1 Chronicles 2:26

KJV

Jerahmeel had also another wife, whose name [was] Atarah; she [was] the mother of Onam.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jerahmeel {H3396} had also another {H312} wife {H802}, whose name {H8034} was Atarah {H5851}; she was the mother {H517} of Onam {H208}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yerachme'el had another wife, whose name was 'Atarah; she was the mother of Onam.

Berean Standard Bible

Ram his firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah. Jerahmeel had another wife named Atarah, who was the mother of Onam.

American Standard Version

And Jerahmeel had another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:26 provides a specific detail within the extensive genealogies of Judah, noting Jerahmeel, a prominent son of Hezron, had another wife named Atarah, who was the mother of Onam. This seemingly minor entry is part of the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping, which served to establish the identity, heritage, and continuity of the post-exilic community, linking them directly to their ancestral roots, the land, and the unfolding of God's covenant promises. It highlights the comprehensive nature of biblical genealogies, which often include women and less prominent figures vital to the overall narrative of God's faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the expansive genealogical lists that open the book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which trace the lineage from Adam through the various tribes of Israel. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 2 focuses on the descendants of Judah, the royal tribe, and Jerahmeel is introduced as a significant son of Hezron, who was a grandson of Judah through Perez ([1 Chronicles 2:4-5](/1_chronicles/2-4 "1 Chronicles 2:4-5 - Descendants of Judah")). The Chronicler's primary purpose in recording these detailed genealogies was to affirm the identity and heritage of the post-exilic community, demonstrating their legitimate connection to the covenant people of God, the land of Israel, and the Davidic line. The inclusion of Atarah and Onam, though brief, underscores the meticulousness of these records, ensuring a comprehensive account of Jerahmeel's household and the broader tribal structure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogies were far from mere lists of names; they were crucial documents with profound legal, social, and theological implications. They established land rights, tribal affiliations, eligibility for priestly service, and claims to leadership. For the returning exiles, these records were vital for re-establishing their society and reclaiming their ancestral lands, confirming their place within God's covenant people. The mention of "another wife" (Atarah) reflects the practice of polygamy, which, while not God's ideal, was a cultural reality in the ancient Near East and is accurately reflected in biblical narratives. The inclusion of a woman's name, particularly one not explicitly linked to a primary line, further emphasizes the detailed nature of these records, which were essential for maintaining clarity regarding family and tribal structures.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 2:26 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign oversight of history**. Every individual, no matter how seemingly minor, plays a role in His grand design. Secondly, it underscores the **continuity of God's covenant promises**, particularly those made to Abraham and David. These genealogies meticulously trace the lines through which God's redemptive plan would unfold, ultimately leading to the Messiah (as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Thirdly, the careful preservation of these records emphasizes the **importance of identity and heritage** for the people of Israel, grounding them in their past and reassuring them of their future as God's chosen nation, even after the trauma of exile. The Chronicler's emphasis on the tribe of Judah, from which the Davidic dynasty sprang ([1 Chronicles 3](/1_chronicles/3 "1 Chronicles 3 - The Sons of David")), is a foundational theme, pointing to the enduring hope of a righteous king.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Atarah (עֲטָרָה, _'atarah'_):** This Hebrew word means "crown" or "garland." While the text provides no explicit reason for this name, it is a beautiful and significant term. In ancient cultures, names often carried aspirational meanings or reflected characteristics. The name "Crown" could suggest a desired status, beauty, or honor associated with her, or it might have simply been a common name of the era. Its inclusion here, despite her being a "secondary" wife, signifies her importance in the genealogical record as the mother of Onam.
* **Onam (אוֹנָם, _'onam'_):** The name Onam is derived from a root meaning "vigor" or "strength." This name, like many in biblical genealogies, likely conveyed a hope or characteristic for the child. The birth of a son was crucial for the continuation of the family line and inheritance, and a name signifying strength would be fitting for a male heir in a society that valued progeny and robust lineage.
* **Jerahmeel (יְרַחְמְאֵל, _yeraḥmĕ'ēl'_):** Meaning "May God have compassion" or "God has pitied," Jerahmeel was a significant figure as a son of Hezron and a prominent descendant of Judah. His lineage is detailed in 1 Chronicles 2:9-41, indicating a large and influential clan, the Jerahmeelites, who settled in the Negev region ([1 Samuel 27:10](/1_samuel/27-10 "1 Samuel 27:10 - David's Raids and Deception")). The mention of his wives and children, including Atarah and Onam, underscores the Chronicler's aim to provide a comprehensive account of this important branch of Judah's tribe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jerahmeel had also another wife":** This clause indicates that Jerahmeel had at least one other wife, and likely more, who were mentioned earlier in the genealogy (e.g., Ahijah in [1 Chronicles 2:25](/1_chronicles/2-25 "1 Chronicles 2:25 - Jerahmeel's Sons by Ahijah")). The use of "also another" suggests a distinct addition to his family record, highlighting the Chronicler's thoroughness in detailing all branches of the lineage, even those not directly in the primary line of succession.
* **"whose name [was] Atarah":** This simple declarative statement identifies the specific woman. The explicit naming of a woman in a patriarchal genealogy, especially one who is not the primary wife, is noteworthy. It underscores that her contribution to the lineage, through her son Onam, was deemed significant enough to be recorded for the post-exilic community.
* **"she [was] the mother of Onam":** This final clause establishes Atarah's direct contribution to Jerahmeel's descendants. Her importance in the genealogical record is tied to her role as the mother of Onam, ensuring that this particular branch of Jerahmeel's family, and thus Judah's tribe, is accurately documented. This detail reinforces the meticulous nature of the Chronicler's work, ensuring no relevant ancestral link was omitted.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:26, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This systematic listing of ancestors and descendants serves not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement, emphasizing continuity, divine faithfulness, and the identity of God's people. The Chronicler's use of **Inclusion** is also evident, as he meticulously includes figures like Atarah and Onam, who might appear minor, thereby demonstrating the comprehensive nature of God's plan and the interconnectedness of all individuals within the grand narrative of salvation history. The structure of these lists often employs **Repetition** in phrases like "the mother of" or "the father of," creating a rhythmic and authoritative tone that reinforces the factual and enduring nature of the lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of a seemingly minor detail like Atarah's name and her son Onam in the vast genealogies of 1 Chronicles speaks volumes about God's character and His interaction with humanity. It underscores that God is a God of meticulous detail, who oversees every aspect of history and values every individual, no matter how small their role may appear in the grand scheme. These genealogies are not dry lists but living testaments to God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and preparing the way for the fulfillment of His promises. They remind us that every life, every family, and every generation plays a part in the unfolding of His sovereign plan, culminating in the redemptive work of Christ.

* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 2:26, like all Scripture, holds profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's plan is vast and intricate, encompassing generations and countless individuals, many of whom are known to us only by a name in a list. This verse encourages us to find significance not just in prominent roles, but in our very existence as part of God's ongoing story. It teaches us that God sees and values every detail of our lives, even those moments or contributions that seem small or unnoticed by others. Our heritage, both physical and spiritual, connects us to a larger narrative of God's faithfulness and His work through history. Understanding this connection can provide a deep sense of belonging and purpose, knowing that we are part of a divine lineage that stretches back through time and forward into eternity, all orchestrated by a God who never forgets His people or His promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, even down to seemingly minor figures like Atarah, speak to God's care for individuals and His sovereign plan for history?**
* **In what ways does understanding your own heritage—whether familial, cultural, or spiritual—contribute to your sense of identity and purpose in God's larger narrative?**
* **How can we find significance and purpose in our own lives, even when our contributions feel "minor" or uncelebrated in the grand scheme of God's work?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 2:26, so extensive and seemingly dry?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies are far from dry lists; they are foundational historical and theological documents. For ancient Israel, they served vital purposes: establishing tribal identity, confirming land rights, validating claims to priesthood, and ensuring the purity of lineage, especially for the Davidic monarchy. For the post-exilic community, as addressed by the Chronicler, these lists were crucial for re-establishing their national and religious identity, linking them directly to their covenant heritage and God's promises. The inclusion of every detail, even seemingly minor ones like Atarah, underscores the meticulousness required for such records and God's faithfulness in preserving His people's history. These lists ultimately trace the lineage through which God's redemptive plan would unfold, leading to the Messiah.

**What is the significance of mentioning a "secondary" wife like Atarah in a genealogy?**

Answer: The explicit mention of Atarah, identified as "another wife" of Jerahmeel and the mother of Onam, highlights several points. Firstly, it demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the Chronicler's records, ensuring all significant branches of a family were documented for tribal and inheritance purposes. Secondly, it subtly acknowledges the role of women in the continuity of family lines, even if their primary identity in genealogies is often tied to their male descendants. While biblical genealogies are primarily patriarchal, the inclusion of women like Atarah, or earlier figures such as Tamar ([1 Chronicles 2:4](/1_chronicles/2-4 "1 Chronicles 2:4 - Tamar's Role in Judah's Lineage")), shows that their contributions to the lineage were recognized and deemed important for the complete record of God's people.

**Does this verse have any direct relevance for Christians today?**

Answer: Absolutely. While 1 Chronicles 2:26 is a historical detail, its inclusion in Scripture carries enduring relevance. It powerfully illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign oversight of all history. Every individual, every family, and every generation plays a part in God's grand narrative, whether prominent or seemingly obscure. For Christians, this verse reinforces the truth that God sees and values every life, and that even the "minor" details of our existence are known to Him. Moreover, these genealogies ultimately point towards the faithfulness of God in preserving the lineage that would lead to the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, reminding us that God's ancient promises are fulfilled in Him ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 2:26, detailing Jerahmeel's wife Atarah and their son Onam, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. These meticulous lists, spanning generations and including countless individuals, served as the very historical framework through which God's redemptive plan was meticulously woven. Every name, every family, every tribal connection, no matter how brief or seemingly insignificant, contributed to the grand tapestry that would eventually produce the lineage of the Messiah. The Chronicler's emphasis on the tribe of Judah and the Davidic line ([1 Chronicles 3](/1_chronicles/3 "1 Chronicles 3 - The Sons of David")) directly foreshadows the coming of the King of kings. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "seed" promised to Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed of Abraham")), the son of David who fulfills all covenant promises ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). The very existence of Atarah and Onam, recorded in these ancient scrolls, is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the historical and familial lines that would culminate in the birth of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, even a verse like 1 Chronicles 2:26, by its very inclusion, points to the sovereign hand of God orchestrating all of history toward the glorious revelation of His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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.