1 Chronicles 4:11

KJV

¶ And Chelub the brother of Shuah begat Mehir, which [was] the father of Eshton.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Chelub {H3620} the brother {H251} of Shuah {H7746} begat {H3205} Mehir {H4243}, which was the father {H1} of Eshton {H850}.

Complete Jewish Bible

K'luv the brother of Shuchah fathered M'chir, who fathered Eshton.

Berean Standard Bible

Chelub the brother of Shuhah was the father of Mehir, who was the father of Eshton.

American Standard Version

And Chelub the brother of Shuhah begat Mehir, who was the father of Eshton.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:11 presents a concise yet profoundly significant genealogical entry within the extensive records of the tribe of Judah: "And Chelub the brother of Shuah begat Mehir, which [was] the father of Eshton." This seemingly simple statement serves as a meticulous divine record, underscoring the Chronicler's commitment to preserving the tribal identities and historical continuity of Israel, particularly the royal line from which the Messiah would ultimately descend. It subtly highlights God's sovereign oversight, even in the minute details of human history and family progression, ensuring the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes across generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into 1 Chronicles 4:1-23, a dedicated segment detailing the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. Following the broader introductory genealogies of chapters 1-3, which trace humanity from Adam and establish the twelve tribes, chapter 4 narrows its focus specifically to Judah, the preeminent tribe from which Israel's kings and, ultimately, the Messiah would emerge. The Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping here emphasizes the paramount importance of tribal identity, land inheritance, and the preservation of the royal line. The inclusion of figures like Chelub, Mehir, and Eshton, though without accompanying narratives, demonstrates the comprehensive nature of these records, ensuring that no part of the divinely ordained lineage is overlooked in the grand tapestry of God's covenant history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled during the post-exilic period, possibly in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. For the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile, these genealogies were far more than mere historical curiosities; they were vital legal and communal documents. They served to re-establish identity, confirm tribal affiliations, assert legitimate claims to ancestral land, and organize the priesthood and temple service. The intense focus on Judah was critical, as it was the tribe from which King David originated and through which the enduring promise of a perpetual kingdom and a messianic ruler was given by God (see [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The detailed record of names, even those without extensive narratives, validated their heritage and reinforced their connection to God's historical faithfulness and covenant promises.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 4:11, like other genealogical entries, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Chronicler's work. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Meticulousness**, revealing God's sovereign hand in preserving the lineage of His people and His precise attention to every individual, regardless of their prominence in the broader narrative. Secondly, it highlights the **Preservation of Lineage**, which was crucial for maintaining tribal identity, ensuring land rights, and, most importantly, guaranteeing the continuity of God's covenant promises, especially those related to the royal line of Judah (cf. [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah")). Finally, it speaks powerfully to **God's Faithfulness** across generations, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people and His redemptive plan, even through periods of national upheaval like the exile and subsequent restoration, as seen in the emphasis on genealogies in post-exilic books like [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Exiles Who Returned") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - List of Those Who Returned from Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chelub (Hebrew, _kᵉlûwb'_):** This name identifies a specific individual within the Judahite lineage. According to the provided ground truth, it is simply the proper name "Kelub," appearing as "Chelub" in English translations, and is the name of two Israelites. Its primary significance here is its role in establishing a precise link in the genealogical chain, rather than any symbolic meaning of the name itself.
* **Mehir (Hebrew, _Mᵉchîyr'_):** The name "Mehir" translates to "price" or "reward." While the name itself carries this meaning, in the context of this genealogical entry, its function is purely identificatory. The Chronicler's focus is on the individual's place within the lineage, connecting him as the son of Chelub and the father of Eshton, rather than on any symbolic interpretation of his name.
* **Eshton (Hebrew, _ʼEshtôwn'_):** This name is defined as "restful." As with Chelub and Mehir, the theological or narrative significance of Eshton's name is not explored by the Chronicler in this context. Its crucial role is to complete the specific paternal line being recorded, linking Mehir to his son Eshton within the broader, meticulously detailed family tree of Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Chelub the brother of Shuah begat Mehir":** This clause precisely identifies Chelub as the father of Mehir. The phrase "the brother of Shuah" serves as a crucial identifier, distinguishing this particular Chelub from any other individuals who might share the same name, thereby ensuring accuracy within the complex network of Judahite families. The verb "begat" (וַיּוֹלֶד, _vayyoled_) is the standard Hebrew term used throughout biblical genealogies to denote direct paternal descent, emphasizing the unbroken transmission of lineage.
* **"which [was] the father of Eshton":** This subsequent clause continues the lineage, specifying that Mehir, the son of Chelub, in turn became the father of Eshton. This structure is typical of biblical genealogies, which primarily focus on paternal lines to establish tribal and family continuity. The chain of "begat" statements forms the backbone of these records, demonstrating the unbroken succession of generations and the meticulous nature of the Chronicler's account.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 4:11, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form designed to establish identity, heritage, and continuity for the post-exilic community. The Chronicler employs remarkable **Precision** in detailing specific relationships ("the brother of Shuah," "the father of Eshton") to avoid ambiguity and ensure accurate record-keeping of the tribal lines. The **Repetition** of the "begat" formula is characteristic of genealogical lists, creating a rhythmic and authoritative tone that emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent and the divine orchestration of history. While seemingly dry to a modern reader, for the original audience, this meticulous record served as a powerful affirmation of their historical roots, their place within God's ongoing covenant narrative, and the legitimacy of their claims to land and identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly obscure verse, like all genealogical entries in Scripture, serves a profound theological purpose. It stands as a testament to God's meticulous care for His people and His sovereign oversight of history. Every individual, even those briefly mentioned in a lineage, plays a part in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan. The preservation of these lineages was not arbitrary; it was essential for maintaining the integrity of tribal identities, land inheritances, and, most critically, the unbroken chain leading to the promised Messiah. It underscores that God works through generations, fulfilling His promises through the faithful, albeit sometimes unseen, progression of families and individuals. The Chronicler's emphasis on Judah's lineage, even down to figures like Chelub, Mehir, and Eshton, implicitly points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant with David and the coming of the King from this very tribe.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1-32 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") - An early example of detailed genealogies highlighting the continuity of humanity and God's interaction with specific lines, demonstrating His long-term plan.
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") - A New Testament genealogy that traces the lineage of Jesus through the tribe of Judah, demonstrating the fulfillment of Old Testament promises and divine faithfulness.
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus") - Another New Testament genealogy, providing a more expansive lineage of Jesus, further affirming the importance of historical continuity and God's sovereign hand in history.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 4:11, though a simple record of lineage, invites us to reflect on the profound truth that every life, no matter how seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme, is known, valued, and purposed by God. Just as He meticulously recorded these ancient family lines, He knows every detail of our lives—our heritage, our present circumstances, and our future. This verse reminds us that we are part of a larger story, a grand narrative of God's faithfulness unfolding across generations. It encourages us to appreciate our own place in God's family, whether by physical lineage or, more importantly, by spiritual adoption through Christ. Our individual lives, with all their unique details, contribute to God's ongoing work in the world, and He uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to accomplish His divine purposes. We are called to live faithfully, knowing that our lives, like those of Chelub, Mehir, and Eshton, are intricately woven into God's eternal and redemptive plan, each thread contributing to His perfect design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, even in seemingly minor verses like this, speak to God's character and His attention to detail in His creation and plan?**
* **In what ways does understanding our own heritage, both physical and spiritual, help us to better understand our identity and purpose within God's unfolding story?**
* **How can we find significance and purpose in our own lives, even when we feel like minor figures, knowing that God values every individual in His grand design and uses them for His glory?**

### FAQ

**Why are these extensive genealogies included in the Bible, especially in a book like 1 Chronicles, and what is their relevance today?**

Answer: The genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 4:11, serve several critical purposes for the post-exilic community to whom the Chronicler was writing. These records were essential for re-establishing their identity as God's covenant people, confirming tribal affiliations, asserting legitimate land claims, and ensuring proper priestly and Levitical service for the re-established temple. They provided a tangible link to their past, validating their place within God's ongoing covenant. The genealogies also underscore God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and especially Judah, from whom the Davidic kings and ultimately the Messiah would come (see [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant") and [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). For us today, they demonstrate God's meticulous oversight of history, ensuring His promises would be fulfilled through specific individuals and families, reinforcing His sovereign control and the reliability of His Word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:11 is a seemingly minor genealogical entry, its profound Christ-centered fulfillment lies in its contribution to the unbroken chain of humanity through which God's redemptive plan unfolded, culminating in Jesus Christ. Every name, including Chelub, Mehir, and Eshton, represents a vital link in the divinely preserved lineage that ultimately led to the birth of the Messiah. The Chronicler's meticulous record of the tribe of Judah implicitly points to the fulfillment of the ancient promise that the scepter would not depart from Judah until Shiloh came ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah")). Jesus, born "in the fullness of time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")), is the ultimate heir to the Davidic throne, a direct descendant of Judah (as seen in the genealogies of [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")). Thus, even these brief mentions in 1 Chronicles serve to highlight God's sovereign control over history, ensuring that the promised Savior would arrive precisely according to His divine timetable and through the designated lineage, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to redeem humanity through the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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.