1 Chronicles 4:1

KJV

¶ The sons of Judah; Pharez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Judah {H3063}; Pharez {H6557}, Hezron {H2696}, and Carmi {H3756}, and Hur {H2354}, and Shobal {H7732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of Y'hudah: Peretz, Hetzron, Karmi, Hur and Shoval.

Berean Standard Bible

The descendants of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

American Standard Version

The sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 4:1 initiates the detailed genealogical record of the tribe of Judah, a pivotal lineage within the biblical narrative. This verse, by listing key descendants such as Pharez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal, serves to establish tribal identity, validate claims to inheritance, and underscore God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the covenant line through which His redemptive plan, culminating in the Messiah, would ultimately unfold. For the post-exilic community, this meticulous record provided a vital connection to their heritage and a profound assurance of divine continuity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** First Chronicles opens with an extensive genealogical survey, tracing humanity from Adam through the patriarchs and the twelve tribes of Israel. Chapters 1-9 are dedicated to these lists, serving as a foundational historical and theological preamble to the Chronicler's narrative. Following universal genealogies in chapters 1-3, which culminate in the Davidic line, chapter 4 specifically shifts focus to the descendants of Judah. This transition highlights Judah's preeminence, not just as a large and influential tribe, but as the designated royal tribe from which King David and, ultimately, the Messiah would emerge. The detailed enumeration in [1 Chronicles 4:1-23](/1-chronicles/4-1-23 "1 Chronicles 4:1-23 - The Descendants of Judah") emphasizes the breadth and significance of Judah's progeny before moving on to other tribes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were far more than mere lists of names in ancient Israel; they were vital documents establishing identity, validating land claims, confirming eligibility for priestly service, and tracing lines of leadership. For the Chronicler's original audience—the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile—these records were indispensable. They provided a tangible link to their ancestral heritage, affirmed their place within God's covenant community, and reassured them of God's faithfulness in preserving His people despite the devastation of exile. The meticulous preservation of these family lines, particularly Judah's, was crucial for re-establishing social order, land ownership, and religious practices in the post-exilic period, demonstrating continuity with their past and hope for their future.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of names in 1 Chronicles 4:1 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Chronicles. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Continuity**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even through generations and periods of national upheaval. The very existence of these genealogies underscores His precise unfolding of history. Another crucial theme is the **Significance of Judah**, which is consistently highlighted as the royal tribe. This preeminence, foreshadowed in [Jacob's prophecy in Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah"), is meticulously traced, leading directly to the Davidic dynasty, as seen in the lineage from Pharez to David in [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Lineage of David"). Finally, these genealogies reinforce the theme of **Heritage and Identity**, providing the returning exiles with a profound sense of belonging and a clear understanding of their place within God's ongoing redemptive story.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** This term, meaning "children" or "descendants," emphasizes the foundational nature of lineage and progeny in establishing tribal identity and continuity. It highlights the generational progression and the preservation of family lines, which are crucial for the Chronicler's purpose of connecting the post-exilic community to their historical roots and divine promises.
* **Judah (Hebrew, _Yᵉhûwdâh_):** Meaning "praise" or "praised," Judah is not merely one of Jacob's sons but the tribe destined for preeminence. Its inclusion at the forefront of the tribal genealogies in Chronicles immediately signals its unique theological and historical significance as the royal tribe from which kings would arise, including David, and ultimately, the Messiah.
* **Pharez (Hebrew, _Perets_):** Meaning "breach" or "bursting forth," Pharez is a significant figure whose unusual birth is recorded in [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "Genesis 38 - Judah and Tamar"). His prominence here is not just historical but theological, as he is a direct ancestor of King David and, consequently, of Jesus Christ, making him a crucial link in the Messianic lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Judah;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the focus of the subsequent list, directing the reader's attention to the descendants of Judah. It signals the beginning of a detailed enumeration of this specific tribe, underscoring its importance within the broader genealogical record.
* **"Pharez, Hezron,":** These two names represent the primary and most significant branches of Judah's immediate descendants. Pharez and Hezron are consistently listed as key progenitors in other biblical genealogies of Judah (e.g., [Genesis 46:12](/genesis/46-12 "Genesis 46:12 - Sons of Judah") and [Numbers 26:20](/numbers/26-20 "Numbers 26:20 - Census of Judah")), highlighting their foundational role in the tribe's development and its royal lineage.
* **"and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal.":** These names list other notable descendants, indicating the breadth and complexity of Judah's family tree. While not as prominent in the Messianic line as Pharez and Hezron, their inclusion demonstrates the Chronicler's meticulous attention to detail in tracing the full scope of the tribe's progeny, affirming the identity and heritage of all its branches.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 4:1, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list but a highly purposeful literary form that serves multiple functions: it acts as a historical record, establishing continuity from creation to the post-exilic period; it functions as a theological statement, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and promises; and it serves as a social and political document, validating tribal identity, land claims, and leadership roles. The **Enumeration** of names within the verse emphasizes the thoroughness and divine meticulousness with which God oversees the unfolding of history and the preservation of His chosen lines. While not explicitly a device *within* the verse, the very act of listing these specific names, particularly Pharez and Hezron, carries an implicit **Foreshadowing** of the future Davidic and Messianic lines, which would emerge from this very tribe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly mundane list of names in 1 Chronicles 4:1 carries profound theological weight. It serves as a testament to God's meticulous care and unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and advancing His redemptive plan through history. The emphasis on Judah's lineage, specifically, underscores its divinely appointed role as the tribe from which kings would arise, culminating in the Davidic dynasty. This detailed record assures the post-exilic community that despite their suffering and displacement, God's promises remain intact, and His purposes are meticulously unfolding, generation by generation. It highlights that even in the vast sweep of divine history, individual lives and their connections are significant to God's overarching design.

* [Genesis 46:12](/genesis/46-12 "Judah's Sons in Jacob's Household")
* [Numbers 26:20](/numbers/26-20 "Census of Judah's Clans")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "The Lineage from Pharez to David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might initially appear distant from modern life, 1 Chronicles 4:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, who oversees the grand sweep of history while simultaneously caring for each individual within it. Just as He faithfully preserved the lineage of Judah for His redemptive purposes, He is actively at work in our lives, orchestrating circumstances and relationships to fulfill His divine plan. This verse encourages us to value our spiritual heritage, recognizing that we are part of a continuous narrative of faith stretching back through generations of God's people. It invites us to trust in God's sovereignty, understanding that even the seemingly "insignificant" details of our lives contribute to His larger, unfolding story, and that our identity is deeply rooted in His faithful covenant with humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in genealogies encourage you regarding His care for your own life and the specific circumstances you face?**
* **In what ways does understanding your spiritual heritage (the story of God's people throughout history) strengthen your identity and sense of belonging in Christ today?**
* **What seemingly "insignificant" details or connections in your life might God be using to fulfill His larger, redemptive purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several reasons. They served as vital records for establishing tribal identity, validating claims to land inheritance within the promised land, and confirming eligibility for priestly service or leadership roles (e.g., in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The Genealogy of Returning Exiles")). The Chronicler, writing after the Babylonian exile, used these lists to reconnect the returning community to their heritage, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their covenant promises despite national upheaval. They provide a continuous historical narrative from creation (as seen in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations")) to the present, underscoring God's sovereign control over history and His meticulous attention to the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

**What is the significance of Judah's lineage being highlighted in 1 Chronicles 4:1?**

Answer: The emphasis on Judah's lineage is paramount because Judah was the tribe prophesied to hold the scepter and from which kings would arise ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah")). This tribal line culminates in King David, with whom God established an eternal covenant for a perpetual dynasty. By meticulously tracing Judah's descendants, 1 Chronicles 4:1 lays the groundwork for understanding the legitimacy of the Davidic monarchy and, more profoundly, foreshadows the ultimate King, the Messiah, who would come from this very tribe. It underscores the theological importance of this particular lineage in God's unfolding plan of salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 4:1 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of the lineage of Judah, specifically through Pharez and Hezron, is not merely a historical record but a divinely orchestrated trajectory pointing directly to the advent of the Messiah. This verse, by affirming the continuity of Judah's line, serves as a foundational link in the genealogical chain that culminates in Jesus. He is the ultimate "Son of Judah," the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")), who perfectly fulfills the ancient prophecies and the Davidic covenant. The genealogies of Jesus in the New Testament, such as those found in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus"), explicitly trace His ancestry back through Judah, Pharez, and David, confirming that the divine faithfulness demonstrated in 1 Chronicles 4:1 was always aimed at bringing forth the Lamb of God, who would take away the sin of the world.

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.

Genesis 38:29

And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? [this] breach [be] upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.

Matthew 1:3

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

Ruth 4:18

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

1 Chronicles 2:9

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

1 Chronicles 2:5

The sons of Pharez; Hezron, and Hamul.

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.