1 Chronicles 2:46

KJV

And Ephah, Caleb's concubine, bare Haran, and Moza, and Gazez: and Haran begat Gazez.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ephah {H5891}, Caleb's {H3612} concubine {H6370}, bare {H3205} Haran {H2771}, and Moza {H4162}, and Gazez {H1495}: and Haran {H2771} begat {H3205} Gazez {H1495}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Eifah, Kalev's concubine, bore Haran, Motza and Gazez; and Haran fathered Gazez.

Berean Standard Bible

Caleb’s concubine Ephah was the mother of Haran, Moza, and Gazez. Haran was the father of Gazez.

American Standard Version

And Ephah, Caleb’s concubine, bare Haran, and Moza, and Gazez; and Haran begat Gazez.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The verse 1 Chronicles 2:46 meticulously details a segment of the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Judah, specifically focusing on the descendants of Caleb, son of Hezron. It records Ephah, identified as Caleb's concubine, and her three sons: Haran, Moza, and Gazez. The subsequent clarification, "and Haran begat Gazez," serves to precisely delineate the lineage, indicating that this second Gazez is not a direct son of Ephah but rather a grandson through Haran, thereby affirming the direct line of descent from Ephah and Caleb through Haran.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which are almost entirely dedicated to comprehensive genealogical lists. These lists serve as a foundational historical and theological record for post-exilic Israel, re-establishing tribal identity, land inheritance rights, and, most significantly, tracing the lineage that would culminate in King David and ultimately the Messiah. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 2](/1_chronicles/2 "1 Chronicles 2 - The Descendants of Judah") focuses on the descendants of Judah, the royal tribe. Verse 46 follows earlier mentions of Caleb's other wives and children, such as Azubah and Jerioth in [1 Chronicles 2:18](/1_chronicles/2-18 "1 Chronicles 2:18 - Caleb's Wives and Children"), demonstrating the chronicler's intent to provide a complete accounting of Caleb's extensive progeny.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, concubines (Hebrew: _pilegesh_) were recognized as secondary wives, a common practice in the patriarchal period. While their status might have differed from primary wives, their children were fully legitimate and held rights to inheritance, though sometimes distinct from those of the primary wife's offspring. Caleb himself was a towering figure in Israel's history, renowned for his unwavering faith and courage during the wilderness wanderings and the conquest of Canaan, as highlighted in [Numbers 13:30](/numbers/13-30 "Numbers 13:30 - Caleb's Faith"). The meticulous recording of all his descendants, including those from concubines, underscores the importance of preserving the tribal integrity and the fulfillment of God's promises related to land and lineage.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of this verse within the broader genealogical framework highlights several key themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **Meticulous Record-Keeping**, demonstrating the chronicler's commitment to preserving a precise and exhaustive account of Israel's lineage, leaving no legitimate descendant unmentioned. Secondly, it illustrates the **Inclusion of All Descendants** within the tribal structure, affirming that children born to concubines were fully integrated into the family and tribal identity, reflecting the societal norms and legal recognition of such relationships. Finally, the specific clarification "Haran begat Gazez" underscores the theme of **Clarity of Lineage**, ensuring that the reader understands the exact familial relationships and the precise flow of descent, which was crucial for establishing inheritance rights and validating tribal claims within the context of the broader genealogies of [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies from Adam to the Return from Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ephah (Hebrew, _ʾêp̄āh_):** This is the name of Caleb's concubine. While the name itself means "darkness" or "gloom," in this context, it simply functions as a proper noun identifying a specific individual. Her inclusion, despite being a concubine, highlights the comprehensive nature of the biblical genealogies, which sought to record all legitimate lines of descent for tribal and historical purposes.
* **Concubine (Hebrew, _pîlegeš_):** This term refers to a secondary wife, often of lower social standing than a primary wife, but whose children were considered legitimate heirs. Unlike a mere mistress, a concubine had a recognized status within the household and family structure. Her children were part of the family and tribe, eligible for inheritance, though sometimes with lesser portions or different rights than those of the primary wife's children. This practice was common in the ancient Near East and is seen throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Genesis 22:24](/genesis/22-24 "Genesis 22:24 - Reumah, Nahor's Concubine"), [Genesis 36:12](/genesis/36-12 "Genesis 36:12 - Timna, Eliphaz's Concubine")).
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yālad_):** The verb "begat" (or "bare" for females) is a fundamental term in biblical genealogies, indicating direct lineal descent. Its repetition in "Haran begat Gazez" is crucial for clarifying the relationship. In Hebrew genealogical lists, it was not uncommon for a grandson to be listed immediately after a grandfather, or for lines to be condensed. The explicit "Haran begat Gazez" resolves any ambiguity, clearly stating that Gazez is Haran's son, and thus Caleb's grandson, rather than another direct son of Ephah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ephah, Caleb's concubine, bare Haran, and Moza, and Gazez:"** This clause introduces Ephah, identifying her marital status as a concubine of Caleb, the prominent figure from the tribe of Judah. It then lists her direct offspring: Haran, Moza, and Gazez. This establishes the initial generation of children born to Ephah, all of whom are recognized as legitimate descendants of Caleb. The inclusion of these names, otherwise unknown outside this genealogical context, underscores the meticulous detail with which the chronicler preserved the tribal records.
* **"and Haran begat Gazez."** This second clause provides a vital clarification. Without it, the reader might assume that the second "Gazez" is merely a repetition or another direct son of Ephah. By explicitly stating that "Haran begat Gazez," the text clarifies that this Gazez is the son of Haran, who was Ephah's son. This makes the second Gazez a grandson of Ephah (and Caleb), ensuring precision in the lineage and demonstrating a common, albeit sometimes confusing, feature of ancient genealogies where later generations might be listed in close proximity to earlier ones for completeness.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:46, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a structured literary form designed to establish identity, inheritance, and historical continuity for the post-exilic community. The chronicler employs **Conciseness**, typical of such lists, presenting a significant amount of information in a compact form. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Repetition with Clarification** through the dual mention of "Gazez" followed by "Haran begat Gazez." This specific construction serves to prevent ambiguity, ensuring the reader correctly understands the generational relationship and the precise flow of descent within Caleb's extended family. This reflects the chronicler's careful attention to detail and accuracy in preserving the sacred history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While seemingly a simple list of names, 1 Chronicles 2:46 carries profound theological weight by contributing to the overarching narrative of God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and their lineage. The meticulous recording of every legitimate descendant, including those from concubines, underscores God's comprehensive attention to detail in His divine plan. It highlights that no individual or family line, however seemingly minor, is overlooked in the grand tapestry of salvation history. These genealogies served as the bedrock for understanding tribal identity, land distribution, and, most importantly, the preservation of the messianic line, affirming God's unwavering commitment to His promises, even through complex human family structures.

* [Genesis 46:8-27](/genesis/46-8 "Genesis 46:8-27 - The Sons of Israel Who Came to Egypt")
* [Numbers 1:1-46](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1-46 - The Census of Israel")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
At first glance, a verse like 1 Chronicles 2:46 might appear to be merely an obscure historical record, far removed from daily life. However, its inclusion in the inspired Word of God invites us to consider its deeper significance. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, who cares about the individual lives and family histories of His people. Every name, every relationship, every lineage, no matter how seemingly insignificant to us, is part of His grand design. This verse subtly teaches us the value of every person within God's economy, regardless of their societal status or the circumstances of their birth. Just as God preserved these ancient lines for His purposes, He orchestrates our lives and places us within His story. It encourages us to trust that even in the seemingly mundane or complex aspects of our own lives, God is at work, weaving together a narrative that ultimately points to His glory and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, even in seemingly minor verses like this, speak to God's character and His involvement in human history?**
* **What can we learn about God's view of every individual, regardless of their social standing (e.g., concubine's children), from their inclusion in these sacred records?**
* **In what ways does understanding the purpose of these ancient genealogies (e.g., preserving the messianic line) deepen your appreciation for God's long-term faithfulness?**

### FAQ

**Why are concubines and their children included in biblical genealogies?**

Answer: Concubines were recognized secondary wives in ancient Israelite society, and their children were considered legitimate members of the family and tribe. Their inclusion in biblical genealogies, such as Ephah's children in [1 Chronicles 2:46](/1_chronicles/2-46 "1 Chronicles 2:46 - Caleb's Concubine Ephah"), was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensured a comprehensive and accurate record of all legitimate descendants, which was vital for establishing tribal identity, land inheritance rights, and maintaining the integrity of family lines. Secondly, it reflects the social and legal realities of the time, where children born to concubines held recognized status and rights, distinguishing them from illegitimate offspring. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the chronicler's commitment to completeness in preserving the history of God's people.

**What is the significance of the repetition "Haran begat Gazez" in this verse?**

Answer: The repetition "Haran begat Gazez" is a crucial clarification within the genealogical record. In ancient Hebrew genealogies, it was common for lists to sometimes condense generations or for a grandson to be listed immediately after a grandfather, potentially causing confusion. By explicitly stating "Haran begat Gazez," the text clarifies that the second "Gazez" mentioned is not another direct son of Ephah, but rather the son of Haran (who was Ephah's son). This means Gazez is Caleb's grandson through Haran. This precision ensures that the lineage is accurately understood, preventing ambiguity and maintaining the integrity of the family tree for tribal and inheritance purposes, as seen in other precise genealogical records like those found in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah").

**How do these seemingly "dry" genealogical lists contribute to the overall message of the Bible?**

Answer: While genealogical lists like 1 Chronicles 2:46 might seem dry, they are foundational to the Bible's overarching message of God's faithfulness and His redemptive plan. They serve multiple vital purposes: they establish tribal identity and land claims for the Israelites; they demonstrate God's meticulous attention to detail in preserving His people; and most importantly, they meticulously trace the lineage through which God's covenant promises would be fulfilled, especially the promise of a Messiah. These detailed records provide the historical bedrock for the coming of Jesus Christ, ensuring that He was indeed born into the prophesied line of David and Abraham, as affirmed in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). They affirm God's unwavering commitment to His long-term purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though 1 Chronicles 2:46 appears as a small detail within a lengthy genealogy, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in its contribution to the grand narrative of God's unwavering commitment to preserve a chosen lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold. Every name, every connection, however obscure, serves as a thread in the tapestry leading to the promised "seed" who would crush the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). The meticulous recording of Caleb's descendants, including those through a concubine, underscores God's sovereign hand working through the complexities of human family structures to ensure the continuity of His people. This precision foreshadows the certainty of Christ's coming, demonstrating that His lineage was not left to chance but was divinely orchestrated, fulfilling the prophecies of His birth into the tribe of Judah and the house of David ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). The inclusion of all legitimate descendants, regardless of their mother's status, subtly prefigures Christ's radical inclusion, as He came not just for the "primary" or "privileged" but for all humanity, breaking down barriers and welcoming all who believe into His family ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). Thus, even in these ancient lists, we glimpse the foundational work of God preparing the way for the ultimate Son, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills every promise and brings all of God's people into His eternal family.

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 2:48

Maachah, Caleb's concubine, bare Sheber, and Tirhanah.

1 Chronicles 2:18

¶ And Caleb the son of Hezron begat [children] of Azubah [his] wife, and of Jerioth: her sons [are] these; Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon.

1 Chronicles 2:19

And when Azubah was dead, Caleb took unto him Ephrath, which bare him Hur.