1 Chronicles 2:33

KJV

And the sons of Jonathan; Peleth, and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Jonathan {H3129}; Peleth {H6431}, and Zaza {H2117}. These were the sons {H1121} of Jerahmeel {H3396}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Yonatan: Pelet and Zaza. These were the descendants of Yerachme'el.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Jonathan: Peleth and Zaza. These were the descendants of Jerahmeel.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Jonathan: Peleth, and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:33 is a succinct genealogical entry within the extensive tribal records of Judah, meticulously detailing two sons, Peleth and Zaza, born to Jonathan, who himself is identified as a descendant of Jerahmeel. This verse, though brief, serves as a vital link in the intricate network of lineages that the Chronicler presents, underscoring the importance of family identity and historical continuity for the post-exilic Israelite community while subtly contributing to the larger narrative of God's faithful preservation of His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 2 initiates a lengthy and detailed genealogical section that dominates the first nine chapters of the book. Specifically, chapter 2 focuses on the descendants of Judah, the royal tribe from which King David would emerge. The chapter begins with a broad overview of Israel's sons before narrowing its focus to Judah's lineage, particularly through Hezron, Judah's grandson. Jerahmeel, mentioned in [1 Chronicles 2:9](/1_chronicles/2-9 "1 Chronicles 2:9 - Jerahmeel, Son of Hezron"), is one of Hezron's prominent sons, and the preceding verses (2:25-32) are dedicated to tracing the numerous branches and sub-branches of Jerahmeel's extensive family. Thus, 1 Chronicles 2:33 fits precisely into this detailed enumeration, providing specific names within the larger Jerahmeelite clan, thereby maintaining the meticulous record of tribal identity and familial connections.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed during the post-exilic period, possibly in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. For the returning exiles, genealogies were not mere historical curiosities but critical documents for re-establishing their identity, claiming ancestral land, determining tribal affiliations, and verifying eligibility for priestly or Levitical service. The meticulous recording of names like Peleth and Zaza, even if their individual stories are not elaborated, underscores the cultural emphasis on lineage as the foundation for social, religious, and economic life. These records provided a vital link to the pre-exilic past, affirming the continuity of God's covenant people despite the disruption of exile, and reinforcing the sense of belonging and heritage.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the broader genealogical record of [1 Chronicles 2](/1_chronicles/2 "1 Chronicles 2 - The Descendants of Judah"), highlights several significant themes. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Importance of Genealogy**, serving as a foundational pillar for Israelite identity, land inheritance, and the preservation of the covenantal promises, particularly those related to the messianic line stemming from Judah. Secondly, it subtly points to **God's Meticulous Oversight**, suggesting that even the seemingly mundane details of individual lives and family lines are part of a divine plan unfolding through generations, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His people. Lastly, the continuity of these records, even for less prominent individuals, reinforces the theme of **Identity and Belonging**, providing the post-exilic community with a tangible connection to their heritage and a sense of their place within God's ongoing story, as seen in the broader context of [the Chronicler's work](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam to Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jonathan (יְהוֹנָתָן, _Yehonatan'_):** Meaning "The Lord has given" or "Gift of the Lord." This name, common in ancient Israel, often reflects a parent's gratitude for a child or a recognition of divine providence in their birth. While the specific Jonathan here is not the famous son of Saul, the name itself carries a theological weight, subtly acknowledging God's hand in the continuation of the family line, even within a seemingly dry genealogical list.
* **Peleth (פֶּלֶת, _Peleth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "deliverance" or "escape." The name's etymology suggests a background of divine rescue or preservation, though the specific circumstances for this individual remain unstated. In the broader context of the genealogies, the very existence and recording of such names, even after periods of national upheaval like the exile, can be seen as a testament to God's ongoing deliverance of His people.
* **Jerahmeel (יְרַחְמְאֵל, _Yĕraḥmĕ’ēl'_):** Meaning "May God have compassion" or "God shows compassion." This significant name, belonging to a prominent ancestor in this lineage, serves as a theological anchor. It reminds the reader that the entire existence and preservation of this family line, and indeed the nation of Israel, is ultimately rooted in God's enduring mercy and compassion, a theme central to the Chronicler's message of hope and restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Jonathan;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the familial relationship, identifying Jonathan as the father of the individuals about to be named. It continues the pattern of tracing lineage through patrilineal descent, which is characteristic of Israelite genealogies, ensuring clarity of relationship within the broader Jerahmeelite clan.
* **"Peleth, and Zaza.":** These are the specific names of Jonathan's two sons. The inclusion of these distinct names, even without further narrative, signifies their individual existence and their integral place within the family tree. Their presence validates the completeness of the genealogical record and confirms their contribution to the continuity of the lineage.
* **"These were the sons of Jerahmeel.":** This concluding statement serves as a crucial clarifying and summarizing phrase. It explicitly links Jonathan and his sons back to the larger, more prominent Jerahmeelite family, reinforcing their tribal identity and ensuring that their place within the extensive lineage of Judah is firmly established. It acts as a final confirmation of their ancestral connection within the broader genealogical framework.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:33, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** (or list). This is not merely a historical record but a purposeful theological and social construct. Its function here is multifaceted: to establish tribal identity and land rights for the post-exilic community, to demonstrate the continuity of God's covenant people, and to meticulously trace the lineage leading to the Davidic monarchy. The **Conciseness** of the entry for Peleth and Zaza highlights that their primary significance lies in their existence as links in a chain, rather than as individuals with detailed narratives. The **Repetition** of phrases like "the sons of" or "descendants of" throughout the genealogies serves to reinforce the hierarchical structure of family relationships and to ensure clarity in tracing the intricate branches of the family tree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 2:33 might appear to be a mere list of names, its inclusion within the sacred text speaks volumes about God's meticulous nature and His unwavering commitment to His covenant purposes. The very act of recording these individuals, even without narrative, underscores the divine value placed on every life and every link in the chain of human history. It reminds us that God's grand plan unfolds not just through prominent figures and dramatic events, but also through the quiet, consistent faithfulness of generations, often through individuals whose lives remain largely unrecorded in the broader historical narrative. This deep attention to detail reflects a God who is intimately involved in the fabric of human existence, preserving His people and working out His will across centuries.

* [Ezra 2:59](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59 - Genealogy of Returning Exiles")
* [Nehemiah 7:64](/nehemiah/7-64 "Nehemiah 7:64 - Genealogy and Priesthood")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values only the prominent, the powerful, or the narratively compelling, 1 Chronicles 2:33 quietly asserts the significance of every individual within God's vast and intricate plan. It challenges us to consider that even the seemingly "insignificant" details of our lives, our heritage, and our place in the family of God are known and valued by Him. Just as Peleth and Zaza were important enough to be recorded, so too are our lives, our contributions, and our very existence meaningful in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive history. This verse encourages us to embrace our own spiritual lineage, recognizing that we are part of a continuous story of God's faithfulness across generations, a story that extends from ancient Israel to the global church today. It invites us to find our identity not merely in personal accomplishments but in our connection to God's people and His enduring purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of names like Peleth and Zaza challenge our modern tendency to focus only on "famous" or "successful" individuals?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to be a part of God's ongoing spiritual "genealogy" through Christ?**
* **In what ways can you identify God's faithfulness and meticulous care in your own family's history or your spiritual journey, even in seemingly small details?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so detailed and seemingly repetitive in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The detailed genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 2:33, served crucial practical and theological purposes for the post-exilic community in Judah. Practically, they were vital for re-establishing tribal identities, confirming land claims, and verifying eligibility for priestly and Levitical service after the return from Babylonian exile. Theologically, they underscored God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people despite national catastrophe. By meticulously tracing these lines, the Chronicler affirmed the continuity of God's promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, and provided a sense of belonging and heritage to a people rebuilding their lives and nation. They also served to demonstrate the precise lineage through which God's redemptive plan, culminating in the Messiah, would unfold, reassuring the community of God's unwavering purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogies found in 1 Chronicles, including the seemingly minor entry of 1 Chronicles 2:33, ultimately find their profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Chronicler's painstaking effort to trace the lineage of Judah, the royal tribe, serves as a vital historical and theological precursor to the New Testament's presentation of Jesus as the promised Messiah. While Peleth and Zaza are minor figures, their inclusion contributes to the unbroken chain of descent that eventually leads to the birth of Christ, as recorded in the Gospels. [Matthew's genealogy](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") begins by declaring Jesus as "the son of David, the son of Abraham," directly connecting Him to the very lineages so carefully preserved in books like Chronicles. Similarly, [Luke's genealogy](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus") traces Jesus' ancestry all the way back to Adam, emphasizing His universal redemptive scope while still affirming His connection to the covenant people. The fact that God meticulously oversaw the preservation of these family lines, even through periods of exile and obscurity, testifies to His sovereign plan to bring forth the [Savior of the world](/john/4-42 "John 4:42 - Jesus, the Savior of the World"). Thus, 1 Chronicles 2:33, a small piece of a vast genealogical puzzle, subtly points to the divine precision with which God prepared the way for the ultimate fulfillment of all His promises in the [incarnate Son, Jesus Christ](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh").

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.