1 Chronicles 2:40

KJV

And Eleasah begat Sisamai, and Sisamai begat Shallum,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Eleasah {H501} begat {H3205} Sisamai {H5581}, and Sisamai {H5581} begat {H3205} Shallum {H7967},

Complete Jewish Bible

El'asah fathered Sismai, Sismai fathered Shalum,

Berean Standard Bible

Elasah was the father of Sismai, Sismai was the father of Shallum,

American Standard Version

and Eleasah begat Sismai, and Sismai begat Shallum,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:40, "And Eleasah begat Sisamai, and Sisamai begat Shallum," is a concise entry within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, specifically tracing a line of descent from Sheshan, a descendant of Jerahmeel. This verse, though brief, serves as a vital link in the meticulous biblical account of Israel's lineage, underscoring the continuity of generations and the preservation of tribal identity, which was foundational for establishing land rights, priestly roles, and ultimately, the messianic line. It exemplifies the Chronicler's deep concern for historical accuracy and the unbroken chain of God's covenant faithfulness to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the lengthy genealogical chapters of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which meticulously trace the lineage of Israel from Adam through the various tribes, with a particular emphasis on Judah and Levi. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 2:40 falls within a detailed segment (1 Chronicles 2:34-41) that outlines the descendants of Sheshan, a member of the Jerahmeelite clan within the tribe of Judah. The preceding verses establish the broader family tree, and this verse continues to fill in the specific branches, demonstrating the Chronicler's commitment to presenting a comprehensive and unbroken record. The repetitive "begat" formula underscores the sequential nature of the generations, highlighting the continuity of the family line through Eleasah, Sisamai, and Shallum.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during or after the Babylonian exile, the book of Chronicles served a crucial purpose for the returning Jewish community. Genealogies were not merely historical curiosities but were essential for re-establishing national identity, validating claims to ancestral land, confirming tribal affiliations, and ensuring the purity of priestly and Levitical lines. In a society where identity and inheritance were tied to lineage, these records provided a foundational document. The meticulous preservation of these names, even seemingly obscure ones like Eleasah, Sisamai, and Shallum, reflects the deep cultural value placed on ancestry and the divine providence seen in the maintenance of the covenant people through successive generations, particularly the line of David.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of this verse, like all genealogical entries in Chronicles, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **Continuity and Preservation**, showcasing God's faithfulness in maintaining a people through whom His promises would be fulfilled, especially the [Davidic covenant](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - God's Promise to David"). Secondly, it highlights **Identity and Belonging**, as each name confirms an individual's place within the larger family of Israel, a critical concern for the post-exilic community seeking to re-establish itself. Thirdly, these lists subtly point to **God's Sovereignty and Meticulousness**, revealing a divine hand in the seemingly mundane details of human history, meticulously guiding the lineage that would ultimately lead to the [Messiah](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). The very existence of such detailed records, even in a small verse like [1 Chronicles 2:40](/1_chronicles/2-40 "1 Chronicles 2:40 - Eleasah, Sisamai, and Shallum"), testifies to a divine purpose unfolding through generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Begat (Hebrew, יָלַד, _yalad'_):** This verb, frequently translated as "begat," "bore," or "brought forth," is fundamental to biblical genealogies. While its primary meaning denotes physical procreation, in this context, it carries significant theological weight. It signifies the unbroken chain of generations, emphasizing not just biological succession but also the transmission of heritage, identity, and the covenantal promises from one generation to the next. The repeated use of _yalad_ throughout the genealogies underscores the continuity of God's plan and His faithfulness in preserving the chosen line, even through seemingly ordinary individuals. Each "begat" represents a link in the chain of salvation history, vital for tracing the lineage of God's people and, ultimately, the promised Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Eleasah begat Sisamai":** This clause establishes the first direct paternal link within this specific segment of the genealogy. Eleasah is identified as the father of Sisamai, indicating a direct line of descent. In the context of ancient Israelite society, this not only signifies biological parentage but also the transmission of family name, tribal affiliation, and any associated rights or responsibilities. It is a precise historical record, documenting the continuation of a specific family branch within the broader tribe of Judah.
* **"and Sisamai begat Shallum":** This second clause continues the direct lineage, identifying Sisamai as the father of Shallum. The repetition of the "begat" formula reinforces the unbroken sequence of generations. Together, these two clauses provide a concise but crucial record of three successive individuals in this particular family line. Their inclusion, though brief, affirms their place within the historical narrative of God's people and contributes to the overall meticulousness of the Chronicler's genealogical account.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:40, and indeed throughout the genealogical sections of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** itself as a literary form. This is not merely a list of names but a structured narrative device that establishes identity, validates claims, and traces historical continuity. The repetitive use of the verb "begat" (or _yalad_) functions as a form of **Repetition**, creating a rhythmic pattern that emphasizes the unbroken succession of generations. This repetition, while seemingly monotonous, serves to underscore the meticulousness of the record and the divine faithfulness in preserving the lineage. Furthermore, the **Conciseness** of each entry, reducing individuals to their role in the generational chain, highlights the collective narrative of God's people over individual biographies, yet simultaneously affirms the importance of each link in that chain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 2:40, like all such verses, carries profound theological weight. It testifies to God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving a chosen people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. The careful tracing of lineages, even through obscure individuals, demonstrates that God's covenant promises are not left to chance but are sovereignly maintained across generations. This continuity highlights the reliability of God's word and His commitment to His historical purposes, ensuring that the promised seed would indeed come forth from the designated line. The very existence of these records underscores the divine orchestration of history, culminating in the fulfillment of all promises in Christ.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5 - The Genealogy from Adam to Noah"): Demonstrates the earliest biblical genealogies, establishing a pattern of tracing human history and God's interaction with humanity through specific lines.
* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abraham and God's Covenant Promise"): Lays the foundation for the covenant with Abraham, promising a great nation and a blessing to all families of the earth through his descendants, a promise meticulously tracked through the genealogies.
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant and Eternal Kingdom"): Establishes the Davidic covenant, promising an eternal kingdom and a perpetual dynasty, making the careful tracking of Judah's lineage, as seen in 1 Chronicles, critically important for the messianic hope.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a single verse in a long genealogy might initially appear distant from contemporary life, 1 Chronicles 2:40 offers profound spiritual insights. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of human history, meticulously orchestrating events and preserving lines for His ultimate purposes. Just as Eleasah, Sisamai, and Shallum were vital links in a grand narrative, so too is every individual a part of God's ongoing story. This verse encourages us to consider our own place within the tapestry of God's redemptive work, recognizing that our lives, however seemingly ordinary, contribute to a larger divine design. It prompts us to value our spiritual heritage, understanding that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and to consider the legacy of faith we are building for future generations. Our faithfulness today contributes to the unfolding of God's kingdom, just as the faithfulness of these ancient figures ensured the continuity of the covenant line.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, even in seemingly obscure verses, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways does understanding your own heritage, whether familial or spiritual, provide context or meaning for your present life and future aspirations?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy are you intentionally building and passing on to those who will come after you?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so long and detailed in the Bible, especially in Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive and detailed genealogies in books like Chronicles served multiple crucial purposes for the ancient Israelites, particularly for the post-exilic community to whom Chronicles was primarily addressed. They were vital for re-establishing national identity and continuity after the trauma of exile, validating claims to ancestral land, confirming tribal affiliations, and ensuring the purity of priestly and Levitical lines for temple service. More profoundly, they meticulously traced the lineage of the promised Messiah, ensuring that God's covenant promises, such as those made to [Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant") and [David](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"), were being faithfully preserved and fulfilled through specific individuals and families. Every name, even seemingly minor ones like Eleasah, Sisamai, and Shallum, was a testament to God's sovereign oversight of history.

**What is the significance of a single, short verse like 1 Chronicles 2:40 within such a vast genealogical record?**

Answer: While brief, 1 Chronicles 2:40 is significant precisely because it is a single, unbroken link in a much larger, divinely orchestrated chain. Its brevity highlights the Chronicler's focus on the collective continuity of the family lines rather than individual biographies. Each "begat" verse, no matter how short, affirms the unbroken succession of generations, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving the covenant people. It underscores that every individual, even those without extensive narratives, played a vital role in the unfolding of God's plan, contributing to the historical and theological foundation upon which the entire biblical narrative rests, ultimately leading to the [arrival of the Messiah](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 2:40, like all the detailed lineages in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. These meticulous records were not merely historical curiosities but divinely preserved proofs of the Messiah's legitimate claim to the Davidic throne and His rightful place as the promised "seed" of Abraham. The unbroken chain of "begats," including Eleasah, Sisamai, and Shallum, ensured that the specific lineage through the tribe of Judah, as prophesied, would be maintained until the appointed time. Both [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke's Gospel](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") provide genealogies of Jesus that trace His descent through these very lines, validating His identity as the Son of David and the Son of Abraham, the one in whom all the promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Thus, 1 Chronicles 2:40, a tiny link in a vast chain, silently testifies to God's sovereign faithfulness in meticulously preparing the way for the incarnation of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb 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.