1 Chronicles 4:15

KJV

And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh; Iru, Elah, and Naam: and the sons of Elah, even Kenaz.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Caleb {H3612} the son {H1121} of Jephunneh {H3312}; Iru {H5900}, Elah {H425}, and Naam {H5277}: and the sons {H1121} of Elah {H425}, even Kenaz {H7073}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Kalev the son of Y'funeh: 'Iru, Elah and Na'am. The son of Elah: K'naz.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam. The son of Elah: Kenaz.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam; and the sons of Elah; and Kenaz.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:15 meticulously records a segment of the genealogical lineage of Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, within the tribe of Judah. This verse specifically names three of Caleb's sons—Iru, Elah, and Naam—and then further details the lineage by identifying Kenaz as a son of Elah. This inclusion underscores the Chronicler's commitment to documenting the continuity of God's covenant people and preserving the historical record of significant families within Israel, particularly those known for their faithfulness and prominence, thereby reinforcing the identity and heritage of the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the extensive genealogical records that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. These chapters serve as the foundational bedrock for the Chronicler's historical narrative, meticulously tracing the lineage from Adam through the patriarchs, the twelve tribes, and eventually to the post-exilic community. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 4](/1_chronicles/4 "1 Chronicles 4 - Genealogy of Judah and Simeon") focuses on the descendants of Judah, the royal tribe, beginning with its prominent families. [1 Chronicles 4:1-15](/1_chronicles/4-15 "1 Chronicles 4:1-15 - Descendants of Judah") details the early generations of Judah's sons, including Perez, Zerah, and the descendants of Caleb. The inclusion of Caleb's line here highlights his significant role and the continuation of his family within the broader tribal structure, setting the stage for the later historical narratives of the kingdom and the Davidic dynasty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, around the 5th to 4th centuries BC, for a community returning to and rebuilding Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. For this audience, genealogies were not mere lists; they were vital documents that established tribal identity, validated claims to ancestral land, confirmed eligibility for priestly and Levitical service, and affirmed the continuity of God's covenant with Israel despite the exile. Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, was a revered figure from the wilderness generation, known for his unwavering faith and courage (as recounted in [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Faithfulness")). His descendants would have carried a legacy of faithfulness and divine blessing, making their inclusion in these tribal records particularly significant for a community seeking to reaffirm its identity, heritage, and divinely ordained place in the land.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous genealogical record in [1 Chronicles 4:15](/1_chronicles/4-15 "1 Chronicles 4:15 - Caleb's Descendants") contributes to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it emphasizes **Lineage and Identity**, underscoring how ancestry defined one's place, inheritance, and social standing in ancient Israel, crucial for the returning exiles to re-establish their community and re-claim their heritage. Secondly, it highlights **God's Preservation of His People**, demonstrating His faithfulness in maintaining the covenant line through specific families and individuals, even through periods of national crisis and dispersion. The continuity of Caleb's line, a man blessed for his wholehearted devotion, serves as a quiet testament to God's enduring promises. Lastly, these lists function as a **Historical and Legal Record**, providing essential documentation for the Israelites to reconstruct their society, affirm their land rights, and validate their claims to a divinely ordained heritage, as seen in the broader context of [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies from Adam to the Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Caleb (Hebrew, _Kâlêb'_):** Perhaps a form of כֶּלֶב (kelev, "dog"), or else from the same root in the sense of "forcible." Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, is a prominent Israelite figure known for his unwavering faith and courage during the wilderness wanderings, who was granted a special inheritance in the land of Canaan for his wholehearted devotion to the Lord. His inclusion here highlights a lineage marked by divine favor and faithfulness.
* **Jephunneh (Hebrew, _Yᵉphunneh'_):** Meaning "he will be prepared." Jephunneh is identified as the father of Caleb, serving to precisely anchor Caleb's identity within the broader tribal records. This patronymic distinguishes Caleb from other individuals bearing the same name and affirms his specific lineage within the tribe of Judah.
* **Kenaz (Hebrew, _Qᵉnaz'_):** Probably from an unused root meaning "to hunt"; thus, "hunter." Kenaz is identified as a son of Elah, a descendant of Caleb. This name holds significance as Kenaz was also the name of Caleb's younger brother (Judges 1:13) and the progenitor of the Kenizzites. Its reappearance in Caleb's direct lineage suggests the continuation of a significant family or clan name, potentially linking to the broader Kenizzite family and their eventual incorporation into the tribal structure of Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh;":** This introductory clause firmly establishes the subject of the verse as the direct descendants of Caleb, a pivotal and well-known figure in Israelite history. The meticulous repetition of "son of" emphasizes the precise genealogical link, reinforcing the importance of lineage and the identity derived from a distinguished ancestor for the Chronicler's audience.
* **"Iru, Elah, and Naam:":** These three names are presented as the immediate sons of Caleb. While specific details about Iru and Naam are not provided elsewhere in scripture, their inclusion here is crucial for tracing the family tree and demonstrating the breadth of Caleb's progeny. Each name represents a distinct branch of Caleb's extensive family, contributing to the comprehensive record of Judah's tribal structure.
* **"and the sons of Elah, even Kenaz.":** This final clause narrows the focus to one of Caleb's sons, Elah, and then identifies Elah's son, Kenaz. This further detailing of the lineage for Elah's branch, while not doing so for Iru or Naam, suggests that Kenaz or his descendants may have held particular significance for the Chronicler's audience, perhaps due to their prominence, land holdings, or a specific historical role in the post-exilic community.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 4:15](/1_chronicles/4-15 "1 Chronicles 4:15 - Caleb's Descendants"), and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list but a structured literary form that serves to establish identity, legitimate claims to land and status, and demonstrate the continuity of God's covenant people through generations. The Chronicler's use of **Repetition** (e.g., "the sons of") reinforces the lineal connections and the meticulous, authoritative nature of the record. Furthermore, the selective detailing of certain lines, such as Elah's son Kenaz, employs **Emphasis**, highlighting specific branches of the family tree that held particular importance for the Chronicler's theological or historical purposes, guiding the reader's attention to key figures or clans within the broader narrative of God's people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple genealogical entry carries profound theological weight, underscoring God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through generations. It reminds us that every individual, even those whose names appear briefly in a list, plays a part in God's grand narrative. The continuity of Caleb's line, a man who "wholly followed the LORD" ([Numbers 32:12](/numbers/32-12 "Numbers 32:12 - Caleb's Wholehearted Devotion")), serves as a quiet testament to God's blessing upon faithfulness and His commitment to fulfilling His promises across time. The genealogies are not just about human ancestry but about divine purpose, demonstrating how God works through specific families and individuals to bring about His redemptive plan, ultimately pointing towards the promised Messiah.
* [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Faithfulness and Reward")
* [Joshua 14:6-15](/joshua/14-6-15 "Joshua 14:6-15 - Caleb's Inheritance in Hebron")
* [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might initially appear dry to the modern reader, [1 Chronicles 4:15](/1_chronicles/4-15 "1 Chronicles 4:15 - Caleb's Descendants") offers a powerful invitation to reflect on the nature of God and our place within His ongoing story. It speaks to the divine attention to detail, reminding us that God knows and values every individual, even those whose lives may not be prominently featured in grand narratives. Just as God meticulously preserved the lineage of Caleb, He is intimately involved in the lives of His people today, weaving each of our stories into His larger tapestry of redemption. This verse encourages us to appreciate our spiritual heritage, recognizing the faithfulness of those who came before us and understanding that we are part of a continuous chain of faith. It prompts us to consider how our own lives contribute to the unfolding of God's purposes in our generation, urging us to live with the same wholehearted devotion exemplified by Caleb, trusting that our seemingly small acts of faithfulness are significant in God's eternal plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like this one, speak to God's character and His attention to individual lives?**
* **What does it mean for us to be part of a "spiritual lineage," and how can we honor the faith of those who came before us?**
* **In what ways can we live "wholeheartedly" for God, mirroring Caleb's devotion, even in seemingly ordinary circumstances?**
* **How does knowing that God remembers and values every individual, even those unheralded, encourage or challenge your perspective on your own life's significance?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies so detailed and seemingly repetitive?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies, like the one in [1 Chronicles 4:15](/1_chronicles/4-15 "1 Chronicles 4:15 - Caleb's Descendants"), are far more than mere lists of names; they serve crucial theological, historical, and legal purposes, especially for the original audience. For the post-exilic community to whom 1 Chronicles was written, these lists were essential for re-establishing their identity, confirming tribal affiliations, validating land claims, and ensuring proper lineage for priestly and Levitical service. They meticulously demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through generations, even through periods of exile and dispersion. Each name represents a link in the chain of God's unfolding plan, culminating in the promised Messiah. The detail underscores the historical reality of God's interaction with specific individuals and families, reinforcing the truthfulness of His promises.

**Who was Caleb, and why is his lineage highlighted?**

Answer: Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses into Canaan, and one of only two (along with Joshua) who brought back a positive report, trusting in God's power to deliver the land to Israel ([Numbers 13:30](/numbers/13-30 "Numbers 13:30 - Caleb's Faith in God's Promise")). For his unwavering faith and "wholehearted" devotion to the Lord, God promised him and his descendants a special inheritance in the land ([Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Reward for Faithfulness")). His lineage is highlighted in [1 Chronicles 4:15](/1_chronicles/4-15 "1 Chronicles 4:15 - Caleb's Descendants") because he represents a paradigm of faithfulness and courage. Tracing his descendants affirmed God's blessing on those who trust Him fully and served as an example for the returning exiles, reminding them of the enduring legacy of obedience and divine reward. His story and inheritance are further detailed in [Joshua 14](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Caleb's Inheritance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 4:15](/1_chronicles/4-15 "1 Chronicles 4:15 - Caleb's Descendants") focuses on a specific branch of Judah's lineage, the very existence of such meticulous genealogies within the Old Testament points powerfully towards Christ. These lists are not merely historical records; they are divine signposts, meticulously tracing the covenant line through which God promised to bring salvation. The faithfulness of God in preserving Caleb's descendants, and indeed the entire tribe of Judah, foreshadows His ultimate faithfulness in bringing forth the promised Messiah from this very lineage. Jesus Christ, as the "son of David, the son of Abraham" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), is the culmination of all these genealogies, the ultimate "Son" through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). In Christ, the focus shifts from physical descent to spiritual birth; believers, regardless of their earthly lineage, are now adopted into God's family, becoming spiritual "sons and daughters" and co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), fulfilling the broader purpose of God's covenant to create a people for Himself, a new humanity united 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

Numbers 13:6

Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

Joshua 15:13

¶ And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, [even] the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron.

Joshua 15:20

¶ This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.

Numbers 14:6

And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

Numbers 14:10

But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

Numbers 14:30

Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, [concerning] which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

Joshua 14:6

¶ Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.