtaulites, showing the branching out of clans within the tribe of Judah.

This verse is part of a genealogy section where the writer, likely a priest or scribe after the Babylonian exile, records the descendants of Judah for the returned Israelites. The verse highlights how specific families and towns were connected, helping the people trace their heritage and understand their place within the larger community.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 2:53

• קִרְיַת יְעָרִים (Qiryath-ye'arim, "Kirjathjearim"): This name means "city of forests" and refers to a significant town in Judah, reminding readers that these families had a specific geographic origin.
• מִשְׁרָעִי (Mishraites, "Mishraites"): The name is rare and its meaning is uncertain, but its inclusion shows the Chronicler's care in preserving even lesser-known family lines.
• יָצָא (yatsa, "came"): This verb means "to come out" or "to proceed from," emphasizing that the Zareathites and Eshtaulites descended from the previously listed families.

Why 1 Chronicles 2:53 matters

• This verse helps clarify the complex family relationships within the tribe of Judah, showing how different clans and towns were related.
• It connects the genealogies to specific locations, grounding the history of Israel in real places and communities.
• For readers of Chronicles, these details would have reinforced a sense of belonging and continuity after the disruption of exile, reminding them of their shared roots.