1 Chronicles 2:47

KJV

And the sons of Jahdai; Regem, and Jotham, and Geshan, and Pelet, and Ephah, and Shaaph.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Jahdai {H3056}; Regem {H7276}, and Jotham {H3147}, and Geshan {H1529}, and Pelet {H6404}, and Ephah {H5891}, and Shaaph {H8174}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Yahdai: Regem, Yotam, Geshan, Pelet, 'Eifah and Sha'af.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Jahdai: Regem, and Jothan, and Geshan, and Pelet, and Ephah, and Shaaph.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:47 presents a concise yet significant entry within the extensive genealogical records of Judah, listing six sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph. This verse, though seemingly a simple enumeration of names, contributes to the Chronicler's meticulous preservation of Israel's tribal identities and underscores God's comprehensive knowledge and valuing of every individual within His covenant plan, reinforcing the continuity of His promises across generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 2:47 is embedded within the lengthy and detailed genealogies that commence the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically within the lineage of Judah, which spans from [1 Chronicles 2:3](/1-chronicles/2-3 "1 Chronicles 2:3 - Descendants of Judah") through [1 Chronicles 4:23](/1-chronicles/4-23 "1 Chronicles 4:23 - Further Descendants of Judah"). This section is the most extensive genealogical record in the book, highlighting Judah's prominence as the royal tribe from which David and the Messiah would descend. The verse follows a series of intricate family lines, often noting intermarriages or specific family branches, such as those of Caleb and Hur, and their contributions to the nation's development. The Chronicler's deliberate inclusion of such granular detail, even for seemingly minor figures like Jahdai and his sons, emphasizes the meticulous preservation of identity and heritage for the post-exilic community, connecting them directly to their ancestral roots and the foundational covenants of Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period (late 5th or early 4th century BCE), a time when the returned exiles were rebuilding their lives, their temple, and their national identity in Judah. Genealogies were critically important in ancient Israelite society, serving as legal documents for land claims, tribal affiliation, eligibility for priestly service, and establishing the legitimacy of leadership, particularly the Davidic monarchy. The meticulous tracing of lineages, even for those who did not achieve fame, provided a vital sense of continuity and belonging for a people who had experienced displacement and cultural disruption. It reaffirmed their covenant relationship with God and their place within the unbroken historical narrative of God's chosen people, ensuring that the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David remained relevant and tangible.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader genealogical record, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Memory and Meticulousness**, demonstrating God's comprehensive knowledge and valuing of every individual within His plan, no matter how seemingly obscure. The inclusion of these names underscores that no one is forgotten by God, reinforcing His faithfulness to His covenant people, as seen in [Psalm 105:8](/psalm/105-8 "Psalm 105:8 - God Remembers His Covenant"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Continuity and Identity**, providing a tangible link for the post-exilic community to their rich heritage and reaffirming their place within the unbroken line of God's chosen nation. This continuity was crucial for rebuilding and maintaining a distinct Israelite identity. Thirdly, the preservation of these family lines, especially the Judahite lineage, powerfully testifies to **God's Enduring Faithfulness to His Covenants**, particularly the Davidic covenant. The meticulous record-keeping ensures the integrity of the line through which the Messiah would ultimately come, a lineage explicitly traced in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jahdai (Hebrew, _Yaḥday_):** The name Jahdai, meaning "united" or "my unity," serves as the father's name in this verse. While the specific significance of this particular Jahdai is not elaborated in the text, the meaning of his name subtly points to the themes of unity and cohesion within the family and tribal structure. In the context of genealogies, names often carried prophetic or descriptive significance, and "unity" could reflect a hope for the family's solidarity or its role in the broader unification of Israel.
* **Jotham (Hebrew, _Yotam_):** Meaning "the Lord is perfect" or "the Lord is upright," Jotham is one of the six sons listed. This name, more commonly known from other biblical figures (e.g., King Jotham of Judah), reflects a common practice in ancient Israel where names expressed theological affirmations or prayers. Its inclusion here, even for a non-prominent figure, reinforces the pervasive recognition of God's character and sovereignty embedded within the very fabric of Israelite identity and family naming conventions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Jahdai;":** This introductory phrase establishes the familial relationship, indicating that the names that follow are the direct male descendants of Jahdai. It places this specific family unit within the larger genealogical framework of Judah, signaling a new branch of the family tree. The conjunction "And" (Hebrew _waw_) seamlessly connects this entry to the preceding genealogical lists, maintaining the flow of the Chronicler's meticulous record.
* **"Regem, and Jotham, and Geshan, and Pelet, and Ephah, and Shaaph.":** This is a straightforward enumeration of six male individuals. The repetition of the conjunction "and" before each name emphasizes the distinct identity of each son while simultaneously binding them together as a single familial unit. In a culture where names often carried meaning, this list represents more than just labels; it signifies distinct lives, potential contributions, and the continuation of the family line, each individual a thread in the larger tapestry of Israel's history and God's unfolding plan.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:47, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy** itself, presented through meticulous **Enumeration** or **Listing**. The verse exemplifies this by simply listing names, a common feature of ancient Near Eastern historical records. This direct listing, devoid of narrative embellishment, serves to establish legitimacy, continuity, and identity, which were paramount for the post-exilic community. The repeated use of the conjunction "and" (the Hebrew _waw_ consecutive) before each name is a form of **Polysyndeton**, creating a rhythmic, almost chant-like effect that emphasizes each individual name while linking them together in an unbroken chain. This technique underscores the Chronicler's exhaustive and precise record-keeping, ensuring no link in the lineage is omitted. Furthermore, the very act of recording these names, even those of seemingly obscure figures, highlights the Chronicler's theological conviction in **Divine Memory**, where every individual, no matter how minor their recorded deeds, is known and valued by God within His grand historical and redemptive narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 2:47, like all genealogical entries, powerfully conveys the theological truth of God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. In a world where many lives go unrecorded, the divine inspiration behind these lists ensures that even seemingly minor figures are remembered and given their place within the grand narrative of salvation history. This meticulous preservation of lineage was not merely for historical accuracy but served as a tangible testament to God's commitment to maintaining a people for Himself and, crucially, to preserving the specific line through which the Messiah would ultimately come. It underscores that God's promises are not abstract but are rooted in real people, real families, and real history, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ.

* [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")
* [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - The Great Cloud of Witnesses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often measures worth by achievement, fame, or influence, 1 Chronicles 2:47 offers a profound counter-cultural message: every life, no matter how seemingly obscure or uncelebrated by human standards, is known, valued, and remembered by God. Just as Jahdai's sons are meticulously recorded, so too are the details of our lives significant in God's grand, unfolding plan. This verse invites us to find our identity not in what we do, but in whose we are—a part of God's vast, interconnected family, linked by His faithfulness across generations. It encourages us to live with the awareness that our lives, however ordinary they may seem, contribute to a divine tapestry, and that God's comprehensive knowledge of us is a source of comfort, security, and purpose. We are not forgotten; we are remembered by the One who orchestrates all history.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping of names, even seemingly obscure ones, challenge my perception of what God values?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God meticulously remembers every individual, even those whose stories are not fully told, provide comfort or challenge in my own life?**
* **How can I live with a greater awareness of my place within God's larger story, recognizing that my life, however small it may seem, contributes to His ongoing work?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so long and detailed, and what is their purpose?**

Answer: The genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 2:47, are long and detailed because they served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community in Judah. Firstly, they provided a **legal and historical basis** for land claims and tribal identity, essential for a people rebuilding after displacement. Secondly, they established **legitimacy for the priesthood and the Davidic monarchy**, ensuring that those serving in the temple and those with claims to royal lineage were authentically descended from the correct families. Thirdly, and most importantly from a theological perspective, they offered a powerful affirmation of **God's covenant faithfulness**. By meticulously tracing the lines from Adam to the returned exiles, the Chronicler demonstrated that despite exile and hardship, God had preserved His people and maintained the lineage through which His promises, particularly the messianic promise, would be fulfilled. They reminded the people of their unbroken connection to their ancestral heritage and God's enduring commitment to them, as seen in [Psalm 105:8](/psalm/105-8 "Psalm 105:8 - God Remembers His Covenant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 2:47, with its list of Jahdai's sons, appears to be a simple historical record, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment within the broader theological framework of the Bible. The meticulous preservation of these genealogies, particularly the lineage of Judah from which Jahdai's family stems, ultimately points to the faithfulness of God in preparing the way for the Messiah. Every name recorded, every generation listed, is a testament to God's sovereign hand guiding history toward the advent of His Son. The inclusion of seemingly "minor" figures underscores that God's plan is comprehensive, valuing every individual within the grand tapestry of salvation history, culminating in the [incarnation of Jesus Christ](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). He is the ultimate Son of David, the fulfillment of all the promises made to Abraham and his descendants, as affirmed in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Concerning His Son"). In Christ, the significance of every individual is truly realized, for He is the one who knows each of us by name, calling His own sheep by name and leading them out ([John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Shepherd Calls His Sheep")). Thus, these ancient lists are not merely dry historical facts but vibrant threads woven into the rich tapestry of God's redemptive narrative, culminating in the person and work 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.