1 Chronicles 2:31

KJV

And the sons of Appaim; Ishi. And the sons of Ishi; Sheshan. And the children of Sheshan; Ahlai.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Appaim {H649}; Ishi {H3469}. And the sons {H1121} of Ishi {H3469}; Sheshan {H8348}. And the children {H1121} of Sheshan {H8348}; Ahlai {H304}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The son of Apayim: Yish'i. The son of Yish'i: Sheshan. The son of Sheshan: Achlai.

Berean Standard Bible

The son of Appaim: Ishi. The son of Ishi: Sheshan. The son of Sheshan: Ahlai.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Appaim: Ishi. And the sons of Ishi: Sheshan. And the sons of Sheshan: Ahlai.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:31 meticulously records a specific segment of the Judahite lineage, tracing the succession from Appaim to Ishi, then to Sheshan, and culminating with Ahlai. This seemingly brief enumeration of names is a vital thread in the larger tapestry of Israel's history, demonstrating God's meticulous preservation of lineage, which was essential for re-establishing identity in the post-exilic community and, ultimately, for the unfolding of His redemptive plan culminating in the advent of the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 2:31 is embedded within the extensive genealogical records that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles, specifically within the detailed account of the descendants of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:3-55). This section meticulously traces the lineage of Judah, the tribe from which King David would emerge, and through whom the Messianic line was promised. The immediate literary context is a dense list of names, each contributing to the overarching purpose of establishing tribal identity, land claims, and, critically, the authentic lineage of the Davidic monarchy. The chronicler's emphasis on Judah's line highlights its preeminence and its pivotal role in God's covenant promises, serving as a foundational historical anchor for the returning exiles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, roughly 450-400 BC, primarily for the Jewish community returning from Babylonian captivity. For this community, genealogies were not mere historical curiosities but vital legal and social documents that re-established their identity, legitimate claims to ancestral lands, and the proper functioning of the priesthood and monarchy. In ancient Israelite society, one's lineage determined their tribal affiliation, social standing, inheritance rights, and religious duties. The meticulous preservation of these records, even seemingly obscure ones like that in 1 Chronicles 2:31, underscored the community's continuity with their past and their covenant relationship with God, providing a foundational framework for rebuilding their national and spiritual life in the land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, situated within the genealogies, contributes to several foundational themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Preservation of Lineage**, demonstrating God's meticulous care in maintaining the historical record necessary for His redemptive plan. Every name, no matter how brief its mention, is part of a divinely orchestrated sequence, underscoring God's sovereignty over history. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Continuity and Identity** for the post-exilic community, reminding them of their heritage and their place within the twelve tribes, particularly the esteemed tribe of Judah, from whom the scepter would not depart, as prophesied in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah"). Finally, it powerfully illustrates **God's Faithfulness** across generations, showing how He meticulously orchestrates human history, including family lines, to fulfill His ancient promises, culminating in the ultimate fulfillment found in the [genealogy of Jesus Christ](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sons/Children (Hebrew, _bên_):** The Hebrew word בֵּן (_bēn_), appearing in its plural construct form בְּנֵי (_bēnê_) in this verse, is a fundamental term meaning "son." However, as the Strong's data indicates (H1121), its semantic range is exceptionally broad, encompassing not only immediate male offspring but also descendants in a wider sense, including grandsons, great-grandsons, or even entire clans or tribes. In genealogical contexts like 1 Chronicles 2:31, its repeated use signifies a continuous, direct line of descent, emphasizing the unbroken chain from Appaim to Ahlai, even if not every individual in every generation is explicitly named. This flexibility allows genealogies to be concise while still conveying legitimate succession.
* **Ishi (Hebrew, _Yishʻîy_):** The name Ishi (H3469) derives from the Hebrew root יָשַׁע (_yāshaʻ_), meaning "to save" or "to deliver." Thus, the name itself carries the meaning "saving." While this genealogical entry does not provide narrative details about Ishi's life, the inherent meaning of his name subtly points to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive work. In a book focused on establishing lineage leading to the Davidic and ultimately Messianic lines, a name meaning "saving" serves as a quiet, yet profound, theological echo of God's ultimate purpose.
* **Ahlai (Hebrew, _ʼAchlay_):** The name Ahlai (H304) is derived from a root meaning "wishful" or "Oh that!" It is a unique name in the biblical text, appearing here as a male descendant of Sheshan, though it can also be used for a female (as seen in 1 Chronicles 2:34-35 where Sheshan has a daughter named Ahlai). Its inclusion here as the final name in this specific lineage segment highlights the chronicler's meticulous attention to detail in preserving every link, regardless of how common or uncommon the name. The name itself, "wishful," might subtly evoke a longing or hope, a fitting sentiment in a book that looks back to God's past faithfulness and forward to His future promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Appaim; Ishi."**: This initial clause establishes the first link in the specific lineage, identifying Ishi as a descendant of Appaim. The phrasing indicates that Ishi was a direct son or, more broadly, a significant descendant who continued Appaim's line. This connection sets the stage for the subsequent generations, grounding the lineage in a specific individual within the broader Judahite family, confirming the continuity of the tribal record.
* **"And the sons of Ishi; Sheshan."**: Following the established pattern, this clause continues the genealogical progression, identifying Sheshan as a descendant of Ishi. This repetition of the formula underscores the continuity and directness of the lineage, moving from one generation to the next. It highlights the importance of each individual in maintaining the integrity of the family line, ensuring the unbroken chain of succession within Judah.
* **"And the children of Sheshan; Ahlai."**: The final clause in the verse names Ahlai as a descendant of Sheshan. The slight variation in translation from "sons" to "children" (both deriving from _bēn_) does not indicate a change in meaning but rather stylistic variation, emphasizing that Ahlai is the next recorded individual in this specific branch of the family tree. This final name completes the immediate genealogical snapshot provided by the verse, concluding a specific segment of the Judahite lineage that serves as a building block for the larger tribal record.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 2:31 primarily employs **Genealogy** as its overarching literary device, a pervasive feature in ancient Near Eastern and biblical texts. This device serves not merely as a historical record but also as a profound theological statement, demonstrating continuity, legitimacy, and divine faithfulness across generations. Within this genealogical framework, **Repetition** is evident in the recurring phrase "And the sons of..." or "And the children of...", which provides a rhythmic structure and reinforces the unbroken chain of descent, emphasizing the meticulous nature of the record. The verse also functions as a form of **Listing**, systematically presenting names in a sequential order. While seemingly dry, this meticulous listing serves a profound purpose, acting as a historical anchor and a testament to God's detailed oversight of human history, even in what appear to be minor details. The inclusion of these otherwise unknown names underscores the biblical principle that every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, has a place in God's grand narrative and contributes to the unfolding of His sovereign plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 2:31, like all biblical genealogies, is far more than a dry list of names; it is a profound theological statement about God's meticulous involvement in human history and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The preservation of such specific, seemingly minor lineages within the vast tribe of Judah testifies to God's sovereign hand guiding the course of generations. It affirms that every individual, even those briefly mentioned, plays a part in God's unfolding plan, demonstrating that God's purposes are woven into the very fabric of human families and their histories. This verse contributes to the overarching biblical narrative of God's patient and precise work to bring about His redemptive design, ensuring the right lineage is preserved for the ultimate fulfillment of His promises, particularly the Messianic one.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy of Judah's Scepter")
* [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")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane nature of 1 Chronicles 2:31 invites us to look beyond the surface and discover profound truths about God's character and our place in His story. This verse reminds us that God is a God of intricate details, meticulously preserving records and orchestrating lives, even those that seem insignificant or forgotten to human eyes. Just as Appaim, Ishi, Sheshan, and Ahlai were integral links in a divinely purposed chain, so too are our lives, our families, and our contributions part of God's larger, eternal plan. We are called to recognize that our individual stories are not isolated but are interwoven into the grand narrative of God's redemptive work in the world. This should inspire both humility and profound confidence: humility that we are but small parts of a vast, divine design, and confidence that our lives, however ordinary they may seem, are known, valued, and purposed by a faithful God who oversees every detail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:31, challenge your perception of God's attention to detail in your own life and circumstances?**
* **In what ways can recognizing your place within God's larger story, as these individuals were part of Israel's, bring you a deeper sense of purpose or belonging?**
* **What "seemingly insignificant" details or moments in your life might God be using to fulfill a greater, perhaps unseen, purpose, similar to how these names contribute to the Messianic lineage?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:31, so detailed and seemingly repetitive?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies, though often appearing as mere lists of names, serve several crucial purposes, especially for the post-exilic community for whom 1 Chronicles was written. These detailed records were vital for re-establishing their identity, confirming legitimate claims to ancestral lands, validating priestly and Levitical roles, and, most importantly, authenticating the lineage of the Davidic monarchy. They provided a tangible link to their past, demonstrating God's covenant faithfulness across generations. The repetition underscores the continuity and legitimacy of the lines, ensuring that the promised Messianic lineage, particularly through Judah, remained unbroken and verifiable. They are not just historical documents but profound theological statements about God's meticulous oversight of history and His unwavering commitment to His promises, culminating in the [genealogy of Jesus Christ](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 2:31 presents a seemingly obscure lineage, its ultimate significance is found in its profound contribution to the Christ-centered narrative of Scripture. This verse, detailing a specific line within the tribe of Judah, is a vital, albeit small, piece of the grand genealogical puzzle that ultimately points to Jesus Christ. God's meticulous preservation of these names—Appaim, Ishi, Sheshan, Ahlai—underscores His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the promise that the Messiah would come from the lineage of Judah and David. Every name, every generation, served as a divinely orchestrated step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, ensuring the integrity of the line that would eventually produce the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The painstaking detail in Chronicles authenticates the historical reality of Jesus's human ancestry, fulfilling the prophecies that He would be the [Son of David](/matthew/22-42 "Matthew 22:42 - Jesus, Son of David") and the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who has triumphed ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")). Thus, this seemingly minor verse is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in bringing forth His Anointed One, the very [Savior of the world](/john/4-42 "John 4:42 - Jesus, Savior of the World"), precisely as He promised across millennia.

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

1 Chronicles 2:34

Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. And Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name [was] Jarha.

1 Chronicles 2:35

And Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant to wife; and she bare him Attai.