1 Chronicles 2:48

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Maachah {H4601}, Caleb's {H3612} concubine {H6370}, bare {H3205} Sheber {H7669}, and Tirhanah {H8647}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ma'akhah, Kalev's concubine, bore Shever and Tirchanah.

Berean Standard Bible

Caleb’s concubine Maacah was the mother of Sheber and Tirhanah.

American Standard Version

Maacah, Caleb’s concubine, bare Sheber and Tirhanah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:48, a concise entry within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, highlights Maachah, one of Caleb's concubines, and the birth of her two sons, Sheber and Tirhanah. This seemingly brief verse contributes to the meticulous chronicling of Israel's lineage, underscoring the divine preservation of family lines that were crucial for tribal identity, inheritance, and ultimately, the unfolding of God's covenantal promises, particularly through the descendants of Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the detailed genealogical lists of [1 Chronicles 2](/1_chronicles/2 "1 Chronicles 2 - The Genealogy of Judah"), which meticulously traces the lineage of Judah, the pivotal tribe from which King David and, ultimately, the Messiah would descend. The chapter commences by enumerating the sons of Israel, then progressively narrows its focus to the descendants of Judah, emphasizing the continuity and legitimacy of the chosen line. Within this broader tapestry, [1 Chronicles 2:42-55](/1_chronicles/2-42 "1 Chronicles 2:42-55 - Descendants of Caleb") specifically details the extensive family of Caleb, son of Hezron, highlighting his numerous children and their mothers, whether wives or concubines, thereby painting a comprehensive picture of his patriarchal legacy and the expansion of his clan. The inclusion of figures like Maachah and her sons, though brief, reinforces the Chronicler's commitment to a thorough and unbroken record of the foundational families of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles, likely compiled in the post-exilic period (c. 450-400 BCE), served to re-establish the identity, continuity, and hope of the returned exiles by emphasizing their unbroken connection to their ancestral past, the Davidic covenant, and the temple worship. In ancient Near Eastern societies, genealogies were not merely historical records; they were vital legal documents establishing tribal affiliation, land rights, inheritance claims, and eligibility for leadership or priestly service, as seen in [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Priestly Genealogies"). The mention of a "concubine" (Hebrew: _pilegesh_) reflects a common, legally recognized social structure in ancient Israel. A concubine was a secondary wife, often taken to bear children, particularly if a primary wife was barren or to expand a man's household. Children born to concubines, while sometimes holding a slightly different status than those of primary wives, were generally considered legitimate heirs and were integrated into the family lineage, inheriting property and contributing to the family's strength and continuity. Caleb, a figure celebrated for his unwavering faith and loyalty during the wilderness wanderings ([Numbers 13:30](/numbers/13-30 "Numbers 13:30 - Caleb's Faith")), was a significant patriarch whose extensive family would have contributed to the strength and influence of the tribe of Judah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores **Genealogical Precision**, reflecting the Chronicler's meticulous commitment to recording every detail of Israel's lineage. This precision was crucial for establishing tribal identity, land ownership, and the legitimacy of the Davidic monarchy, reinforcing the divine order and continuity of God's people. Secondly, it contributes to the theme of **Caleb's Enduring Legacy**, illustrating the breadth and depth of his family, which continued to expand and contribute to the strength of Judah. This highlights his significance as a patriarch whose faithfulness was rewarded with a thriving posterity. Finally, the inclusion of children born to a concubine demonstrates a subtle theme of **Inclusivity within God's Plan**, showing that God's overarching purposes unfold through diverse family structures and that every individual, regardless of their mother's status, plays a part in the unfolding divine narrative. This echoes the broader biblical pattern of God working through unexpected or unconventional means to achieve His redemptive goals, as seen in the [genealogy of Jesus Christ](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Maachah (Hebrew, _Ma‘akah'_):** This is a personal name, not uncommon in the Old Testament, often associated with a region or people, but here specifically identifying a woman. The name itself doesn't carry a specific theological meaning in this context but serves to precisely identify Caleb's concubine, distinguishing her from other women in his household or other Maachahs mentioned in Scripture. Her inclusion, alongside her sons, emphasizes the Chronicler's commitment to a comprehensive record of Caleb's descendants.
* **Concubine (Hebrew, _pîlegeš'_):** This term denotes a secondary wife, distinct from a primary wife but holding a recognized legal and social status within the household. Unlike a mere servant or slave, a _pilegesh_ was typically taken with the intention of bearing children, who were considered legitimate heirs and members of the family, often with rights to inheritance, though sometimes secondary to those of children from a primary wife. The mention here highlights the ancient Israelite social structure and the importance of all legitimate offspring in maintaining family lines and property rights.
* **Bare (Hebrew, _yālad'_):** The verb "bare" (from _yalad_) signifies giving birth or begetting. Its use here is straightforward, indicating Maachah's role in continuing Caleb's lineage. In genealogical contexts, this verb is fundamental, emphasizing the continuity of generations and the fulfillment of the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply," which was crucial for the growth of God's covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Maachah, Caleb's concubine":** This phrase precisely identifies the mother, specifying her relationship to Caleb as a "concubine." This detail is not merely descriptive but legally and socially significant, establishing her status within Caleb's household and the legitimacy of her offspring within his lineage. It underscores the Chronicler's meticulous approach to recording all branches of the family tree.
* **"bare Sheber":** This clause introduces the first son born to Maachah. The act of bearing children was paramount in ancient Israelite society, ensuring the continuation of the family name, inheritance, and tribal identity. Sheber, though only mentioned here, is a legitimate descendant of Caleb, contributing to the extensive family of Judah.
* **"and Tirhanah":** This adds the second son born to Maachah, further expanding Caleb's recorded progeny. The listing of both sons highlights the fertility and growth of Caleb's household, reinforcing his patriarchal status and the vitality of his line within the tribe of Judah. The simple listing of names, without further detail, is characteristic of genealogical records, where the fact of existence and lineage is the primary focus.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:48, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. The meticulous listing of names and lineages serves as a foundational structure, establishing tribal identity, land rights, and the continuity of God's covenant people. Within this, the Chronicler employs **Nomenclaturism**, where the mere mention of names, even without accompanying narratives, signifies their place within the grand historical and redemptive narrative. The inclusion of a concubine and her sons, while seemingly minor, also functions as a subtle form of **Inclusivity** within the narrative, demonstrating that God's plan embraces all legitimate members of the family unit, regardless of their mother's specific marital status, thereby contributing to the comprehensive and unbroken record of the chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 2:48, though a brief genealogical entry, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign orchestration of history through individual lives and family lines. It underscores the divine commitment to preserving a chosen lineage, not for its own sake, but as the vehicle for His covenant promises, ultimately leading to the Messiah. The inclusion of a concubine and her children within this sacred record testifies to God's ability to work through diverse social structures and His valuing of every legitimate life that contributes to the unfolding of His redemptive plan. This verse reminds us that even seemingly minor figures or unconventional family arrangements are woven into the intricate tapestry of God's overarching purpose.

* [Genesis 46:27](/genesis/46-27 "Genesis 46:27 - All Souls of Jacob's House")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often obsessed with prominence and conventional structures, 1 Chronicles 2:48 offers a quiet but powerful lesson: God's grand design is built upon countless individual lives, many of whom are known only by a name in an ancient record, and through family structures that might seem unconventional by modern standards. This verse invites us to consider the profound significance of every life, no matter how seemingly minor, in God's intricate plan. It challenges us to trust in God's meticulous sovereignty, recognizing that He is at work in every detail of history, weaving together diverse threads to accomplish His ultimate purposes. Just as Maachah and her sons contributed to the lineage of Judah, so too does every believer, in their unique place and calling, contribute to the ongoing story of God's kingdom. Our lives, our families, and our heritage are not random, but are part of a divinely ordered narrative that has eternal significance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like this one, deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty and attention to detail in history?**
* **What does the inclusion of a "concubine" and her children in this sacred lineage teach us about God's ability to work through diverse or unconventional human circumstances?**
* **How can recognizing our own place within God's larger story, even if we feel like a "minor" detail, encourage us to live with greater purpose and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What was the social status of a concubine in ancient Israel?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, a concubine (Hebrew: _pilegesh_) was a recognized secondary wife, distinct from a primary wife but holding a legitimate and often respected position within the household. Unlike a mere servant, a concubine was typically taken with the express purpose of bearing children, especially to ensure the continuation of a man's lineage or to expand his household. Children born to a concubine were considered legitimate heirs, though their inheritance rights might sometimes be secondary to those of children from a primary wife. Examples like Abraham and Hagar ([Genesis 16:3](/genesis/16-3 "Genesis 16:3 - Abraham and Hagar")) or Jacob and his concubines Bilhah and Zilpah ([Genesis 30:3-13](/genesis/30-3 "Genesis 30:3-13 - Jacob's Sons by Bilhah and Zilpah")) illustrate this practice, where their children were fully integrated into the family and tribal structure. The inclusion of Maachah and her sons in Caleb's genealogy further confirms their legitimate status within the family of Judah.

**Why are seemingly insignificant names like Sheber and Tirhanah included in the biblical record?**

Answer: The inclusion of names like Sheber and Tirhanah, even without further narrative detail, is crucial for several reasons within the biblical context. Firstly, genealogies served as vital legal and historical documents in ancient Israel, establishing tribal identity, land rights, and the legitimacy of claims to leadership or priestly roles (e.g., [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Priestly Genealogies")). Every name contributed to the comprehensive and unbroken record. Secondly, from a theological perspective, it underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign oversight of every individual life within His plan. Even those briefly mentioned play a part in the unfolding of His redemptive history. Finally, these names contribute to the full picture of a patriarch's legacy, demonstrating the breadth and strength of his family line, which was a sign of blessing and prosperity in ancient Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 2:48, tracing the descendants of Caleb through figures like Maachah and her sons, finds its ultimate significance and fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. These seemingly dry lists are not mere historical curiosities but are divinely preserved threads in the tapestry of salvation history, meticulously woven by God to ensure the arrival of the promised Messiah. The inclusion of all legitimate offspring, even those from a concubine, foreshadows the radical inclusivity of God's grace in Christ, who came not just for one privileged line but to gather a people from every tribe and nation ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). The very purpose of these genealogies, culminating in the line of Judah from which Caleb descended, was to establish the legitimate human ancestry of the King of kings. [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus") provide the New Testament fulfillment, demonstrating how God faithfully preserved a specific lineage, navigating through diverse human circumstances, to bring forth the Lamb of God, who perfectly fulfills all the promises of the Old Testament and redeems all of humanity ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, 1 Chronicles 2:48, with its brief mention of Maachah and her sons, stands as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in orchestrating every detail of history for the ultimate revelation of His Son.

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.