1 Chronicles 2:18

KJV

¶ And Caleb the son of Hezron begat [children] of Azubah [his] wife, and of Jerioth: her sons [are] these; Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Caleb {H3612} the son {H1121} of Hezron {H2696} begat {H3205} children of {H854} Azubah {H5806} his wife {H802}, and of Jerioth {H3408}: her sons {H1121} are these; Jesher {H3475}, and Shobab {H7727}, and Ardon {H715}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kalev the son of Hetzron fathered sons with 'Azuvah his wife (and with Yeri'ot); these were her sons: Yesher, Shovav and Ardon.

Berean Standard Bible

Caleb son of Hezron had children by his wife Azubah and by Jerioth. These were the sons of Azubah: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.

American Standard Version

And Caleb the son of Hezron begat children of Azubah his wife, and of Jerioth; and these were her sons: Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:18 meticulously details a specific branch of the tribe of Judah, introducing Caleb, son of Hezron, and his lineage through his wives, Azubah and Jerioth, naming their sons Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon. This verse, embedded within the extensive genealogies of the book, serves to establish tribal identity, validate land inheritance claims, and meticulously trace the foundational lineage that would ultimately lead to the Davidic monarchy and, providentially, to the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles commences with an expansive genealogical record, beginning with Adam and progressing through the patriarchs, culminating in a detailed focus on the tribes of Israel, particularly Judah. Chapter 2 specifically delves into the descendants of Judah, highlighting the lineage of Hezron, Judah's grandson. The Caleb mentioned in this verse, identified as [Caleb the son of Hezron](/1_chronicles/2-9 "1 Chronicles 2:9 - Hezron's Descendants"), is distinct from the more widely known [Caleb, son of Jephunneh](/numbers/13-6 "Numbers 13:6 - Caleb, the Faithful Spy"). This verse, therefore, is not merely a list but a crucial link in the chain of Judah's descendants, providing a foundational record for the subsequent historical narratives within Chronicles and demonstrating the meticulous preservation of lineage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The genealogies in 1 Chronicles were compiled primarily for the post-exilic community returning to Judah. After generations in Babylon, there was a pressing need to re-establish national and religious identity, validate land claims, and reconstruct the priestly and royal lines. Accurate lineage was paramount for determining tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, and eligibility for temple service. The mention of multiple wives (Azubah and Jerioth) reflects the polygamous practices common in ancient Near Eastern societies, though the focus remains on the male offspring who carry the family line. These records served as a tangible link to their past, reinforcing their connection to God's covenants and their rightful place in the land, providing a sense of continuity after the upheaval of exile.
* **Key Themes:** This seemingly dry genealogical entry contributes significantly to several overarching themes. It underscores **Lineage and Continuity**, demonstrating God's meticulous preservation of family lines, which was vital for understanding the historical progression of His people and the eventual fulfillment of His promises, particularly the Davidic covenant. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness**, as the very existence and preservation of these detailed genealogies attest to God's unwavering commitment to His chosen people through various historical upheavals, ensuring the continuation of key families and the eventual arrival of the promised "seed." Furthermore, it speaks to **Identity and Inheritance**, providing the returning exiles with a clear understanding of who they were, where they belonged, and what was rightfully theirs in the land, rooting their present in God's past dealings with their ancestors, as seen in the broader narrative of [Judah's prominence](/genesis/49-8 "Genesis 49:8-12 - Judah's Prophetic Blessing") and the tribal allotments in [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** This primitive root verb, meaning "to bear young" or "to beget," is fundamental to biblical genealogies. In 1 Chronicles 2:18, it signifies the act of procreation and the continuation of the family line through offspring. Its consistent use throughout the genealogical sections emphasizes the unbroken chain of generations, highlighting the divine faithfulness in preserving the lineage that would lead to the Messiah.
* **Azubah (Hebrew, _ʻĂzûwbâh'_):** The name of Caleb's wife, meaning "forsaken" or "deserted." While the meaning of names can sometimes carry symbolic weight, in this specific genealogical context, it primarily serves as a precise identifier for Caleb's first wife. Her inclusion is crucial for tracing the maternal line of these specific sons.
* **Jerioth (Hebrew, _Yᵉrîyʻôwth'_):** The name of another woman associated with Caleb's offspring, possibly meaning "curtains." The text presents her alongside Azubah as a mother of Caleb's sons. While her exact relationship to Caleb (second wife, concubine, or perhaps even an alternative name for Azubah) is not explicitly defined, her mention is vital for the comprehensive recording of Caleb's progeny.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And Caleb the son of Hezron begat [children]":** This initial clause firmly establishes the subject of the verse, Caleb, by identifying his paternal lineage as the son of Hezron. This immediately places him within the prominent tribe of Judah, as Hezron was a grandson of Judah. The verb "begat" initiates the genealogical record, signifying the start of a new generation in this specific branch of the family tree and emphasizing the continuation of the lineage.
* **"of Azubah [his] wife, and of Jerioth":** This part introduces the mothers of Caleb's children. The inclusion of "his wife" for Azubah, followed by "and of Jerioth," suggests a marital relationship with both women, either sequentially or concurrently, or Jerioth as a concubine. The text's primary aim is to attribute the listed sons to Caleb through these women, ensuring the accuracy of the family record.
* **"her sons [are] these; Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon.":** This final clause identifies the specific male offspring born to Caleb through Azubah and/or Jerioth. The pronoun "her" most naturally refers back to Azubah (or Azubah and Jerioth collectively as the mothers), indicating that Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon were their sons. The naming of the sons is the ultimate purpose of this genealogical entry, tracing the continuation of this particular line within Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 2:18, and indeed throughout much of the early chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list but a purposeful literary and theological tool. Genealogies serve to establish legitimacy, confirm land claims, define tribal identity, and trace the fulfillment of divine promises. The meticulous recording of names like Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon within the lineage of Judah emphasizes the **Continuity** of God's covenant people. The repetitive structure, often using the verb "begat," creates a rhythmic **Patterning** that reinforces the unbroken succession of generations. While not explicitly symbolic, the very act of preserving these names underscores the profound theological truth that God works through specific individuals and families across history to bring about His redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly mundane listing of names in 1 Chronicles 2:18 carries profound theological weight, connecting to God's overarching redemptive plan. These genealogies are not arbitrary; they are the meticulous record of God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage through whom His covenant promises would be fulfilled. From the promise to Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation and bless all families of the earth ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")) to the prophetic declaration that the scepter would not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter from Judah")), God sovereignly orchestrates the continuation of specific family lines. The detailed record of Caleb's family, a branch of Judah, demonstrates God's active involvement in human history, ensuring the preservation of the very lineage from which the promised King, the Messiah, would ultimately emerge.

* [Genesis 46:8-27](/genesis/46-8-27 "Genesis 46:8-27 - Jacob's Descendants Entering Egypt")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 2:18 might appear as a mere list of ancient names, it offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that every individual, regardless of their prominence in the grand narrative, is part of a larger, divinely orchestrated story. God's meticulous attention to these lineages underscores His sovereignty over history and His faithfulness to His promises across generations. This verse encourages us to appreciate our own heritage, recognizing that we are beneficiaries of those who came before us, and to consider our place in God's ongoing work in the world. Just as Caleb's lineage contributed to the unfolding of God's plan, so too does our life, however seemingly small, contribute to His greater purposes. It invites us to consider the value God places on every life and every generation, and to live with an awareness that our lives are woven into the grand tapestry of His redemptive work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding biblical genealogies like 1 Chronicles 2:18 deepen our appreciation for God's meticulous and sovereign plan throughout history?**
* **What does this seemingly "dry" list of names teach us about the value God places on individual lives, even those briefly mentioned, within His grand narrative?**
* **In what ways can we reflect on our own heritage and recognize God's hand in the story of our family or community, seeing ourselves as part of a larger, ongoing divine purpose?**

### FAQ

**Is this Caleb the same as the famous Caleb, son of Jephunneh, who was one of the twelve spies?**

Answer: No, the Caleb mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:18, "Caleb the son of Hezron," is distinct from the more famous Caleb, son of Jephunneh. While both were from the tribe of Judah, their lineages are different. Caleb, son of Jephunneh, is renowned for his faithfulness during the wilderness wanderings and his role in the conquest of Canaan, as seen in passages like [Numbers 13:6](/numbers/13-6 "Numbers 13:6 - Caleb, Son of Jephunneh") and [Joshua 14:6-15](/joshua/14-6-15 "Joshua 14:6-15 - Caleb's Inheritance"). Caleb, son of Hezron, belongs to an earlier generation within Judah's family tree, specifically as a grandson of Judah.

**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are vitally important in the Bible for several reasons, particularly in the book of Chronicles. For the post-exilic community to whom Chronicles was addressed, these lists served to re-establish their identity after generations in exile. They confirmed tribal affiliations, validated land rights, and legitimized claims to the priesthood and kingship. More profoundly, they demonstrated God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and the specific lineage through which His promises, especially those concerning the Messiah, would be fulfilled. They provided a historical anchor and a basis for hope in God's continuing work among His people, connecting them to their past and future, as seen in the broader narrative of [God's covenant with David](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant").

**What is the significance of "Azubah his wife, and of Jerioth" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrasing "of Azubah his wife, and of Jerioth" has prompted scholarly discussion. It most commonly suggests that Caleb had two wives, Azubah and Jerioth, and the sons Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon were born to them. Some interpretations consider Jerioth to be an alternative name for Azubah, or perhaps even a daughter whose sons are then listed. However, the most natural reading, given the structure of Hebrew genealogies, is that Jerioth was a second wife or a concubine, and the phrase "her sons are these" refers to the collective offspring of these women. The text's primary concern is to record the male lineage, regardless of the precise marital arrangement, to ensure the continuity of the family tree within [Judah's descendants](/1_chronicles/2 "1 Chronicles 2 - Descendants of Judah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogies found in 1 Chronicles, including the seemingly brief mention of Caleb son of Hezron and his family in 1 Chronicles 2:18, find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The very purpose of these detailed records, particularly for the tribe of Judah, was to demonstrate the legitimate lineage from which the promised Messiah would arise. God's sovereign hand is evident in preserving these specific family lines across millennia, ensuring that the "seed" promised to Abraham ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - Abrahamic Covenant Fulfilled")) and the "scepter" prophesied to Judah ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Judah's Prophetic Blessing")) would culminate in the birth of the Christ. The New Testament genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") explicitly trace His descent through Judah and David, validating His claim as the long-awaited King. Thus, every name, every "begat," and every preserved lineage, including that of Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon, serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, meticulously preparing the way for the arrival of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the true [Son of David](/matthew/21-9 "Matthew 21:9 - Son of David") and [King of Kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords").

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.