1 Chronicles 2:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 2:9 mean?

1 Chronicles 2:9 lists the sons of Hezron: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai. This verse is part of a genealogy, showing the descendants of Hezron within the tribe of Judah.

The book of 1 Chronicles opens with genealogies that trace the family lines of Israel. Here, the writer is recording the family tree for the tribe of Judah, specifically focusing on Hezron’s children. This information helped the original audience understand their heritage and the relationships among the tribes and families of Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 2:9

• "sons" (בֵּן, ben): This word means "sons" or "descendants." In genealogies like this, it can refer to direct sons or, more broadly, male descendants.
• "Hezron" (חֶצְרוֹן, ḥetron): Hezron is a key ancestor in the tribe of Judah. Mentioning his name highlights his importance in the family line.
• "born" (יָלַד, yalad): This verb means "to give birth" or "to be born." It emphasizes that these three named individuals are direct offspring of Hezron.
• "Jerahmeel" (יְרַחְמְאֵל, yerachme'el), "Ram" (רָם, ram), "Chelubai" (כְּלוּבַי, keluvai): These are the Hebrew names of Hezron’s sons. Each name marks a separate family branch within the tribe.

Why 1 Chronicles 2:9 matters

• This verse clarifies the line of descent from Hezron, which is important for understanding the ancestry of key biblical figures, including King David, who comes from the tribe of Judah.
• Listing these names helps the reader see the structure of Israel’s tribal families and how different clans are related.
• The verse connects to the larger purpose of 1 Chronicles, which is to preserve Israel’s history and identity after the exile by recording family lines and tribal heritage.