1 Chronicles 1:2

KJV

Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered,

KJV (with Strong's)

Kenan {H7018}, Mahalaleel {H4111}, Jered {H3382},

Complete Jewish Bible

Keinan, Mahalal'el, Yered,

Berean Standard Bible

Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared,

American Standard Version

Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:2 meticulously continues the foundational genealogical record that initiates the book, listing Kenan, Mahalaleel, and Jered as pivotal patriarchs in the antediluvian lineage. This verse, following the initial mention of Adam, Seth, and Enos, serves as an indispensable link in the historical chain, affirming the unbroken continuity of humanity from creation and underscoring the Chronicler's profound commitment to establishing the authentic heritage and identity of the post-exilic community through a divinely ordained and preserved lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral component of the extensive genealogical introduction to 1 Chronicles, which spans the first nine chapters. It directly follows [1 Chronicles 1:1](/1_chronicles/1-1 "1 Chronicles 1:1 - Adam's Lineage"), which establishes the starting point of this lineage with Adam, Seth, and Enos. The Chronicler, addressing a post-exilic audience, commences his work not with a narrative, but with a comprehensive list of names, signaling the paramount importance of historical continuity and legitimate lineage for the restored community. These initial verses, including [1 Chronicles 1:2](/1_chronicles/1-2 "1 Chronicles 1:2 - Antediluvian Patriarchs"), meticulously trace the line from Adam through the patriarchs, mirroring and expanding upon the genealogies found in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah"). This deliberate recapitulation of ancient history serves to ground the identity of Israel in God's unfolding redemptive plan from the very beginning of creation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For the ancient Israelite community, particularly the post-exilic returnees to whom 1 Chronicles was primarily addressed, genealogies were far from mere lists of names; they were vital legal, social, and theological documents. They established claims to land inheritance, tribal affiliation, priestly legitimacy, and even royal succession. In a society where identity was deeply communal and tied to one's ancestral roots, these records provided a tangible link to the past, affirming their place within God's covenant people after the upheaval of exile. The meticulous preservation of names like Kenan, Mahalaleel, and Jered underscored the belief in a continuous, divinely superintended history, providing assurance and stability to a people rebuilding their national and spiritual life. Such records were crucial for understanding the historical progression that led to the formation of Israel as a nation, as detailed throughout [the historical books](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Book of Genesis").
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of [1 Chronicles 1:2](/1_chronicles/1-2 "1 Chronicles 1:2 - Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered") within the opening genealogies highlights several critical themes. Firstly, **Historical Continuity** is paramount, demonstrating an unbroken chain from Adam to the contemporary community, affirming God's consistent work through generations. This meticulous record emphasizes that the people of Israel are not a new entity but the continuation of a lineage chosen by God from the dawn of humanity. Secondly, **God's Enduring Faithfulness** is implicitly woven throughout these lists; despite human sin and historical calamities like the exile, God faithfully preserved a remnant and a specific lineage through whom His promises, particularly the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - The Abrahamic Covenant") and the [Davidic covenant](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - The Davidic Covenant"), would be fulfilled. Finally, these genealogies reinforce **Identity and Belonging**, providing the post-exilic community with a profound sense of their heritage and their integral role within God's grand narrative of redemption, reminding them that their existence was rooted in divine purpose and ancient promises, as seen in the broader scope of [1 Chronicles 1](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kenan (Hebrew, _Qêynân'_):** This name (H7018) is derived from a root meaning "fixed." In the context of a genealogy, this suggests stability and permanence in the lineage, emphasizing the unwavering nature of God's plan to preserve this specific line. Kenan is identified in [Genesis 5:9](/genesis/5-9 "Genesis 5:9 - Kenan's Birth") as the son of Enos and the father of Mahalaleel, solidifying his position as a crucial, "fixed" link in the antediluvian chain leading to Noah and beyond.
* **Mahalaleel (Hebrew, _Mahălalʼêl'_):** This name (H4111) beautifully translates to "praise of God." Its inclusion in this ancient line suggests a profound theological statement by the parents, reflecting their devotion and recognition of God's worthiness. In a seemingly dry list, such a name injects a spiritual dimension, hinting that even in the earliest generations, there was an awareness and celebration of God's character and works, a theme that resonates throughout the book of Chronicles as it emphasizes worship and the temple.
* **Jered (Hebrew, _Yered'_):** This name (H3382) means "a descent." While its primary function here is genealogical identification, it can subtly evoke the ongoing "descent" or progression of generations. Jered is notable in [Genesis 5:18](/genesis/5-18 "Genesis 5:18 - Jered's Lineage") as the father of Enoch, a figure uniquely known for his walk with God and his miraculous translation, adding a layer of spiritual anticipation to this particular branch of the family tree and foreshadowing the divine interventions within this lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Kenan,"**: The first name listed in this verse, Kenan, immediately follows Enos from [1 Chronicles 1:1](/1_chronicles/1-1 "1 Chronicles 1:1 - Adam's Lineage"), establishing the direct paternal line. His inclusion is not merely for historical accuracy but to emphasize the unbroken chain of humanity from Adam, through whom God's redemptive plan would unfold. He represents a critical link, ensuring the continuity of the lineage that would eventually lead to Abraham, David, and ultimately, the Messiah.
* **"Mahalaleel,"**: The second name, Mahalaleel, son of Kenan, continues the meticulous tracing of the lineage. His name, meaning "Praise of God," subtly introduces a theological dimension into what might otherwise seem a dry list, suggesting that even in these early generations, there was a recognition of divine sovereignty and worthiness of praise. His presence reinforces the idea that God's hand was guiding and preserving this specific line, even before the formal establishment of a covenant people.
* **"Jered,"**: The final name in this verse, Jered, son of Mahalaleel, further extends the patriarchal line. His name, "descent," marks another step in the long procession of generations, signifying the continuous unfolding of God's plan through time. Jered is particularly significant as the father of Enoch, a figure known for his unique relationship with God and his being taken by God, hinting at the spiritual quality that would emerge within this lineage and foreshadowing the importance of righteous individuals within God's chosen people.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 1:2](/1_chronicles/1-2 "1 Chronicles 1:2 - Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered") and the surrounding chapters is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list but a structured, purposeful record designed to establish historical legitimacy and theological continuity for the post-exilic community. The Chronicler employs **Conciseness**, presenting names in a direct, unadorned manner, yet each name carries the weight of generations and divine purpose. There is also an element of **Repetition**, as these names are drawn directly from the more detailed accounts in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah"), serving to validate and reaffirm the historical foundation of Israel's identity. While not a narrative in itself, the cumulative effect of these names creates a sense of a long, unfolding story, subtly hinting at the **Foreshadowing** of a divinely appointed future for this lineage, culminating in the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Chronicles 1:2](/1_chronicles/1-2 "1 Chronicles 1:2 - Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered"), as part of the broader genealogical record, is deeply imbued with theological significance. It underscores God's meticulous care in preserving a chosen lineage through whom His redemptive plan would be unfolded. The very act of listing these names, spanning millennia, testifies to the enduring faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, demonstrating that His purposes are not thwarted by time or human failings. For the post-exilic community, this was a powerful affirmation of their identity as the continuation of God's ancient people, reminding them that their present circumstances were part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative. The unbroken chain from Adam to the patriarchs, and eventually to David, provides the essential historical and theological framework for understanding God's progressive revelation and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.

* [Genesis 5:9](/genesis/5-9 "Genesis 5:9 - Kenan's Birth and Lineage")
* [Luke 3:37-38](/luke/3-37-38 "Luke 3:37-38 - Jesus' Genealogy Traced to Adam")
* [Matthew 1:1-2](/matthew/1-1-2 "Matthew 1:1-2 - Jesus' Genealogy from Abraham")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a simple list of names might initially seem remote from modern experience, [1 Chronicles 1:2](/1_chronicles/1-2 "1 Chronicles 1:2 - Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered") offers profound spiritual lessons. It reminds us that our lives are not isolated incidents but are woven into a grand, continuous tapestry of God's redemptive history. Just as God meticulously preserved this ancient lineage, He is intimately involved in the details of our lives and the unfolding of His purposes across generations. We are called to recognize our place within this ongoing story, understanding that we stand on the shoulders of a vast spiritual heritage. This verse encourages us to value our spiritual lineage, to learn from the faithfulness (and failures) of those who came before, and to consider the legacy of faith we are building for those who will follow. It fosters a sense of belonging to something far greater than ourselves – God's eternal family, sustained by His unwavering faithfulness through the ages, and invites us to participate actively in His ongoing work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous preservation of genealogies in Scripture, such as [1 Chronicles 1:2](/1_chronicles/1-2 "1 Chronicles 1:2 - Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered"), deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness across generations?**
* **In what ways does knowing you are part of a continuous "story" of God's people impact your sense of identity and purpose today?**
* **What spiritual "heritage" have you received, and how are you stewarding that legacy for future generations?**

### FAQ

**Why does the book of 1 Chronicles begin with such a long list of names, and what is the significance of [1 Chronicles 1:2](/1_chronicles/1-2 "1 Chronicles 1:2 - Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered") within it?**

Answer: The book of 1 Chronicles begins with extensive genealogies (chapters 1-9) to establish the historical and theological continuity of Israel, particularly for the post-exilic community. For these returnees, knowing their lineage was crucial for re-establishing tribal identities, land claims, and priestly legitimacy. [1 Chronicles 1:2](/1_chronicles/1-2 "1 Chronicles 1:2 - Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered"), by listing Kenan, Mahalaleel, and Jered, continues the unbroken line from Adam (mentioned in [1 Chronicles 1:1](/1_chronicles/1-1 "1 Chronicles 1:1 - Adam's Lineage")), affirming that the people of Israel were not a new entity but the direct descendants of those through whom God had worked from the very beginning of humanity. This meticulous record underscored God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen people and their heritage, connecting their present reality to ancient promises and divine purpose. It grounds their identity in a divinely ordained history, emphasizing that God's plan unfolds through specific individuals and generations, as seen throughout [the Old Testament](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Book of Genesis").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry list of names in [1 Chronicles 1:2](/1_chronicles/1-2 "1 Chronicles 1:2 - Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered"), like the broader genealogies of [1 Chronicles 1](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam"), finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous tracing of lineages from Adam, through figures like Kenan, Mahalaleel, and Jered, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, which culminates in the Incarnation. These ancient patriarchs represent vital links in the chain that ultimately leads to the birth of the Messiah. The New Testament genealogies in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus") explicitly connect Jesus to this historical lineage, with Luke's account tracing Him all the way back to Adam, thereby affirming His full humanity and His place as the promised Seed who would crush the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). Jesus is the ultimate "Son of Adam," the true Israel, and the perfect fulfillment of all the covenant promises implicitly preserved through these generations. He is the one through whom God's faithfulness, meticulously recorded in these ancient lists, finds its perfect and universal expression, bringing salvation not just to a chosen lineage, but to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 3:37

Which was [the son] of Mathusala, which was [the son] of Enoch, which was [the son] of Jared, which was [the son] of Maleleel, which was [the son] of Cainan,

Genesis 5:12

And Cainan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalaleel:

Genesis 5:20

And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.

Genesis 5:9

And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan: