1 Chronicles 2:41

KJV

And Shallum begat Jekamiah, and Jekamiah begat Elishama.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shallum {H7967} begat {H3205} Jekamiah {H3359}, and Jekamiah {H3359} begat {H3205} Elishama {H476}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shalum fathered Y'kamyah and Y'kamyah fathered Elishama.

Berean Standard Bible

Shallum was the father of Jekamiah, and Jekamiah was the father of Elishama.

American Standard Version

and Shallum begat Jekamiah, and Jekamiah begat Elishama.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:41, "And Shallum begat Jekamiah, and Jekamiah begat Elishama," is a concise yet significant verse within the extensive genealogical records of the book of 1 Chronicles. It meticulously traces a specific segment of the lineage within the tribe of Judah, serving as a vital link in the historical and theological chain that underscores divine faithfulness in preserving the covenant people and preparing the way for the promised Messiah. Far from a mere list of names, this verse contributes to the foundational narrative of Israel's identity, land claims, and the legitimacy of its leadership, reflecting God's sovereign oversight of history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles opens with a sweeping and detailed genealogical record, spanning from Adam through various key figures and tribes, with a pronounced emphasis on the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David, as well as the tribe of Levi due to their priestly role. Chapter 2 specifically delves into the descendants of Judah, meticulously tracing the family lines that would eventually lead to the royal house. Verses like 1 Chronicles 2:41 are not isolated but are integral components of this larger genealogical tapestry. They serve to establish continuity, validate tribal affiliations, and secure land inheritances, providing a crucial historical framework for the post-exilic community. This verse, therefore, functions as a precise link in a long chain, connecting generations and reinforcing the narrative flow of Judah's descendants.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The genealogies in 1 Chronicles were compiled and preserved primarily for the post-exilic community returning to Judah after the Babylonian captivity. This period was marked by a profound need for identity re-establishment, land re-allocation, and the re-validation of priestly and royal successions. In ancient Israelite society, one's lineage was paramount, determining social status, inheritance rights, and even eligibility for religious and civic roles. Genealogies were not merely historical curiosities but living documents that affirmed tribal membership, justified claims to ancestral lands, and authenticated the legitimacy of leadership, particularly the Davidic monarchy and the Aaronic priesthood. The meticulous detail, even for seemingly minor figures like Shallum, Jekamiah, and Elishama, reflects the cultural imperative to maintain clear records of descent for the continuity and proper functioning of the community.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous record-keeping of family lines, exemplified by this verse, highlights **Genealogical Precision**, which was essential for Israelite identity, land inheritance, and the establishment of legitimate leadership. This precision underscores the profound importance of heritage in biblical thought and divine economy. Furthermore, the verse contributes to the theme of **Historical Continuity**, emphasizing the unbroken thread of God's people through many generations, illustrating a consistent divine plan unfolding over vast stretches of time, despite periods of national upheaval and exile. Finally, the very preservation of these detailed records, even through the cataclysmic events of the Babylonian exile, subtly but powerfully points to **Divine Faithfulness**. It highlights God's sovereign hand in history, ensuring that His covenant promises would be maintained and that the lineage through which the Messiah would come (as seen in [Matthew's genealogy](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus")) would be preserved. This enduring faithfulness is a cornerstone of biblical theology, reminding us that God's plans transcend human circumstances, as echoed in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yalad'_):** The Hebrew verb יָלַד (_yalad_) is a fundamental term in biblical genealogies, meaning "to give birth to," "to bear," or "to beget." In this context, it specifically denotes patrilineal descent, indicating that Shallum was the father of Jekamiah, and Jekamiah was the father of Elishama. While seemingly simple, the consistent use of this term across countless verses in genealogical lists underscores the biological and legal continuity of family lines. It is the linguistic bedrock upon which the entire genealogical framework of Israel is built, ensuring accuracy in tracing lineage for purposes of inheritance, tribal identity, and ultimately, the Messianic promise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Shallum begat Jekamiah":** This clause establishes the first generational link, identifying Shallum as the father of Jekamiah. Shallum, whose name means "retribution" or "recompense," is a figure whose significance is primarily defined by his role in this specific lineage. His existence and fatherhood are recorded as part of the continuous chain of the tribe of Judah, emphasizing the unbroken succession of generations within God's chosen people.
* **"and Jekamiah begat Elishama":** This second clause continues the lineage, indicating that Jekamiah, whose name means "Yahweh raises up" or "Yahweh establishes," was the father of Elishama. Elishama, meaning "God has heard," represents the next link in this particular branch of Judah's descendants. The repetition of the "begat" construction highlights the direct, successive nature of these relationships, reinforcing the meticulous record-keeping that characterizes the Chronicler's work and its importance for the historical and theological purposes of the book.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:41, and indeed throughout the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form that serves multiple purposes. It establishes historical continuity, validates claims to land and status, and provides a framework for understanding the unfolding of God's covenant promises. The repetitive structure, particularly the consistent use of "begat," functions as a form of **Repetition**, which reinforces the direct line of descent and the meticulous nature of the record. While seemingly dry, this repetition creates a rhythmic cadence that emphasizes the unbroken chain of generations. The very act of recording these names, even obscure ones, also subtly employs **Symbolism**, where each name represents a thread in the larger tapestry of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, ensuring the preservation of the lineage that would eventually lead to the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Although 1 Chronicles 2:41 appears to be a simple record of names, its theological significance is profound. It speaks to God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign control over history, ensuring the preservation of specific family lines for His redemptive purposes. The inclusion of such seemingly obscure individuals underscores that every person, even those briefly mentioned, has a place within God's grand narrative. This verse, like all genealogies, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham and David, by preserving the lineage through which His ultimate plan of salvation would unfold. It reminds us that God works through generations, patiently bringing His purposes to fruition.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant") - God's promise to Abraham to make him a great nation, from whom all families of the earth would be blessed, is foundational to the importance of these genealogies.
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2-samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant") - The promise of an enduring dynasty to David highlights the necessity of meticulously tracing his lineage, of which Shallum, Jekamiah, and Elishama are a part.
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus") - This New Testament genealogy, tracing Jesus's lineage back to Adam, demonstrates the ultimate purpose and fulfillment of the Old Testament genealogical records.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often prioritizes immediate gratification and fleeting trends, 1 Chronicles 2:41 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of God's plans and His patient work through generations. It encourages us to consider our own place within the larger story of God's people, recognizing that our lives, though seemingly small, contribute to His grand design. This verse invites us to appreciate the spiritual heritage passed down through the ages, acknowledging the faithfulness of those who have gone before us and the legacy they have left. It challenges us to live in a way that honors this heritage, contributing to the spiritual well-being of future generations, just as Shallum, Jekamiah, and Elishama played their part in the unfolding of God's historical narrative. Ultimately, it fosters a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He meticulously oversees even the most minute details of human history to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:41, shape your understanding of God's character and His involvement in human history?**
* **In what ways can recognizing your own spiritual heritage (or lack thereof) motivate you to live faithfully for future generations?**
* **How might a seemingly "insignificant" detail in your life contribute to a larger, divine purpose that you cannot yet fully perceive?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:41, so prevalent and detailed in the Bible, especially in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: These genealogies are far from mere historical curiosities; they served crucial theological, social, and legal purposes for the ancient Israelite community, particularly for those returning from exile. The detailed record-keeping in books like 1 Chronicles was essential for re-establishing tribal identities, validating claims to ancestral land inheritances, and confirming the legitimacy of priestly and royal successions. For the post-exilic community, knowing one's lineage was foundational to rebuilding society and ensuring adherence to the Mosaic Law regarding land and leadership. Theologically, these genealogies underscore God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and the specific lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, thereby demonstrating His sovereign control over history and His commitment to His promises. The meticulous nature of these records also bolsters the historical reliability of the biblical narrative, providing a verifiable framework for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, as seen in the genealogies of Jesus in the New Testament, such as [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 2:41, with its simple record of "Shallum begat Jekamiah, and Jekamiah begat Elishama," might seem distant from the New Testament, it finds its ultimate significance and fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The entire meticulous genealogical project of 1 Chronicles, particularly its focus on the tribe of Judah and the Davidic line, serves as a foundational testament to the historical and biological preparation for the Messiah. These seemingly dry lists of names are the very threads in the tapestry of human history that God sovereignly wove to ensure the arrival of His Son. Jesus's claims to Messiahship were rooted in His lineage, fulfilling the ancient promises made to Abraham that through his seed all nations would be blessed ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - The Blessing of Abraham")) and to David that his throne would be established forever ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2-samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The genealogies presented in the Gospels, such as [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus from Abraham") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus from Adam"), directly connect Jesus to these Old Testament lineages, validating His identity as the promised Son of David and the Son of God. Thus, every "begat" in 1 Chronicles, including this verse, points forward to the ultimate "begotten" Son, Jesus Christ, through whom God's redemptive plan for humanity is finally and perfectly realized, as 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.