1 Chronicles 2:9

KJV

The sons also of Hezron, that were born unto him; Jerahmeel, and Ram, and Chelubai.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} also of Hezron {H2696}, that were born {H3205} unto him; Jerahmeel {H3396}, and Ram {H7410}, and Chelubai {H3621}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons born to Hetzron: Yerachme'el, Ram and K'luvai.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons who were born to Hezron: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Caleb.

American Standard Version

The sons also of Hezron, that were born unto him: Jerahmeel, and Ram, and Chelubai.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:9 is a succinct verse embedded within the extensive genealogical records of ancient Israel, specifically detailing three sons born to Hezron: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai. This seemingly simple entry is a vital thread in the meticulously preserved lineage of Judah, the tribe from which the Davidic monarchy would emerge, and ultimately, the promised Messiah. It underscores the divine preservation of specific family lines, demonstrating God's faithfulness in orchestrating human history to fulfill His redemptive purposes and establish continuity for His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 2:9 is situated within the expansive genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles, tracing the lineage from Adam to the post-exilic community. Chapters 1-9 are dedicated to these lists, with a particular emphasis on the tribe of Judah and the house of David. Chapter 2 specifically focuses on the descendants of Judah, highlighting the line of Perez, one of Judah's sons. Hezron, mentioned in [1 Chronicles 2:5](/1_chronicles/2-5 "1 Chronicles 2:5 - Sons of Perez"), is a pivotal figure in this lineage, and his family tree is meticulously documented from [1 Chronicles 2:5](/1_chronicles/2-5 "1 Chronicles 2:5 - The Line of Hezron") onwards. This verse, therefore, serves as a direct continuation of the enumeration of Hezron's immediate family, setting the stage for the further development of the Judahite and ultimately Davidic lines. The meticulous detail reflects the Chronicler's concern with establishing continuity and legitimacy for the post-exilic community, connecting them to their covenantal past and underscoring the divine preservation of the Davidic line.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogies were far more than mere lists of names; they were foundational documents crucial for establishing tribal identity, land inheritance rights, priestly succession, and social status. They served as legal and historical records, preserving the memory of ancestors and ensuring the proper functioning of the tribal system. The meticulous recording of these lineages, particularly in a post-exilic context like that of the Chronicler, was vital for the returning community to re-establish their identity and claim their heritage in the land. The very act of compiling and preserving these names underscored the belief in God's covenant faithfulness across generations, even through periods of national upheaval and exile. These records also served to distinguish the true Israel from surrounding peoples, reinforcing their unique identity as God's chosen people, whose history was divinely guided.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Genealogical Precision** is paramount, highlighting the Israelite emphasis on lineage, heritage, and the divine ordering of families. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the importance of identity and continuity within God's covenant people. Secondly, **Divine Providence** is subtly yet powerfully revealed; even in seemingly dry lists of names, one can discern God's hand guiding and preserving specific families and individuals for His overarching purposes. The inclusion of these names signifies their integral role in the larger tapestry of salvation history, demonstrating that God works through ordinary people and their family lines. Lastly, the verse lays foundational groundwork for **Future Promises**, particularly the Messianic lineage. Hezron's line, specifically through Ram, leads directly to David, as seen in [Ruth 4:19](/ruth/4-19 "Ruth 4:19 - Ram in David's Genealogy") and later affirmed in the New Testament genealogies of Jesus, such as [Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Ram in Jesus' Genealogy"). Thus, this seemingly minor verse is a crucial link in the chain of God's unfolding redemptive plan, ensuring the fulfillment of the promise given in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter from Judah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** (H1121) Derived from a root meaning "to build," this word signifies a son as a "builder of the family name." In a genealogical context, it emphasizes the continuation of a lineage and the establishment of a family line. The inclusion of "sons" here highlights the primary purpose of the verse: to enumerate the direct male offspring who will carry forward Hezron's family and contribute to the broader tribal structure.
* **born (Hebrew, _yâlad_):** (H3205) This primitive root means "to bear young" or "to beget." In the context of genealogies, it explicitly denotes the direct paternal relationship and the legitimate procreation of offspring. The phrase "that were born unto him" underscores the authenticity and directness of the lineage, crucial for establishing tribal rights, inheritance, and the integrity of the family tree.
* **Chelubai (Hebrew, _Kᵉlûwbay_):** (H3621) This name is particularly significant as it is widely understood by scholars to be an alternative or variant name for **Caleb**, son of Hezron, who is more extensively mentioned later in this chapter (e.g., [1 Chronicles 2:18](/1_chronicles/2-18 "1 Chronicles 2:18 - Caleb, Son of Hezron")). The fluidity of ancient Hebrew naming conventions often allowed for individuals to be known by multiple names or slight variations thereof. This specific Caleb, son of Hezron, is distinct from the more famous Caleb, son of Jephunneh, one of the twelve spies sent into Canaan (as recounted in [Numbers 13:6](/numbers/13-6 "Numbers 13:6 - Caleb, Son of Jephunneh")). The inclusion of "Chelubai" here, alongside Jerahmeel and Ram, serves to identify a key branch of Hezron's family, a branch that will subsequently be elaborated upon due to Caleb's prominence and the significant descendants who spring from him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons also of Hezron, that were born unto him;":** This initial clause serves as the direct introduction to the list of Hezron's offspring. It emphasizes the direct paternal relationship ("born unto him"), which was crucial in ancient genealogies for establishing legitimate lineage and inheritance rights. The phrase "sons also" indicates that Hezron's lineage is a continuation of the broader genealogical record, building upon previous mentions of his family. It sets the stage for the specific enumeration that follows, ensuring clarity regarding whose children are being presented within the intricate family tree of Judah.
* **"Jerahmeel, and Ram, and Chelubai.":** This clause provides the specific names of the three sons of Hezron. Each name represents a distinct branch of Hezron's family, which the Chronicler will further detail in subsequent verses. Jerahmeel's descendants are listed in [1 Chronicles 2:25-41](/1_chronicles/2-25 "1 Chronicles 2:25-41 - Descendants of Jerahmeel"), Ram's in [1 Chronicles 2:10-17](/1_chronicles/2-10 "1 Chronicles 2:10-17 - Descendants of Ram"), and Chelubai (Caleb)'s in [1 Chronicles 2:18-24](/1_chronicles/2-18 "1 Chronicles 2:18-24 - Descendants of Caleb"). The order of names here is significant, as Ram's line is the one that leads directly to David, highlighting the selective nature of these genealogies in tracing the Messianic promise.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:9, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** itself, which functions as a specialized form of **Listing**. This meticulous enumeration of names serves not merely as a historical record but as a profound theological statement. The very act of listing demonstrates **Emphasis** on continuity, legitimacy, and divine preservation within the covenant community. The Chronicler employs **Repetition** of naming conventions and phrases (e.g., "sons of X, who were born unto him") to establish a consistent pattern, reinforcing the structure and reliability of the lineage. While not a narrative verse, its placement and content contribute to the larger literary architecture of the book, acting as foundational blocks upon which the subsequent historical narratives of Israel and Judah are built, particularly those concerning the Davidic monarchy and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 2:9, though a simple enumeration of names, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a testament to God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign control over human history. In a world where names and lineages were paramount for identity and inheritance, this verse affirms the divine preservation of a specific family line—that of Judah, through Hezron, and particularly through Ram. This preservation is not arbitrary but purposeful, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The seemingly mundane act of listing names becomes a profound declaration of God's long-term plan, ensuring the continuity of the chosen people and the eventual arrival of the promised Deliverer. It reminds us that even in the most ordinary and overlooked aspects of life, God is at work, weaving together the tapestry of salvation history, meticulously guiding events toward His ultimate redemptive goal.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter from Judah")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a culture that often values immediate impact and visible achievements, 1 Chronicles 2:9 stands as a quiet reminder of the profound significance of continuity, faithfulness across generations, and God's work in the seemingly ordinary. This verse, part of a long list of names, underscores that every life, every family, and every individual plays a part in God's overarching plan, no matter how seemingly small or unremarkable their contribution might appear. It challenges us to appreciate the spiritual heritage passed down through generations, recognizing that our faith is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a grand, unfolding narrative of God's faithfulness. It also encourages us to consider the long-term impact of our own lives, not just on our immediate circumstances but on the spiritual legacy we leave for those who come after us. Just as God meticulously preserved these lineages for His ultimate purpose, He is at work in our lives, shaping us for His glory and for the good of His kingdom, often in ways we cannot fully perceive in the present, but which contribute to an eternal story.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:9, speak to God's character and His involvement in human history?**
* **In what ways can we recognize and honor the spiritual heritage that has been passed down to us, and how can we contribute to that heritage for future generations?**
* **What "ordinary" or seemingly insignificant aspects of your life might God be using to fulfill His greater purposes, even if you don't see the full picture yet?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:9, so extensive and seemingly repetitive?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies are extensive and often appear repetitive because they served crucial functions in ancient Israelite society and theology. They were not merely historical records but vital documents that established tribal identity, confirmed land inheritance rights, validated priestly succession, and, most significantly, traced the lineage of promised figures, especially the Messiah. In the post-exilic period, when 1 Chronicles was compiled, these genealogies were essential for the returning community to re-establish their identity, claim their ancestral lands, and confirm their place within God's covenant people. The repetition underscores the reliability and consistency of the record, emphasizing the divine preservation of specific family lines, particularly the line of Judah from which King David and ultimately the Messiah would come. They meticulously demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises across many generations, even through periods of national upheaval, proving His sovereign hand in history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 2:9, though a simple list of names, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in its contribution to the Messianic lineage. The verse names Ram, one of Hezron's sons, whose line is meticulously traced through Jesse to King David (as seen in [Ruth 4:19-22](/ruth/4-19-22 "Ruth 4:19-22 - David's Genealogy from Ram")). This seemingly dry genealogical entry thus becomes a vital link in the unbroken chain that leads directly to Jesus Christ. The New Testament genealogies of Jesus, in both [Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Ram in Jesus' Genealogy") and [Luke 3:33](/luke/3-33 "Luke 3:33 - Ram in Jesus' Genealogy"), explicitly include Ram as an ancestor of Jesus, demonstrating God's sovereign plan unfolding through specific individuals and families across millennia. The meticulous preservation of these names in 1 Chronicles testifies to God's faithfulness in preparing the way for the ultimate Son of David, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose coming was promised from the very beginning ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). Thus, this verse, like countless others in the Old Testament, points forward to the person and work of Christ, revealing God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive purpose for humanity and the fulfillment of all His promises in Him.

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

Ruth 4:19

And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,

1 Chronicles 2:42

Now the sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel [were], Mesha his firstborn, which was the father of Ziph; and the sons of Mareshah the father of Hebron.

Matthew 1:3

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

Luke 3:3

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

1 Chronicles 2:24

And after that Hezron was dead in Calebephratah, then Abiah Hezron's wife bare him Ashur the father of Tekoa.

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.