1 Chronicles 2:5

KJV

The sons of Pharez; Hezron, and Hamul.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Pharez {H6557}; Hezron {H2696}, and Hamul {H2538}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Peretz: Hetzron and Hamul.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul.

American Standard Version

The sons of Perez: Hezron, and Hamul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:5 precisely records Hezron and Hamul as the sons of Pharez, a pivotal figure in the lineage of Judah. This seemingly simple genealogical entry serves a profound purpose within the Chronicler's post-exilic narrative, meticulously preserving the ancestral lines that establish tribal identity, validate land claims, and, most significantly, trace the divinely ordained path leading to the royal house of David and, ultimately, to the promised Messiah. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail in the unfolding of His redemptive plan across generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive and foundational genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which meticulously trace the lineage from Adam through the patriarchs and the twelve tribes of Israel. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 2 focuses on the descendants of Judah, the tribe from which kings would emerge. Following the broader list of Jacob's sons and their initial descendants in [1 Chronicles 2:1-2](/1_chronicles/2-1 "1 Chronicles 2:1-2 - Sons of Israel"), the narrative quickly narrows its focus to Judah's line, emphasizing its preeminence. The mention of Pharez and his sons, Hezron and Hamul, immediately follows the broader introduction of Judah's children, signaling their direct importance within this royal and Messianic lineage. The Chronicler's deliberate inclusion of these names, even seemingly minor ones, highlights a continuous, unbroken chain of divine faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, when the Jewish community had returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity. Facing a fragmented identity, a ruined temple, and a lost monarchy, the Chronicler's primary aim was to re-establish a sense of continuity, heritage, and covenant connection for the returned exiles. Genealogies were not merely dry lists of names; they were vital legal and social documents. They confirmed tribal affiliations, justified claims to ancestral land, validated priestly and Levitical service, and, crucially, affirmed the legitimacy of the Davidic covenant. By meticulously tracing the lineage of Judah through figures like Pharez, Hezron, and Hamul, the Chronicler provided the community with an anchor to their past, reminding them of God's enduring promises despite their present circumstances and reinforcing their identity as the chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 2:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it exemplifies **Genealogical Precision**, emphasizing the meticulous care with which God's people preserved their lineage, crucial for understanding tribal inheritances, priestly roles, and the Messianic line. Secondly, it underscores the **Continuity of God's Plan**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving a chosen people and a specific lineage through countless generations, even amidst human failings and challenging historical periods. The very existence of these names in the sacred record testifies to God's sovereign oversight of history. Thirdly, and most profoundly, this verse serves as a foundational link in the **Messianic Lineage**. As a descendant of Judah through Tamar, Pharez's line is explicitly stated in the genealogy of King David in [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David"), and subsequently appears in the New Testament genealogies of Jesus Christ, notably in [Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Pharez in Jesus' Genealogy"). Thus, 1 Chronicles 2:5, while brief, is a vital thread in the unfolding tapestry of God's redemptive history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pharez (Hebrew, _Peretz'_):** Meaning "breakthrough" or "bursting forth," Pharez's name is significant due to the circumstances of his birth, where he "broke through" before his twin brother Zerah ([Genesis 38:29](/genesis/38-29 "Genesis 38:29 - The Birth of Pharez")). In the context of 1 Chronicles 2:5, the importance of "Pharez" lies not in his etymology, but in his role as the progenitor of a major branch of the Judahite tribe, specifically the line that would eventually lead to the Davidic monarchy. His inclusion here is a direct link to the foundational narrative of Judah's family and his descendants are prominent throughout Israel's history.
* **Hezron and Hamul (Hebrew, _Chetzron_ and _Chamul'_):** These names represent the two direct sons of Pharez, establishing the two primary clans descended from him. While their individual names do not carry profound etymological significance in this context, their presence is crucial for the genealogical record. Hezron, in particular, is highlighted elsewhere (e.g., [Numbers 26:21](/numbers/26-21 "Numbers 26:21 - Descendants of Pharez")) as a significant ancestral figure, with his own descendants forming distinct families within Judah. The Chronicler's inclusion of both sons ensures a complete and accurate tracing of the family tree, validating the identity and inheritance of their respective clans within post-exilic Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Pharez;":** This initial clause immediately establishes the familial relationship, identifying the direct offspring of Pharez. In a genealogical record, this is the standard way to introduce the next generation, signaling the continuation of the lineage from a specific patriarch. It directly connects this verse to the preceding mention of Judah's family and sets the stage for naming the specific individuals who carry on Pharez's line.
* **"Hezron, and Hamul.":** These are the two named individuals who are the direct sons of Pharez. Their listing here is concise and factual, characteristic of genealogical entries. The simple conjunction "and" links them as co-heirs and co-progenitors of the next branches of the family tree. Their inclusion is not for narrative development but for the precise documentation of the ancestral line, which is of paramount importance to the Chronicler's purpose of establishing identity and continuity for the returning exiles.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:5, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form that serves multiple theological and historical purposes. The Chronicler employs **Conciseness** within this genealogical framework, presenting the information in a highly condensed manner, focusing solely on the essential names required to trace the lineage. Despite its brevity, the verse also implies **Continuity** and **Succession**, as each named individual represents a link in an unbroken chain of generations, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people. The very act of listing these names, which appear in other biblical texts (e.g., [Genesis 46:12](/genesis/46-12 "Genesis 46:12 - Pharez and Hamul in Jacob's household")), also utilizes **Intertextuality**, subtly connecting the Chronicler's record to earlier foundational narratives of Israel's history, reinforcing its authenticity and divine origin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 2:5, though a simple genealogical entry, powerfully underscores the biblical emphasis on God's meticulous sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The precise recording of names like Hezron and Hamul, descendants of Pharez, highlights that every individual, even those seemingly minor in a long list, plays a part in God's grand narrative. This attention to detail reflects a divine purpose that spans generations, demonstrating that God's plans are not haphazard but are carefully orchestrated through human lineages and historical events. It reminds us that God's faithfulness is concrete and tangible, manifested in the preservation of a chosen people and a specific line through whom His ultimate redemptive purposes would be fulfilled.

* [Genesis 46:12](/genesis/46-12 "Hezron and Hamul listed among Jacob's descendants")
* [Numbers 26:20-21](/numbers/26-20 "Clans of Judah, including Hezronites and Hamulites")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "The Genealogy of David, tracing through Pharez and Hezron")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values instant gratification and overlooks the seemingly insignificant, 1 Chronicles 2:5 invites us to pause and consider the profound significance of God's patient, generational work. This verse, part of a long list of names, reminds us that God is not hurried by human timelines. He works through the slow, deliberate unfolding of history, meticulously preserving details and individuals to accomplish His overarching purposes. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when our own lives or circumstances feel like small, unheralded entries in a vast, complex narrative. Just as Hezron and Hamul were vital links in a chain leading to God's ultimate salvation, so too are our lives, however ordinary they may seem, part of God's ongoing story. We are invited to find meaning not just in grand achievements, but in faithful presence and participation within the lineage of faith, knowing that every detail matters to a God who orchestrates all things for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:5, challenge our modern tendency to focus only on the "big" or "important" events and individuals?**
* **In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage, as part of God's unfolding plan through generations, deepen our sense of identity and purpose today?**
* **What does God's faithfulness in preserving specific lineages, despite human failings, teach us about His character and His commitment to His promises?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies like 1 Chronicles 2:5 so important in the Bible, especially in a historical book like Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are far more than mere lists of names; they are foundational to understanding biblical history, theology, and identity. In 1 Chronicles, compiled after the Babylonian exile, these genealogies served several critical purposes for the returned Jewish community. They established tribal identity, allowing individuals to know their heritage and place within the nation of Israel. They validated claims to ancestral land, which was crucial for resettlement. They confirmed eligibility for priestly and Levitical service. Most importantly, they demonstrated God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and, specifically, the lineage leading to the promised Messiah. Verses like [1 Chronicles 2:5](/1_chronicles/2-5 "1 Chronicles 2:5 - The Sons of Pharez") are vital threads in this historical and theological tapestry, proving continuity from the patriarchs through the monarchy and beyond.

**What is the specific significance of Hezron and Hamul in this verse?**

Answer: Hezron and Hamul are significant primarily because they are the direct sons of Pharez, who himself was a son of Judah. Their inclusion in [1 Chronicles 2:5](/1_chronicles/2-5 "1 Chronicles 2:5 - The Sons of Pharez") ensures the complete and accurate tracing of the Judahite lineage. While Hamul's line is less prominent in subsequent biblical narratives, Hezron's descendants became a major clan within Judah, playing a significant role in Israel's history (e.g., [Numbers 26:21](/numbers/26-21 "Numbers 26:21 - Descendants of Pharez")). Their presence here underscores the Chronicler's meticulous commitment to detailing the foundational families of Israel, particularly the line from which the Davidic kings would emerge, thereby validating the historical continuity and divine purpose of this specific lineage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 2:5, with its concise mention of Hezron and Hamul, the sons of Pharez, serves as a crucial, albeit seemingly minor, link in the grand genealogical chain that ultimately culminates in Jesus Christ. Pharez, born through an unusual set of circumstances in [Genesis 38:29](/genesis/38-29 "Genesis 38:29 - The Birth of Pharez"), represents a pivotal moment in the lineage of Judah, the tribe from which the Messiah would come. The Chronicler's meticulous preservation of this line, including Hezron and Hamul, highlights God's sovereign oversight of history, ensuring that every generation, every family, and every individual played their part in His unfolding redemptive plan. This seemingly dry list of names becomes vibrant when we recognize that Hezron is explicitly named in the genealogy of David in [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David"), and both Pharez and Hezron appear in the New Testament genealogies of Jesus Christ in [Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Pharez and Hezron in Jesus' Genealogy") and [Luke 3:33](/luke/3-33 "Luke 3:33 - Pharez and Hezron in Jesus' Genealogy"). Thus, 1 Chronicles 2:5 is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the promised seed, demonstrating that from the earliest generations, His plan was meticulously unfolding, leading to the ultimate "breakthrough" of salvation through the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The very existence of these names in the sacred text points to the unwavering purpose of God to bring forth His Son, Jesus, as the fulfillment of all Old Testament promises and the true King of Israel.

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

Genesis 46:12

And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.

Numbers 26:21

And the sons of Pharez were; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.

Ruth 4:18

Now these [are] the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,

Luke 3:33

Which was [the son] of Aminadab, which was [the son] of Aram, which was [the son] of Esrom, which was [the son] of Phares, which was [the son] of Juda,

Matthew 1:3

And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;