1 Chronicles 2:22

KJV

And Segub begat Jair, who had three and twenty cities in the land of Gilead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Segub {H7687} begat {H3205} Jair {H2971}, who had three {H7969} and twenty {H6242} cities {H5892} in the land {H776} of Gilead {H1568}.

Complete Jewish Bible

S'guv fathered Ya'ir, who had twenty-three cities in the land of Gil'ad.

Berean Standard Bible

Segub was the father of Jair, who had twenty-three cities in the land of Gilead.

American Standard Version

And Segub begat Jair, who had three and twenty cities in the land of Gilead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:22 is a concise yet historically significant genealogical entry, detailing the lineage of Jair, son of Segub, and his notable acquisition of twenty-three cities within the Transjordanian region of Gilead. Embedded within the extensive genealogies of Israel, this verse serves not merely as a record of descent but as a vital affirmation of ancient land claims, tribal identity, and the enduring legacy of key figures within the broader Israelite framework, particularly highlighting the intertwined heritage of Judah and Manasseh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is meticulously placed within the comprehensive genealogies that initiate the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically within the detailed lineage of Judah in chapter 2. Following a broader enumeration of Israel's sons in [1 Chronicles 2:1](/1-chronicles/2-1 "1 Chronicles 2:1 - Sons of Israel"), the Chronicler's focus narrows to the tribe of Judah, from which the promised Davidic monarchy would emerge. The preceding verse, [1 Chronicles 2:21](/1-chronicles/2-21 "1 Chronicles 2:21 - Hezron's Marriage and Segub's Birth"), is crucial as it establishes Segub's birth to Hezron (of Judah) and the daughter of Machir (of Manasseh), thereby setting the stage for Jair's unique dual tribal connection. The Chronicler's emphasis on these detailed family records was paramount for the post-exilic community, serving to reaffirm national identity, validate ancestral land claims, and confirm the legitimacy of both priestly and royal lines after the profound disruption of the Babylonian captivity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogies transcended simple family trees; they functioned as indispensable legal and cultural documents. They were fundamental for establishing tribal identity, confirming rights to inherited land (a fulfillment of God's covenant promises, as seen in passages like [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")), and maintaining the purity of lineage, particularly for those in the priesthood and kingship. The mention of "Gilead" situates Jair's acquisition in the Transjordan region, east of the Jordan River. This area was strategically vital and frequently contested, renowned for its fertile pasturelands. Jair's ability to possess "three and twenty cities" signifies a substantial act of conquest or settlement, reflecting tribal expansion and the consolidation of territory during the period of the Judges or early monarchy. This historical detail is corroborated in other biblical books, such as [Numbers 32:41](/numbers/32-41 "Numbers 32:41 - Jair's Conquests") and [Deuteronomy 3:14](/deuteronomy/3-14 "Deuteronomy 3:14 - Jair's Territory").
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes pervasive in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores **Genealogical Precision and Divine Order**, illustrating God's meticulous attention to detail in His overarching plan for His people, extending even to specific family lines and territorial possessions. Secondly, it highlights the profound theme of **Inheritance and Possession of the Promised Land**, showcasing the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel through the establishment of their tribes in divinely allotted territories. Jair's acquisition of cities in Gilead stands as a concrete example of this divine faithfulness. Thirdly, it touches upon **Leadership and Legacy**, presenting Jair as a figure of considerable influence and power whose actions left an indelible mark on the landscape and history of Israel, as evidenced by the naming of cities after him (Havoth-jair). This exemplifies the importance of individuals within God's grand narrative and their role in the unfolding of His redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Segub (Hebrew, _Sᵉgûwb'_):** Meaning "aloft" or "exalted," Segub is presented here as the father of Jair. While the name's meaning isn't directly elaborated in the verse, it places Jair within a specific lineage that connects the tribes of Judah and Manasseh, highlighting the intertribal relationships and the complex tapestry of Israelite identity.
* **Jair (Hebrew, _Yâʼîyr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "enlightener," Jair is the central figure of this verse. His name suggests one who brings light or prominence. In this context, Jair's actions in acquiring numerous cities certainly brought him prominence and established a lasting legacy, indicating a figure of significant influence and leadership in the early history of Israel's territorial settlement.
* **cities (Hebrew, _ʻîyr'_):** This term refers to a city, a place guarded by watching or a watch, in its widest sense, encompassing even encampments or fortified posts. The mention of "cities" signifies established settlements or strategic locations, underscoring the substantial nature of Jair's territorial control and the administrative significance of his acquisitions within the land of Gilead.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Segub begat Jair":** This initial clause establishes the direct paternal lineage, explicitly connecting Jair to Segub. As detailed in [1 Chronicles 2:21](/1-chronicles/2-21 "1 Chronicles 2:21 - Segub's Lineage"), Segub was the son of Hezron (from the tribe of Judah) and the daughter of Machir (from the tribe of Manasseh). This dual tribal heritage is pivotal for understanding Jair's unique position within both the Judahite and Manassehite genealogies, illustrating the complex intermarriage and relationships that wove together the larger Israelite family.
* **"who had three and twenty cities":** This phrase quantifies Jair's significant territorial acquisition. The precise number "twenty-three" is a hallmark of meticulous record-keeping in biblical genealogies and historical accounts. It underscores the extensive nature of his influence and the tangible reality of his inheritance, implying a substantial domain. This detail suggests Jair was a figure of considerable power, leadership, or military prowess, capable of establishing control over such a large number of settlements.
* **"in the land of Gilead":** This concluding clause specifies the geographical location of these cities. By situating them in Gilead, the verse firmly connects Jair's achievements to the eastern territories of Israel, which were settled by the Transjordanian tribes. This detail reinforces the fulfillment of God's promise of land to His people, demonstrating how specific individuals contributed to the tribal establishment and expansion within the divinely allotted territories.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 2:22](/1-chronicles/2-22 "1 Chronicles 2:22 - Jair's Cities"), and indeed throughout the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This systematic listing of ancestors and descendants serves multiple critical purposes: it establishes national identity, validates land claims, and reinforces the historical continuity of God's covenant people. The inclusion of specific details like the precise number of cities and their geographical location in Gilead demonstrates **Numerical Precision** and **Geographical Specificity**, which lend historical verisimilitude and administrative credibility to the ancient record. While remarkably concise, the verse also employs **Conciseness** to convey significant historical and genealogical information efficiently, a characteristic feature of ancient Near Eastern record-keeping. The mention of Jair's possession of cities further highlights the theme of **Legacy**, as his actions and influence are permanently etched into the historical and geographical record of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 2:22, though a brief genealogical note, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous faithfulness to His covenant promises. The precise recording of Jair's lineage and his acquisition of cities in Gilead is not merely a historical detail but a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to establish His people securely in the land He promised them. It reveals that even in the seemingly mundane details of tribal expansion and settlement, the divine hand is actively at work, orchestrating the fulfillment of His word. This verse reminds us that God cares deeply about the individual lives and contributions of His people, weaving their unique stories into the grander tapestry of His redemptive plan. It underscores the tangible blessings that accompany obedience and the undeniable reality of God's provision for His chosen nation, demonstrating His faithfulness across generations.

* [Numbers 32:41](/numbers/32-41 "Numbers 32:41 - Jair's Conquest and Naming")
* [Deuteronomy 3:14](/deuteronomy/3-14 "Deuteronomy 3:14 - Jair's Territory and Legacy")
* [Joshua 13:29-31](/joshua/13-29-31 "Joshua 13:29-31 - Inheritance of Half-Tribe of Manasseh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a simple genealogical entry, 1 Chronicles 2:22 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of intricate order and meticulous detail, who carefully records and remembers every individual and their unique place in His grand narrative. Just as Jair had a specific inheritance and sphere of influence, so too do we, as spiritual heirs in Christ, receive a spiritual inheritance and are called to steward areas of influence for God's kingdom. This verse encourages us to deeply value our spiritual heritage, understanding that we are part of a continuous, unfolding story of God's faithfulness across generations. It challenges us to prayerfully consider what "cities" – what areas of responsibility, spiritual gifts, relationships, or ministry – God has entrusted to us, and how we are actively building a lasting legacy that honors Him, not for personal renown, but for the advancement of His divine purposes and the flourishing of His people. Our lives, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant in the grand scheme, are intricately woven into God's magnificent design, and He remembers every act of faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like this verse, reinforce your trust in God's sovereign attention to every aspect of your life?**
* **What "inheritance" or specific areas of influence (e.g., spiritual gifts, relationships, resources, career) has God entrusted to you, and how are you intentionally stewarding them for His glory?**
* **In what practical ways can we, like Jair, strive to leave a lasting spiritual legacy that powerfully points to God's faithfulness and actively expands His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Who was Jair, and why is he mentioned here with such specific detail?**

Answer: Jair was a significant figure in early Israelite history, renowned for his territorial conquests and settlement in the Transjordan region of Gilead. He is specifically mentioned here in [1 Chronicles 2:22](/1-chronicles/2-22 "1 Chronicles 2:22 - Jair's Cities") because he represents a unique genealogical link between the tribe of Judah (through his grandfather Hezron) and the tribe of Manasseh (through his grandmother, Machir's daughter, as seen in [1 Chronicles 2:21](/1-chronicles/2-21 "1 Chronicles 2:21 - Segub's Lineage")). The specific detail about his "three and twenty cities" is crucial for several reasons: it served to validate tribal land claims in the post-exilic period when 1 Chronicles was written, it highlights his historical importance as a leader or conqueror, and it provides a tangible example of God's faithfulness in granting the promised land to His people. His exploits are also recorded in [Numbers 32:41](/numbers/32-41 "Numbers 32:41 - Jair's Conquest") and [Deuteronomy 3:14](/deuteronomy/3-14 "Deuteronomy 3:14 - Jair's Territory"), where the cities are even named "Havoth-jair" (the towns of Jair), underscoring his lasting legacy.

**Why are genealogies so important in 1 Chronicles, especially a verse like this?**

Answer: The genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including [1 Chronicles 2:22](/1-chronicles/2-22 "1 Chronicles 2:22 - Jair's Cities"), served a critical purpose for the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile. They were not merely historical records but foundational documents for re-establishing national identity and continuity. Genealogies confirmed tribal affiliations, which were essential for legitimate land claims (as seen with Jair's cities in Gilead), for determining who could serve in the priesthood (only descendants of Aaron), and for tracing the lineage of the Davidic kings, upon whom the hope of a restored monarchy rested. This meticulous record-keeping underscored God's faithfulness to His covenants, demonstrating that despite exile and displacement, His promises regarding land, lineage, and leadership remained intact and were being fulfilled through specific individuals and families throughout Israel's history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 2:22](/1-chronicles/2-22 "1 Chronicles 2:22 - Jair's Cities") meticulously details an earthly lineage and a tangible inheritance of cities in Gilead, it subtly points towards the infinitely greater spiritual lineage and inheritance found exclusively in Christ. Jair's acquisition of "three and twenty cities" represents a temporal, physical possession within the promised land, serving as a type or foreshadowing of God's faithfulness to His people. However, in Christ, believers are divinely grafted into a spiritual lineage, becoming true spiritual descendants of Abraham by faith, inheriting not just a piece of land but the boundless fullness of God's spiritual blessings and promises (as powerfully articulated in [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). Our true "cities" are not earthly territories but the eternal spiritual kingdom of God and the glorious promise of the New Jerusalem, a city with unshakable foundations whose architect and builder is God Himself ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham's Hope for a City")). Christ Himself is the ultimate fulfillment of all promises of land, rest, and inheritance, offering His followers an eternal dwelling place and a spiritual dominion that transcends any earthly possession ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Through Him, we are not merely recorded in human genealogies but are eternally written in the Lamb's Book of Life ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Book of Life")), receiving an imperishable inheritance that never fades away, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1-peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")).

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

Numbers 32:41

And Jair the son of Manasseh went and took the small towns thereof, and called them Havothjair.

Deuteronomy 3:14

Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashanhavothjair, unto this day.

Joshua 13:30

And their coast was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which [are] in Bashan, threescore cities: