1 Chronicles 2:19

KJV

And when Azubah was dead, Caleb took unto him Ephrath, which bare him Hur.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Azubah {H5806} was dead {H4191}, Caleb {H3612} took {H3947} unto him Ephrath {H672}, which bare {H3205} him Hur {H2354}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After 'Azuvah died, Kalev married Efrat, who bore him Hur.

Berean Standard Bible

When Azubah died, Caleb married Ephrath, who bore to him Hur.

American Standard Version

And Azubah died, and Caleb took unto him Ephrath, who bare him Hur.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:19 is a succinct but profoundly significant genealogical entry within the extensive records of the tribe of Judah, meticulously tracing the lineage of Caleb, a pivotal figure in Israel's history. This verse specifically records a crucial marital transition in Caleb's life following the death of his first wife, Azubah, detailing his union with Ephrath, who subsequently bore him Hur. This seemingly simple statement is a vital link in the divinely preserved genealogical chain, highlighting the continuity of Caleb's family line and its indispensable role in the broader narrative of God's covenantal faithfulness to Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles commences with an expansive and detailed series of genealogies, spanning from Adam through the patriarchs and culminating in the twelve tribes of Israel. This meticulous record-keeping serves as the foundational bedrock for the historical narrative that follows, particularly focusing on the tribe of Judah, from whom the Davidic monarchy would emerge. Within this grand genealogical tapestry, 1 Chronicles 2 dedicates significant attention to the descendants of Judah, with a particular emphasis on the family of Caleb, a renowned leader from the Exodus generation. Verse 19 is embedded within this specific section, providing a critical detail regarding the continuation of Caleb's lineage after a significant life event—the death of his first wife. It underscores the chronicler's intent to meticulously preserve the historical and tribal identities, land rights, and the sacred priestly and royal successions, all of which were paramount for the post-exilic community for whom the book was primarily written.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, genealogies were far more than mere lists of names; they were vital legal and social documents. They established tribal affiliation, validated claims to land inheritance (as outlined in [Numbers 26-27](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26-27 - Census and Inheritance Laws")), confirmed eligibility for priestly or levitical service, and, most critically, preserved the royal lineage leading to the Messiah. The death of a wife, as in Azubah's case, necessitated a new union to ensure the continuation of the family line, especially if no male heirs had been born or survived. Caleb's taking of Ephrath was a culturally normative act to fulfill the societal imperative of producing offspring and maintaining the family's presence within the tribal structure. This act ensured that Caleb's legacy, both personal and communal, would endure through his descendants, contributing to the intricate social fabric of the nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Genealogical Continuity**, emphasizing the meticulous record-keeping essential for maintaining tribal identity, land inheritance, and familial connections in ancient Israel. The succession from Azubah to Ephrath ensures the unbroken flow of Caleb's line. Secondly, it subtly reinforces **Caleb's Legacy**; even in a concise mention, this verse contributes to the broader narrative of Caleb, a figure celebrated for his [unwavering faithfulness and wholehearted devotion to God](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Faithfulness"). His family's continuation through Hur is part of the unfolding story of a lineage blessed by divine favor. Lastly, it implicitly points to **Divine Providence**. While a human record, these genealogies reveal God's sovereign hand in guiding and preserving the chosen lines, ultimately leading to the promised Messiah. Every individual, even those briefly mentioned like Azubah, Ephrath, and Hur, plays a part in God's larger, intricate plan for redemption, a plan meticulously documented from [Genesis](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Book of Beginnings") to the Gospels.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Azubah (עֲזוּבָה, _‘Azuvah_):** This Hebrew name means "forsaken" or "deserted." While we cannot definitively interpret the naming as symbolic of her death, the juxtaposition of her name with her death in the text creates a stark contrast. Her passing marks an end, a "forsaking" of her place in Caleb's immediate family structure, making way for a new beginning and the continuation of the lineage through Ephrath.
* **Ephrath (אֶפְרָת, _'Ephrath_):** This name means "fruitfulness" or "ash-heap" (though the former is more commonly accepted in this context). Given that she "bare him Hur," the meaning "fruitfulness" aligns perfectly with her role in ensuring the continuation of Caleb's line. Her arrival signifies a renewed period of fertility and the successful perpetuation of the family, fulfilling the cultural and theological imperative of producing heirs.
* **Hur (חוּר, _Chur_):** The meaning of this name is debated, with suggestions including "noble," "white," or "hole." Regardless of the precise etymology, Hur is a significant figure in Israel's history, as he is the grandfather of Bezalel, the divinely gifted chief craftsman of the Tabernacle ([Exodus 31:2-5](/exodus/31-2 "Exodus 31:2-5 - Bezalel's Divine Gifting")). His birth, therefore, is not merely a genealogical detail but a crucial link to a pivotal figure in Israel's wilderness wanderings and the construction of God's dwelling place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Azubah was dead":** This opening clause establishes the preceding event that necessitates the subsequent action. The death of Azubah, Caleb's first wife, creates a void in his household and, more importantly, in the lineage. In a society where the continuation of the family line was paramount, such an event would naturally lead to the need for a new union to ensure heirs. It sets the stage for the crucial act of succession.
* **"Caleb took unto him Ephrath":** This phrase describes Caleb's subsequent marriage to Ephrath. The verb "took" (לָקַח, _laqach_) is a common biblical idiom for marriage, signifying the formal act of taking a wife into one's household. This act was not merely personal but had significant communal and legal implications, ensuring the stability and continuation of the family unit within the tribal framework. It highlights Caleb's adherence to societal norms to fulfill his responsibility to his lineage.
* **"which bare him Hur":** This final clause reveals the direct and vital outcome of Caleb's union with Ephrath: the birth of their son, Hur. The emphasis on "bare him" underscores the successful continuation of the family line. Hur's birth is the culmination of the preceding events and actions, ensuring the future of Caleb's descendants and connecting this specific family branch to later significant figures and events in Israelite history.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:19, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** presented in an **Annalistic Style**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured record designed to establish lineage, validate claims, and provide historical continuity. The chronicler's meticulous attention to detail, even in a seemingly simple entry like this, underscores the theological significance of divine preservation of the chosen lines. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast** in the mention of Azubah's death followed by Ephrath's fruitfulness. This highlights the theme of continuity through succession, where one phase ends to allow a new one to begin, ensuring the unbroken flow of the family tree. The **Conciseness** of the verse, typical of genealogical records, belies its profound implications for the larger narrative of Israel's history and God's overarching plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple genealogical entry in 1 Chronicles 2:19 serves as a microcosm of profound biblical truths. It underscores God's meticulous care in preserving the lineages of His chosen people, particularly the line of Judah, from which the promised Messiah would ultimately emerge. The continuity of Caleb's family, ensured through his marriage to Ephrath and the birth of Hur, reflects God's faithfulness in upholding His covenant promises to Abraham regarding numerous offspring and a lasting heritage. It reminds us that even in the seemingly mundane details of human life—births, deaths, and marriages—God's sovereign hand is at work, weaving together the intricate tapestry of salvation history. The genealogies are not just historical records; they are testaments to divine purpose, demonstrating how God orchestrates human events to fulfill His grand redemptive plan.

* [Genesis 5:1-3](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1-3 - The Book of the Generations of Adam")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matt/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 2:19 is a specific historical and genealogical record, it offers timeless truths for contemporary reflection and application. Firstly, it reminds us of the profound value God places on every individual and every family within His grand narrative. Just as Caleb's lineage was meticulously recorded, our lives, too, are known and valued by God, contributing to His ongoing story. Secondly, the verse highlights the importance of continuity and legacy. Caleb's act of taking Ephrath after Azubah's death was driven by the need to ensure his family's future. This prompts us to consider the legacy we are building, not just for our biological families, but for the spiritual family of God. Our faithfulness, choices, and investments today have ripple effects on future generations, both within our immediate spheres and in the broader Kingdom. Finally, this seemingly minor detail in a long list of names serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate tapestry of God's sovereign plan. Every person, every event, no matter how small, is interconnected and ultimately contributes to His grand design for humanity, culminating in Christ. We are called to trust that even when our lives feel insignificant, we are part of something infinitely larger and eternally significant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous record-keeping and preservation of lineages encourage you in your own life and sense of purpose?**
* **What kind of "legacy" are you intentionally building, not just for your family, but for the Kingdom of God and future generations?**
* **How does this verse remind you that even seemingly small or mundane details in your life are part of God's larger, divine plan?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies so detailed and seemingly repetitive?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies, like the one found in [1 Chronicles 2](/1_chronicles/2 "1 Chronicles 2 - Genealogies of Judah"), served multiple crucial purposes in ancient Israel. They were not merely historical records but vital legal and social documents. They established tribal identity, which was essential for land inheritance, validating claims to ancestral property, and determining eligibility for specific roles, such as priestly service (only Levites could serve) or kingship (only descendants of Judah, specifically David, could rule). Most importantly, these genealogies meticulously preserved the lineage leading to the promised Messiah, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises. The repetition emphasizes the accuracy and importance of the record, ensuring that the line of promise remained unbroken.

**Who was Hur, and why is his birth to Caleb and Ephrath specifically mentioned?**

Answer: Hur, born to Caleb and Ephrath in [1 Chronicles 2:19](/1_chronicles/2-19 "1 Chronicles 2:19 - Caleb's Son Hur"), is a significant figure in Israelite history, though his direct actions are not extensively detailed. His primary importance lies in his offspring: he was the grandfather of Bezalel. Bezalel was the chief craftsman whom God specifically gifted with divine wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings during the wilderness wanderings ([Exodus 31:2-5](/exodus/31-2 "Exodus 31:2-5 - Bezalel's Divine Anointing")). Therefore, Hur's birth is mentioned not just for genealogical completeness, but because it connects Caleb's prominent lineage to a pivotal moment in Israel's worship and the establishment of God's dwelling among His people. It highlights how seemingly small details in genealogies can link to major events and figures in biblical history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly simple genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 2:19, detailing Caleb's lineage through Hur, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This verse is a vital thread in the intricate tapestry of God's redemptive plan, which meticulously traces the lineage from Adam, through Abraham, Judah, and David, ultimately leading to the birth of the Messiah. Caleb, a faithful and prominent figure from the tribe of Judah, stands as an ancestor in this divinely preserved line. The continuity of his family, ensured by the birth of Hur, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises—particularly the promise of a "seed" who would crush the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")) and through whom all nations would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant")). The genealogies in [Matthew 1](/matt/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus") meticulously record this very lineage, demonstrating how God, through countless generations, including the one highlighted in 1 Chronicles 2:19, faithfully orchestrated human history to bring forth the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, this verse, far from being an obscure detail, points to the sovereign hand of God ensuring the unbroken line that culminates in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of all promises and the King of Kings.

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

1 Chronicles 2:50

These were the sons of Caleb the son of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah; Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim,

1 Chronicles 2:24

And after that Hezron was dead in Calebephratah, then Abiah Hezron's wife bare him Ashur the father of Tekoa.

Micah 5:2

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.

1 Chronicles 4:4

And Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah. These [are] the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah, the father of Bethlehem.