1 Chronicles 2:27

KJV

And the sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel were, Maaz, and Jamin, and Eker.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Ram {H7410} the firstborn {H1060} of Jerahmeel {H3396} were, Maaz {H4619}, and Jamin {H3226}, and Eker {H6134}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Ram the firstborn son of Yerachme'el: Ma'atz, Yamin and 'Eker.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel: Maaz, Jamin, and Eker.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Ram the first-born of Jerahmeel were Maaz, and Jamin, and Eker.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:27 provides a precise genealogical entry within the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing the lineage through Ram, identified as the firstborn son of Jerahmeel. This concise verse meticulously lists Ram's three sons—Maaz, Jamin, and Eker—serving as a vital link in the extensive biblical record of Israel's tribal and familial structures, which were foundational for understanding the nation's identity, land inheritance, and the unfolding of God's covenant promises, particularly those related to the Davidic line.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 2:27 is embedded within the comprehensive genealogical records that constitute the initial nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. These foundational lists precede the historical narrative, establishing the identity and heritage of the post-exilic community. This particular verse is situated within the detailed account of the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:3-55), which receives significant emphasis due to its pivotal role in Israel's history, especially as the royal tribe from which King David and, ultimately, the Messiah would emerge. The immediate preceding verses focus on the descendants of Hezron, a grandson of Judah, specifically through his son Ram. Jerahmeel, Ram's father, represents a major and extensive branch within Hezron's family, indicating its considerable importance within the tribal hierarchy. Like many entries in this section, 1 Chronicles 2:27 acts as a crucial link in a long chain, connecting specific individuals to their tribal heritage and the overarching narrative of God's people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The compilation of 1 Chronicles is generally attributed to the post-exilic period, likely around 450-400 BC, following the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. For this repatriated community, the meticulous genealogies were far more than mere historical records; they served critical practical, legal, and theological functions. They were indispensable for re-establishing tribal identities, confirming legitimate claims to ancestral land inheritances that had been disrupted by the exile, and validating priestly and Levitical lineages essential for the proper functioning of the restored Temple service. In ancient Israelite society, an individual's identity, rights, and responsibilities were intrinsically tied to their family and tribal affiliation. These records provided a vital sense of continuity and legitimacy, firmly connecting the returned exiles to their pre-exilic heritage and reassuring them of their enduring place within God's covenant people. The naming of individuals such as Maaz, Jamin, and Eker, even if they lack extensive narrative roles, underscores the profound importance of every single link in the genealogical chain for the integrity and continuity of the entire nation.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 2:27, alongside the other extensive genealogies, highlights several foundational themes. Firstly, **Genealogical Continuity** is paramount, illustrating God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the lineage of His chosen people across generations, even through periods of profound upheaval like the Babylonian exile. These meticulous lists trace the lines precisely, ensuring that the covenant promises made to Abraham and David could be seen as unfolding through specific, identifiable families. Secondly, the emphasis on **Historical Accuracy** and detail, even in seemingly dry lists of names, underscores the biblical commitment to recording real historical people and events, grounding faith in verifiable reality rather than abstract myth. This meticulous record-keeping serves to affirm the reliability of God's dealings with humanity. Thirdly, and most profoundly, these genealogies subtly but powerfully point to **Divine Faithfulness** and the **Sovereign Preservation of the Covenant**. The preservation of the Judahite line, in particular, is critical for the eventual fulfillment of the Davidic covenant and the coming of the Messiah, a theme explicitly echoed in the New Testament genealogies of Jesus found in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). Every name, including Maaz, Jamin, and Eker, contributes to the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** H1121, from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.). This word emphasizes the generational continuity and the role of male offspring in perpetuating the family line and name. In a genealogical context, "sons" denotes direct patrilineal descent, which was crucial for establishing tribal identity and inheritance rights in ancient Israel.
* **Ram (Hebrew, _Râm_):** H7410, active participle of רוּם; high; Ram, the name of an Arabian and of an Israelite. The name "Ram," meaning "high" or "exalted," is significant here as it identifies a key figure in the Judahite lineage. While the meaning of the name itself might not carry direct theological weight in this specific verse, its presence signifies a recognized and established individual within the family tree, especially as the "firstborn" of Jerahmeel, indicating a primary branch of descent.
* **firstborn (Hebrew, _bᵉkôwr_):** H1060, from בָּכַר; firstborn; hence, chief; eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). This term carries substantial weight in ancient Israelite society, denoting a position of honor, authority, and often a double portion of inheritance. Identifying Ram as the "firstborn" of Jerahmeel highlights his preeminent status within that immediate family unit and signifies the primary line through which the lineage of Jerahmeel would continue and be recorded for tribal purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel were":** This opening clause meticulously establishes the precise familial relationship, identifying Ram as the initial and most significant offspring of Jerahmeel. The explicit mention of "firstborn" (בְּכוֹר, _bekor_) is crucial, as it conferred special status, inheritance rights, and often a position of leadership within the family in ancient Israelite society. By specifying Ram's firstborn status, the text underscores the primary line of descent from Jerahmeel, indicating the main branch through which his lineage would continue and be officially recorded. This meticulous detail highlights the importance of primogeniture in maintaining the integrity of tribal and familial structures, especially in the context of land claims and covenant promises.
* **"Maaz, and Jamin, and Eker":** This segment lists the three direct male descendants of Ram. The simple enumeration of names is characteristic of genealogical records, serving to precisely identify individuals and their specific place within the broader family tree. While these individuals are not elaborated upon in narrative form elsewhere in Scripture, their inclusion is not arbitrary. Each name represents a unique person who contributed to the continuity of the Judahite lineage, reinforcing the profound idea that every individual, regardless of their historical prominence or lack thereof, plays a part in the grand tapestry of God's unfolding plan for His people. Their very presence in this sacred record affirms their historical existence and their contribution to the historical and theological continuity of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:27, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a highly structured literary form designed to establish lineage, validate claims to land and status, and demonstrate the unbroken continuity of God's covenant people. The meticulous nature of these lists, including the specific identification of "firstborn" and the precise enumeration of all sons, reflects a deliberate literary choice to create a comprehensive and authoritative historical record. Another subtle device is **Repetition**, as similar phrasing for "the sons of X were..." recurs consistently throughout the genealogies, creating a rhythmic and predictable pattern that reinforces the systematic and exhaustive nature of the record-keeping. While not a narrative in the traditional sense, the very act of listing these names, particularly within the context of the Judahite and Davidic lines, serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, subtly pointing towards the future fulfillment of God's promises through this divinely preserved lineage. The inclusion of seemingly "minor" names like Maaz and Eker also demonstrates **Inclusion**, emphasizing that every individual, however obscure in narrative terms, contributes to the larger divine plan and the historical reality of God's people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Although 1 Chronicles 2:27 appears as a simple list of names, its theological significance is profound. It speaks to God's meticulous care for His covenant people and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving the lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold. The very act of recording these names, even those without extensive narrative, underscores the belief that every individual life is known to God and plays a part in His sovereign design. For the post-exilic community, these genealogies were a tangible reassurance that God had not abandoned them; their identity and heritage were intact, providing hope for the future. The preservation of the Judahite line, in particular, points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises concerning a king from David's house, culminating in the Messiah.

* [Genesis 10:1-32](/genesis/10-1-32 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 2:27, like all genealogical passages, invites us to consider the intricate tapestry of God's providence woven throughout history. It serves as a powerful reminder that even seemingly insignificant details are integral components of a grander divine design. For the original audience, these lists provided a vital connection to their heritage, a profound sense of belonging, and an unwavering assurance of God's covenant faithfulness amidst the challenges of post-exilic life. For us today, this verse encourages us to appreciate the deep historical grounding of our faith and to recognize that God faithfully works through generations, preserving His people and His promises across vast expanses of time. It challenges us to perceive our own lives, however ordinary or unrecorded they may seem, as part of God's ongoing story, contributing to His eternal purposes in ways we may not fully comprehend. Furthermore, it fosters a profound sense of gratitude for those who came before us, whose faithfulness—or even mere existence—was part of the divine plan that ultimately brought us to faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:27, reinforce your understanding of God's sovereignty and His attention to every detail of His creation and plan?**
* **In what ways does knowing your own family history or heritage contribute to your sense of identity and purpose? How might this relate to the profound significance of genealogies for ancient Israel?**
* **What does the preservation of specific lineages, even through difficult and disruptive times like exile, teach us about God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises across generations?**
* **How can we, like the individuals in these ancient lists, see our own lives and contributions as part of a larger, divine narrative, even if our roles seem small or unrecorded in human history?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:27, so detailed and seemingly repetitive? What is their ultimate purpose?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies, while often appearing dry to modern readers, served multiple vital and profound purposes for their original audience. Firstly, they established **identity and belonging**, firmly connecting individuals and families to their tribal heritage and the broader covenant community. This was particularly crucial for the post-exilic community addressed in 1 Chronicles, as it helped re-establish legitimate land claims, tribal boundaries, and roles within the restored nation. Secondly, they provided **historical continuity**, demonstrably proving God's faithfulness in preserving His people and His promises through successive generations. They meticulously traced the lines of descent, validating the historical reality of God's covenant with Abraham ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abraham")) and David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Thirdly, and most significantly, they served a profound **theological purpose**, especially in the case of the Judahite lineage, by preserving the precise line through which the promised Messiah would eventually come. Every name, including Maaz, Jamin, and Eker, was a divinely orchestrated link in this sacred chain, ensuring the integrity and historical fulfillment of the messianic promise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 2:27 is a seemingly obscure genealogical entry, its true significance shines brightly when viewed through the lens of Christ-centered fulfillment. The meticulous preservation of the Judahite lineage, of which Ram, Jerahmeel, Maaz, Jamin, and Eker are but small, yet essential, links, ultimately points to the unwavering faithfulness of God in bringing forth His promised Messiah. The foundational covenant made with Abraham, that through his seed all nations would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")), and the specific promise to David of an eternal throne and an enduring kingdom ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), are both rooted in the integrity and historical reality of these ancient genealogies. The New Testament Gospels of [Matthew](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") both painstakingly trace Jesus' lineage back through Judah, David, and Abraham, demonstrating unequivocally that He is the rightful heir to all these divine promises. Thus, 1 Chronicles 2:27, a seemingly minor detail, is an integral part of the grand, divinely orchestrated plan that ensured the historical and biological reality of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Christ, who came not to abolish but to fulfill all the Law and the Prophets ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Every name in these ancient lists, including those in this verse, contributes to the undeniable historical foundation upon which the Incarnation and our salvation are built.

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.