1 Chronicles 2:49

KJV

She bare also Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father of Machbenah, and the father of Gibea: and the daughter of Caleb [was] Achsah.

KJV (with Strong's)

She bare {H3205} also Shaaph {H8174} the father {H1} of Madmannah {H4089}, Sheva {H7724} the father {H1} of Machbenah {H4343}, and the father {H1} of Gibea {H1388}: and the daughter {H1323} of Caleb {H3612} was Achsah {H5915}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[The wife of] Sha'af the father of Madmanah bore Sh'va the father of Machbenah and the father of Giv'a. The daughter of Kalev was 'Akhsah.

Berean Standard Bible

She was also the mother of Shaaph father of Madmannah, and of Sheva father of Machbenah and Gibea. Caleb’s daughter was Acsah.

American Standard Version

She bare also Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father of Machbena, and the father of Gibea; and the daughter of Caleb was Achsah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:49 is a succinct but significant entry within the extensive genealogical records of Judah's lineage, specifically detailing further descendants of Caleb, son of Hezron. This verse functions as a vital link in the tribal records, naming some of Caleb's sons who are associated with specific clans or geographical locations, and notably concluding with the prominent mention of his daughter, Achsah, thereby contributing to the meticulous historical and communal identity established by the Chronicler for the post-exilic Israelite community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the lengthy genealogical section that comprises the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles, which serve as the foundation for the entire book. Following the universal genealogies from Adam, the Chronicler focuses intensely on the tribe of Judah, the royal tribe, and specifically on the lineage of Hezron, then Caleb. Verses 1 Chronicles 2:42-55 detail Caleb's descendants, often linking individuals to specific places or clans. Verse 49, therefore, continues this meticulous enumeration, ensuring the continuity of the tribal record and the establishment of land claims and communal identity for the returning exiles. The shift from Caleb's sons by his wives to those by his concubine Maacah (mentioned in [1 Chronicles 2:48](/1_chronicles/2-48 "1 Chronicles 2:48 - Sons of Caleb by Maacah")) provides the immediate preceding context for "She bare also," indicating the mother of Shaaph and Sheva.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written likely in the post-exilic period (5th-4th century BCE), 1 Chronicles aimed to re-establish the identity, heritage, and religious practices of the Jewish people returning to Judah. Genealogies were paramount in ancient Israelite society, serving not merely as family trees but as legal documents. They authenticated tribal membership, confirmed rights to ancestral land, validated claims to priestly or royal office, and underscored the continuity of God's covenant promises. The mention of "father of Madmannah," "father of Machbenah," and "father of Gibea" reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice where an individual's name could also designate the founder or leading figure of a clan or a settlement, thereby connecting people directly to their territorial inheritance within Judah, as seen in [Joshua 15:31](/joshua/15-31 "Joshua 15:31 - Madmannah in Judah's Inheritance").
* **Key Themes:**
* **Genealogical Continuity and Identity:** The primary theme is the meticulous preservation of Israelite lineage. This verse, like the surrounding chapters, underscores the importance of tribal identity, land inheritance, and the unbroken chain of descent, which was crucial for the post-exilic community to re-establish its place in the land and its connection to the covenant. It highlights the Chronicler's concern for historical accuracy and the divine ordering of Israel's history, ensuring that every family and clan had its rightful place.
* **Caleb's Enduring Legacy:** Caleb, a faithful spy from the wilderness generation, is celebrated for his unwavering trust in God ([Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Faithfulness")). His extensive lineage detailed in 1 Chronicles 2 underscores God's faithfulness to those who serve Him, demonstrating that Caleb's legacy extended far beyond his lifetime through his numerous descendants who continued to inhabit and claim their portion of the Promised Land.
* **The Significance of Achsah:** The inclusion of Achsah, Caleb's daughter, is particularly noteworthy in a patriarchal genealogy. While this verse simply states her relationship, her presence here subtly points to her unique and proactive role in the broader biblical narrative. Her story, detailed in [Joshua 15:16-19](/joshua/15-16 "Joshua 15:16-19 - Achsah's Request for Springs") and [Judges 1:12-15](/judges/1-12 "Judges 1:12-15 - Achsah's Bold Request"), reveals her as a woman of agency who boldly secured additional land and vital water sources for her family, highlighting her importance and the value placed on her contribution to the family's inheritance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shaaph (Hebrew, _sha'aph'_):** This name means "he has swept away" or "he has longed." In this context, Shaaph is identified as "the father of Madmannah," which likely means he was the founder or a significant leader of the clan or settlement associated with Madmannah. This indicates a direct connection between the individual and the geographical or communal entity.
* **Madmannah (Hebrew, _madmannah'_):** Meaning "dunghill" or "heap of dung," Madmannah was a city located in the lowlands (Shephelah) of Judah, explicitly mentioned in [Joshua 15:31](/joshua/15-31 "Joshua 15:31 - Madmannah as a City in Judah"). Its inclusion here reinforces the connection between Caleb's descendants and specific territories within the tribal inheritance of Judah, validating their claims to the land.
* **Achsah (Hebrew, _'akhsah'_):** This name means "anklet" or "bangle." Her mention as "the daughter of Caleb" is significant. While genealogies typically focus on male lines, Achsah's inclusion highlights her unique prominence and the importance of her story, which is elaborated upon in other biblical texts, where she is portrayed as a strong and discerning woman who actively sought and received a valuable inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She bare also Shaaph the father of Madmannah":** The "She" refers to Maacah, Caleb's concubine, as established in the preceding verse ([1 Chronicles 2:48](/1_chronicles/2-48 "1 Chronicles 2:48 - Maacah, Caleb's Concubine")). This clause identifies Shaaph as a son of Caleb through Maacah, and further links him as the progenitor or leading figure of the clan or settlement known as Madmannah. This format ("father of X") is a common genealogical convention indicating either direct paternity or a foundational role for a group.
* **"Sheva the father of Machbenah":** This continues the enumeration of Caleb's sons born to Maacah. Sheva is likewise presented as the "father" or founder/leader of Machbenah, another clan or settlement associated with Caleb's lineage. The specific location of Machbenah is not as clearly identified in other biblical texts as Madmannah, but its inclusion here firmly places it within the sphere of Caleb's extensive family and territorial influence.
* **"and the father of Gibea":** This phrase maintains the pattern of associating a son with a place or clan, but notably, the name of the son is omitted. This ellipsis suggests that the individual was either so well-known that his name was unnecessary, or that the focus was primarily on the connection to Gibea itself. Gibea was a common place name in ancient Israel, meaning "hill," and could refer to several locations, though in this context, it would be within Judah's territory.
* **"and the daughter of Caleb [was] Achsah":** This final clause shifts from the sons and their associated settlements to highlight Caleb's daughter, Achsah. Her inclusion is a deliberate and significant choice, as genealogies often prioritize male lines for inheritance and lineage. Her singular mention here, without a "father of" designation, emphasizes her direct relationship to Caleb and her individual importance, inviting the reader to recall her story of agency and inheritance from other biblical accounts.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:49, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form serving specific theological and historical purposes. The Chronicler employs **Conciseness** and **Ellipsis**, particularly in the phrase "and the father of Gibea," where a name is omitted, relying on the audience's presumed familiarity or emphasizing the place over the individual. The specific phrasing "father of X" is a form of **Metonymy**, where the individual stands for the clan or settlement they founded or led. Furthermore, the deliberate placement of Achsah at the end of the verse, following the enumeration of sons and their associated places, creates a subtle **Emphasis by Placement**, drawing attention to her unique status and significance within Caleb's family line, foreshadowing her more detailed narrative elsewhere in Scripture.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Although seemingly a dry list of names, 1 Chronicles 2:49 profoundly underscores God's meticulous involvement in human history and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The very act of preserving such detailed genealogies speaks to a divine purpose, demonstrating that God orchestrates human lineages to fulfill His redemptive plan. Every name, even those briefly mentioned, contributes to the grand tapestry of salvation history, ultimately leading to the promised Messiah. This verse reminds us that God cares about individuals and their heritage, validating their identity and place within His chosen people. It highlights the importance of historical continuity for understanding God's unfolding plan and the secure foundation of His promises across generations.

* [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Faithfulness and Inheritance")
* [Joshua 15:16-19](/joshua/15-16 "Joshua 15:16-19 - Achsah's Request for Land and Springs")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 2:49, like all biblical genealogies, invites us to look beyond the surface of names and places to discern deeper spiritual truths. It reminds us that God is a God of order and precision, meticulously recording and overseeing the lives of individuals and families throughout history. This attention to detail should inspire us to trust in His sovereign plan for our own lives, knowing that even seemingly insignificant moments or relationships are part of His larger, purposeful design. Furthermore, the inclusion of Achsah, a woman of agency and foresight, encourages us to recognize and value the contributions of all individuals within God's kingdom, regardless of their traditional roles or prominence. Our own stories, though perhaps not recorded in a biblical genealogy, are known to God and hold significance within His ongoing narrative of redemption. We are called to live faithfully within our own heritage, recognizing that our lives contribute to a legacy that extends beyond ourselves, influencing future generations for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in biblical genealogies, such as 1 Chronicles 2:49, shape our understanding of God's sovereignty and attention to detail in history?**
* **What does the specific mention of Achsah, a daughter, in a predominantly male lineage, teach us about the value God places on individuals and their unique contributions, even those not typically highlighted?**
* **In what ways can understanding our own family's history or spiritual heritage help us better appreciate God's faithfulness across generations and our place in His grand narrative?**

### FAQ
**Who is "She" at the beginning of 1 Chronicles 2:49?**

Answer: "She" refers to Maacah, who is identified in the preceding verse, [1 Chronicles 2:48](/1_chronicles/2-48 "1 Chronicles 2:48 - Caleb's Concubine Maacah"), as Caleb's concubine. The verse therefore lists further sons of Caleb born to Maacah, along with his daughter Achsah.

**Why are these seemingly obscure names and places important enough to be included in Scripture?**

Answer: In the post-exilic context of 1 Chronicles, these genealogies were critically important for re-establishing the identity, land claims, and tribal affiliations of the returning Israelites. Names like Shaaph, Sheva, Madmannah, Machbenah, and Gibea connect individuals to specific clans and territories within Judah, validating their right to inherit and settle the land. This meticulous record-keeping underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring the continuity of His people and their heritage, which was foundational for their communal and spiritual restoration.

**What is the significance of Achsah being mentioned in this genealogy, especially since genealogies often focus on male lines?**

Answer: Achsah's inclusion is significant because it highlights her unique prominence and importance within Caleb's family. While this verse simply states her relationship, her story is elaborated upon in [Joshua 15:16-19](/joshua/15-16 "Joshua 15:16-19 - Achsah's Bold Request") and [Judges 1:12-15](/judges/1-12 "Judges 1:12-15 - Achsah's Inheritance"). These passages reveal her as a strong, proactive woman who boldly requested and received additional land and vital water springs from her father as part of her inheritance. Her mention here serves as a subtle nod to her agency and the value placed on her contribution to securing resources for her household, demonstrating that God's plan often includes and elevates the roles of women.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Even a seemingly dry genealogical entry like 1 Chronicles 2:49 finds its ultimate significance and fulfillment in Christ. The meticulous recording of lineages throughout the Old Testament, from the promise of a "seed" who would crush the serpent's head in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") to the specific lineage through Abraham ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")) and David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), demonstrates God's sovereign and unwavering commitment to bringing forth the Messiah. Every name in these lists, including the descendants of Caleb mentioned here, is a testament to God's preservation of the line through which His redemptive plan would unfold. The genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Luke's Genealogy of Jesus") culminate this meticulous record, showing that Jesus Christ is the promised heir, the ultimate "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")), and the fulfillment of all covenant promises. Thus, 1 Chronicles 2:49, far from being an isolated detail, is a thread in the vast, divinely woven tapestry that points to the coming of the Savior, whose birth, life, death, and resurrection provide the ultimate identity and inheritance for all who believe.

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.