1 Chronicles 2:25

KJV

And the sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron were, Ram the firstborn, and Bunah, and Oren, and Ozem, [and] Ahijah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Jerahmeel {H3396} the firstborn {H1060} of Hezron {H2696} were, Ram {H7410} the firstborn {H1060}, and Bunah {H946}, and Oren {H767}, and Ozem {H684}, and Ahijah {H281}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Yerachme'el Hetzron's firstborn: Ram the firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Otzem and Achiyah.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron:

American Standard Version

And the sons of Jerahmeel the first-born of Hezron were Ram the first-born, and Bunah, and Oren, and Ozem, Ahijah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:25 meticulously details the immediate offspring of Jerahmeel, the firstborn son of Hezron, a prominent figure within the tribe of Judah. This verse, situated within the extensive genealogical records that commence the book of 1 Chronicles, serves to precisely trace and affirm the lineage of a significant branch of Judah, thereby contributing to the broader purpose of establishing tribal identity, validating land claims, and underscoring the continuity of God's covenant promises for the returning post-exilic community, reaffirming their place in God's redemptive history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the expansive genealogical records that open the book of 1 Chronicles, spanning from [Adam](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") through the patriarchs and culminating in a detailed focus on the tribes of Israel, particularly Judah and Levi. Chapter 2 specifically delves into the descendants of Judah, beginning with the sons of Israel's fourth son, Judah, in [1 Chronicles 2:1](/1_chronicles/2-1 "1 Chronicles 2:1 - Sons of Israel"). The preceding verses introduce Hezron, Jerahmeel’s father, and his other sons (e.g., [1 Chronicles 2:9](/1_chronicles/2-9 "1 Chronicles 2:9 - Descendants of Hezron")), highlighting the intricate web of family relationships within this foundational tribe. The meticulous enumeration here underscores the Chronicler's intent to establish a clear and unbroken lineage, vital for the community's understanding of their past, their present identity, and their future hope in God's ongoing redemptive plan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written likely after the Babylonian exile (around 450-400 BCE), 1 Chronicles aimed to re-establish the identity, heritage, and spiritual foundations of the returning Jewish community. Genealogies were far more than mere lists; they were crucial legal, social, and theological documents. They served to validate land claims, define tribal boundaries, confirm eligibility for priestly or royal service, and provide a profound sense of continuity and belonging for a people rebuilding their national and spiritual life in the aftermath of national catastrophe. The emphasis on "firstborn" throughout these lists reflects the ancient Near Eastern cultural practice where the firstborn son held a position of special status, including a double portion of inheritance and leadership within the family. Tracing the line of Judah was especially significant, as it was the tribe from which kings (like [David](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - David Anointed King")) and the promised Messiah would emerge, linking the present community to their glorious past and future hope.

* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of this seemingly mundane genealogical detail contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's meticulous preservation of specific family lines, especially the [lineage of Judah](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah"), through which His covenant promises would be fulfilled. This preservation underscores God's unwavering commitment to His word across generations. Secondly, it highlights the **Importance of Lineage and Identity** for ancient Israel, providing a bedrock for their national and spiritual self-understanding in the post-exilic era. These records connected them directly to their foundational history and the divine promises made to their ancestors, offering stability and purpose. Lastly, the sheer **Accuracy and Detail of Scripture** is highlighted, reinforcing the Bible's commitment to historical precision and its reliability not just as a theological text but also as a historical document that meticulously records the unfolding of God's sovereign plan through human generations, leading ultimately to the [Messiah's arrival](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, בֵּן, _bên_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to build," refers to a son as a "builder of the family name." In the context of genealogies, it signifies the direct male descendants who perpetuate the family line and heritage. Here, it emphasizes the continuity of Jerahmeel's lineage, ensuring that his branch of Judah's family tree is fully recorded and recognized as contributing to the overall tribal structure. The term highlights the foundational role of offspring in maintaining tribal identity and covenantal continuity.
* **firstborn (Hebrew, בְּכוֹר, _bᵉkôwr_):** Appearing twice in this verse, "firstborn" denotes the eldest son, who typically held a position of preeminence, special privilege, and responsibility within the family. The firstborn often received a double portion of the inheritance and assumed leadership upon the father's death. The repeated emphasis on Jerahmeel as Hezron's firstborn and Ram as Jerahmeel's firstborn underscores the importance of primogeniture in establishing the primary line of succession and authority within these specific family branches, vital for the Chronicler's purpose of tracing legitimate lineage.
* **Ahijah (Hebrew, אֲחִיָּה, _ʼĂchîyâh_):** The name "Ahijah" means "brother of Jah" or "my brother is Yahweh." This theophoric name, incorporating a shortened form of God's covenant name Yahweh (Jah), reflects a common practice in ancient Israel where names carried theological significance. The inclusion of such a name, even in a simple list, subtly points to the pervasive presence of God in the lives and identities of His people, reminding the reader that even the seemingly mundane details of human lineage are under divine oversight and connected to God's covenant relationship with Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron were,"**: This introductory clause precisely identifies the specific lineage being detailed. Jerahmeel is established as the senior son of Hezron, a pivotal figure whose extensive descendants are meticulously listed in the subsequent verses ([1 Chronicles 2:25-41](/1_chronicles/2-25-41 "1 Chronicles 2:25-41 - Descendants of Jerahmeel")). The phrase sets the stage for the enumeration of his direct offspring, emphasizing his foundational role in this significant branch of Judah's family tree and highlighting the Chronicler's focus on legitimate succession.
* **"Ram the firstborn,"**: Ram is explicitly named as Jerahmeel's firstborn son. This designation signifies his preeminent status among his brothers and his role as the primary heir and perpetuator of Jerahmeel's line. While this Ram is distinct from the more famous Ram in the direct Messianic lineage (who was the son of Hezron and father of Amminadab, as seen in [Ruth 4:19](/ruth/4-19 "Ruth 4:19 - Genealogy of David")), his inclusion here is crucial for the detailed Jerahmeelite genealogy, indicating the continuation of this specific family's primary line through him.
* **"and Bunah, and Oren, and Ozem, [and] Ahijah."**: This clause completes the enumeration by listing the remaining four sons of Jerahmeel. While these individuals may not be prominent figures in other biblical narratives, their inclusion ensures a complete and accurate record of Jerahmeel's immediate family. Each name represents a distinct individual who contributed to the broader tapestry of the tribe of Judah, reinforcing the meticulous nature of the biblical genealogies and their commitment to preserving the memory and identity of all significant family branches within Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:25, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list but a structured and purposeful enumeration of ancestors and descendants, serving to establish historical continuity, tribal identity, and covenantal legitimacy for the post-exilic community. The repetitive use of "firstborn" (Hebrew: _bekor_) for both Jerahmeel and Ram functions as a form of **Emphasis** and **Repetition**, highlighting the importance of primogeniture and the specific line of succession within Jerahmeel's family. While not a narrative, the very act of **Enumeration** itself is a device that conveys thoroughness, precision, and the Chronicler's commitment to detailed record-keeping, underscoring the divine oversight of historical progression and the unfolding of God's plan through human generations. The inclusion of names with specific meanings (like Ahijah) also hints at subtle **Symbolism** or **Theophoric Naming**, where the names themselves carry a theological message about God's presence among His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple list of names carries profound theological weight, speaking volumes about God's meticulous involvement in human history. It demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness in preserving the chosen lines through which His redemptive plan would unfold. The very existence of such detailed genealogies, particularly for the tribe of Judah, underscores God's commitment to His covenant promises, especially the promise of a kingly line that would culminate in the Messiah. It reminds us that even in what appears to be mundane historical record-keeping, God is actively working out His purposes, ensuring that every detail contributes to His grand narrative of salvation. The preservation of these names, long after their individual lives, testifies to the enduring nature of God's memory and His unwavering commitment to His people, providing a tangible link between ancient promises and their ultimate fulfillment.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Jacob's Prophecy for Judah")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "The Genealogy of Jesus")
* [Hebrews 7:14](/hebrews/7-14 "Jesus from the Tribe of Judah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 2:25 might appear as a dry list of names, it offers rich and profound insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of intricate detail, who cares not only for the grand sweep of history but also for the individual lives and family lines that comprise it. Our own lives, seemingly insignificant in the vast expanse of time, are known, purposed, and meticulously overseen by Him. This verse encourages us to appreciate our own heritage, recognizing that our personal stories, our families, and our origins are all woven into a larger divine tapestry, contributing to God's ongoing work in the world. It also reinforces the assurance that God's promises are utterly reliable; just as He meticulously preserved the lineage of Judah for the coming of the Messiah, so too will He fulfill every promise He has made to us, providing a steadfast hope and an anchor for our souls in an often uncertain and chaotic world. Our lives, like these names, have meaning and purpose in His grand design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like this verse, challenge or deepen your perception of God's involvement in both grand historical events and individual lives?**
* **In what ways does understanding your own heritage or family story connect you to a larger narrative, whether personal, cultural, or spiritual, and how might God be using your unique background?**
* **How does the preservation of specific lineages, leading ultimately to Christ, strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness to His promises and His providential care for your life today?**

### FAQ
**Why are there so many genealogies in the Bible, especially in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible, particularly in 1 Chronicles, serve multiple critical purposes beyond simple record-keeping. For the post-exilic community, they were essential for re-establishing identity and continuity after the trauma of exile, providing a tangible link to their past and a foundation for their future. They validated land claims (e.g., [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Allotment by Family")), confirmed tribal affiliations, and authenticated eligibility for priestly service (e.g., [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61-63 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Priests Excluded from Service")). Crucially, the genealogies also demonstrate the unfolding of God's covenant promises, meticulously tracing the lineage of key figures like David and, ultimately, the Messiah. They underscore the divine faithfulness in preserving the chosen lines, ensuring the fulfillment of His redemptive plan throughout history, showing that God's purposes are meticulously worked out through generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though 1 Chronicles 2:25 is a seemingly obscure genealogical detail, it finds its ultimate significance and profound fulfillment in the broader Christ-centered narrative of Scripture. The meticulous tracing of the lineage of Judah, to which Jerahmeel and his sons belonged, is foundational to the coming of the Messiah. God's promise to Abraham that "in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed" ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - Abrahamic Covenant")) was progressively narrowed to the tribe of Judah ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Jacob's Prophecy for Judah")) and then specifically to the royal house of David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - Davidic Covenant")). Every name in these genealogies, including those in [1 Chronicles 2:25](/1_chronicles/2-25 "1 Chronicles 2:25 - Sons of Jerahmeel"), serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the precise line through which the Savior would ultimately come. Jesus Christ, the "son of David, the son of Abraham" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), is the ultimate fulfillment of these ancient genealogical promises. He is the true "firstborn" – the [firstborn over all creation](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Jesus, the Firstborn of All Creation") and the [firstborn from the dead](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Jesus, the Firstborn from the Dead") – who inherits all things and through whom all God's promises find their resounding "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). Thus, even these ancient lists of names point forward to the one who embodies the culmination of God's redemptive history and the hope of all humanity.

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.