1 Chronicles 2:29

KJV

And the name of the wife of Abishur [was] Abihail, and she bare him Ahban, and Molid.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the name {H8034} of the wife {H802} of Abishur {H51} was Abihail {H32}, and she bare {H3205} him Ahban {H257}, and Molid {H4140}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avishur's wife was named Avichayil, and she bore him Achban and Molid.

Berean Standard Bible

Nadab and Abishur. Abishur’s wife was named Abihail, and she bore to him Ahban and Molid.

American Standard Version

And the name of the wife of Abishur was Abihail; and she bare him Ahban, and Molid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:29 serves as a concise yet profoundly significant entry within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing a segment of the lineage of Hezron. This verse meticulously identifies Abihail as the wife of Abishur and names their two sons, Ahban and Molid. It functions as a precise record of a specific family unit, meticulously preserving the continuity of the covenant line within Israel's history and underscoring the divine attention to every individual within God's unfolding redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the lengthy and detailed genealogies that commence the book of 1 Chronicles, spanning chapters 1-9. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, meticulously traces the lineage from Adam, through the patriarchs, and then narrows the focus to the twelve tribes of Israel, with a particular emphasis on Judah, from whom the Davidic kingship would emerge. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 2 outlines the descendants of Judah, highlighting the family of Hezron (Judah's grandson), to which Abishur belongs. The inclusion of specific wives and their offspring, as seen in 1 Chronicles 2:29, underscores the importance of individual family units in the preservation of tribal and national identity, and ultimately, the Messianic line. These lists are not merely dry historical data but serve as a foundational anchor for the returning exiles, establishing their heritage, land rights, and roles within the re-established community, thereby providing a sense of continuity and divine purpose after the trauma of exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, genealogies were far more than simple family trees; they were critical legal and social documents. They served to establish tribal identity, validate claims to land inheritance, confirm eligibility for priestly service (for Levites), and legitimize royal succession (for the Davidic line). For the returning exiles after the Babylonian captivity, these records were indispensable for reconstructing their national and religious identity, re-establishing social order, and ensuring the purity of their lineage. The meticulous recording of names like Abishur, Abihail, Ahban, and Molid, even if they are not prominent narrative figures, speaks to the profound cultural value placed on lineage and the preservation of heritage. The mention of a wife by name, though less common than male lineages, highlights her essential role in the continuation of the family line, which was paramount in a society where tribal purity and inheritance were foundational to both individual and communal well-being.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 2:29, embedded within the broader genealogies, contributes to several overarching themes foundational to the Chronicler's message. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Record-Keeping and Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to every individual life and His sovereign hand in orchestrating the flow of history. Every name, no matter how seemingly obscure, is known and recorded by Him, reflecting His comprehensive knowledge and care for His people. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Continuity and Heritage**, emphasizing the unbroken chain of generations that connects the past to the present and ensures the ongoing fulfillment of God's covenant promises. This continuity was vital for the post-exilic community to understand their place in God's ongoing story, connecting them to their ancestral roots and the promises made to Abraham. Finally, these genealogies serve as a **Foundation for God's Redemptive Plan**, meticulously tracing the lineage that would ultimately lead to the birth of the Messiah. While 1 Chronicles 2:29 lists individuals not directly in the Davidic line, they are part of the broader Judahite tribe, which was the tribe from which the Messiah was prophesied to come, as seen in [Jacob's blessing of Judah](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter Shall Not Depart From Judah"). The careful preservation of these records underscores the divine care for individual lives within the grand narrative leading to the ultimate fulfillment in [Jesus Christ](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abishur (Hebrew, _ʼĂbîyshûwr'_):** From the root words for "father" (`ʼāb`) and "wall" (`shûr`), this name means "father of (the) wall" or "my father is a wall." This suggests a foundational, protective, or strong character, perhaps even indicating a role as a builder or a person who provides security and stability within his family or community. In a genealogical context, it implies a significant and enduring presence.
* **Abihail (Hebrew, _ʼĂbîyhayil'_):** Derived from "father" (`ʼāb`) and "might" or "valor" (`ḥayil`), the name signifies "father of might" or "my father is strength." This is a powerful descriptor, often associated with strength, virtue, or a person of considerable influence. The term `ḥayil` is notably used to describe a "woman of valor" in [Proverbs 31:10](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10 - A Woman of Valor"), suggesting that Abihail herself possessed commendable qualities or came from a family of renown. Her name highlights a notable character or standing within the lineage.
* **bare (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** A primitive root verb meaning "to bear young" or "to beget." This word is fundamental in biblical genealogies, signifying the act of procreation and the continuation of a family line. It encompasses the entire process of giving birth and establishing lineage, highlighting the vital role of the mother in bringing forth the next generation and ensuring the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply." In this context, it underscores the biological continuity essential for the preservation of the covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the name of the wife of Abishur [was] Abihail":** This clause is significant for its explicit naming of the wife. In ancient patriarchal genealogies, women are often omitted unless they play a particularly crucial role (e.g., as a matriarch, or if there's a specific legal or historical reason related to inheritance or lineage purity). Abihail's naming here highlights her importance in the lineage, perhaps due to her family's standing, her personal character, or simply because her essential role as the mother of the next generation was deemed critical for the complete and accurate record. It underscores the fact that the continuation of the family line depended on both male and female contributions.
* **"and she bare him Ahban, and Molid":** This phrase directly states the outcome of their union—the birth of two sons, Ahban and Molid. The act of "bearing" children (from the Hebrew `yâlad`) is central to the biblical narrative, representing fruitfulness, the fulfillment of divine commands, and the continuation of the covenant line. Ahban and Molid, though not central figures in the broader biblical narrative, are recorded as the direct descendants, ensuring the unbroken chain of the family of Hezron within the tribe of Judah. Their inclusion validates the lineage and contributes to the overall meticulousness of the Chronicler's record, emphasizing that every link in the chain is known and valued by God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:29 and the surrounding chapters is **Genealogy** itself, which functions as a specialized form of **Catalogue** or **List**. This meticulous listing of names serves several purposes beyond mere historical record. It employs **Repetition** of naming conventions and familial structures (e.g., "A begat B, and B begat C") to emphasize the unbroken continuity of lineage, reinforcing the theme of divine faithfulness across generations. The **Conciseness** of each entry, packing significant information into a few words, highlights the Chronicler's focus on the *fact* of the lineage rather than extensive narrative elaboration for every individual. Furthermore, the very act of recording these names, even those of seemingly minor figures, carries profound **Symbolism**. It symbolizes God's meticulous care, His comprehensive knowledge of His people, and His sovereign orchestration of history, ensuring the preservation of the covenant line that would ultimately lead to the Messiah. The inclusion of a wife's name, while not a device in itself, is a notable deviation from the more common male-only listings, subtly emphasizing her critical role in the perpetuation of the family.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 2:29, though a brief genealogical entry, resonates with profound theological and thematic connections throughout Scripture. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign involvement in human history, even in the seemingly mundane aspects of family lineage. This verse reminds us that every individual, no matter how obscure in human records, holds a place in God's divine plan. The preservation of these names, generation after generation, speaks to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly His promise to establish a lasting kingdom through the line of Judah. It demonstrates that God works through ordinary people and their families to accomplish His extraordinary purposes, building His redemptive narrative one generation at a time. The very existence of such detailed records points to a God who remembers, who keeps His word, and who is actively guiding the course of history towards its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment.

* [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "The Book of the Generations of Adam")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry genealogies of 1 Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 2:29, offer surprisingly rich ground for reflection and application in our contemporary lives. This verse reminds us that God's plan is vast and encompasses countless individuals, many of whom are not "famous" in human history but are nonetheless vital to His overarching narrative. It challenges us to consider that our lives, our families, and our contributions, however small they may seem, are known, recorded, and valued by God. Just as Abishur and Abihail played their part in the lineage of Israel, we too are called to contribute to the ongoing spiritual lineage of faith, passing on truth and godliness to the next generation. This passage encourages us to appreciate the heritage of faith passed down to us, recognizing the sacrifices and faithfulness of those who came before. It cultivates a sense of belonging to something far greater than ourselves – God's eternal kingdom – and inspires us to live purposefully, knowing that our lives are woven into His grand, redemptive tapestry, each thread contributing to the beauty and strength of the whole.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does knowing God meticulously records every life (even seemingly minor ones) impact your sense of personal value and purpose?**
* **In what ways do you see yourself as part of God's ongoing redemptive story, and how does that influence your daily life and decisions?**
* **How can we honor our own family heritage, both biological and spiritual, in a way that glorifies God and contributes to the continuity of faith for future generations?**

### FAQ

**Why are these genealogies so long and seemingly dry?**

Answer: While they may appear dry to a modern reader, the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 2:29, were profoundly significant for their original audience, particularly the returning exiles. They served several crucial purposes: to establish and confirm tribal identities, which were vital for land inheritance and social order; to legitimize claims to priestly and royal offices; and most importantly, to demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and the promised lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. For us today, they underscore God's meticulous attention to detail, His sovereign control over history, and the reliability of His promises, showing that every individual plays a part in His grand redemptive plan. They are a testament to the fact that God remembers His people and keeps His word, even across countless generations, leading ultimately to the [genealogy of Jesus Christ](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

**What is the significance of the names mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The names in 1 Chronicles 2:29—Abishur, Abihail, Ahban, and Molid—are not associated with major biblical narratives, yet their inclusion is highly significant. Hebrew names often carried inherent meanings, reflecting characteristics, hopes, or circumstances. For example, "Abishur" means "father of the wall," suggesting strength or protection, while "Abihail" means "my father is might" or "father of strength," suggesting a person of valor or importance. While the specific meanings of Ahban and Molid are less clear or less thematically prominent, their presence as offspring signifies the continuation of the family line. In the context of genealogies, the primary significance of these names is their role as markers in the intricate tapestry of Israel's history, demonstrating the unbroken chain of generations that contributed to the overall lineage, which ultimately culminated in the [birth of the Messiah](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - The Birth of Jesus"). Their inclusion shows God's comprehensive record-keeping and the importance of every link in the chain of His people, highlighting His sovereign hand in preserving the lineage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly obscure genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 2:29, like all such records in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous tracing of lineages, tribe by tribe, family by family, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a "seed" who would crush the serpent's head, as foretold in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium"). Every name listed, including Abishur, Abihail, Ahban, and Molid, represents a vital link in the chain of humanity through which God was sovereignly working to bring forth His Son. While these individuals may not be directly in the Davidic line, they belong to the broader tribe of Judah, from which the Messiah was prophesied to come, as seen in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter Shall Not Depart From Judah"). The very existence of these detailed records testifies to God's faithfulness in preserving a pure lineage, culminating in the incarnation of God Himself. Jesus, as the "Root and the Offspring of David" ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Root and Offspring of David")) and the "seed of Abraham" ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")), perfectly fulfills the genealogical expectations of the Old Testament. He is the ultimate heir to all promises, the one in whom all the scattered threads of Israel's history converge, providing not just a physical lineage but a spiritual one for all who believe, making us "children of God" through faith in Him ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God")).

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.