1 Chronicles 4:4

KJV

And Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah. These [are] the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah, the father of Bethlehem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Penuel {H6439} the father {H1} of Gedor {H1446}, and Ezer {H5829} the father {H1} of Hushah {H2364}. These are the sons {H1121} of Hur {H2354}, the firstborn {H1060} of Ephratah {H672}, the father {H1} of Bethlehem {H1035}.

Complete Jewish Bible

P'nu'el fathered Geder, and 'Ezer fathered Hushah. These are the sons of Hur the firstborn of Efratah, the father of Beit-Lechem.

Berean Standard Bible

Penuel was the father of Gedor, and Ezer was the father of Hushah. These were the descendants of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah and the father of Bethlehem.

American Standard Version

and Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah. These are the sons of Hur, the first-born of Ephrathah, the father of Beth-lehem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:4 continues the detailed genealogical record of the tribe of Judah, specifically identifying Penuel and Ezer as sons of Hur. This verse is significant for establishing Hur's direct connection to Ephratah and Bethlehem, a region and city of profound importance in Israel's history as the ancestral home of King David and the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah. It underscores God's meticulous preservation of lineage within His covenant plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles are predominantly composed of extensive genealogies, tracing the lineage of Israel from Adam through the various tribes. This meticulous record served a crucial purpose for the post-exilic community in Jerusalem: to re-establish their identity, validate their land claims, and confirm the legitimate lines for the priesthood and royalty after their return from Babylonian captivity. Chapter 4 specifically narrows the focus to the descendants of Judah, the preeminent tribe from which the Davidic monarchy originated and, ultimately, the Messiah would come. Within this detailed list of names, 1 Chronicles 4:4 provides a specific lineage that links prominent individuals to the historically and prophetically significant locale of Bethlehem, thereby elevating its seemingly simple genealogical entry to one of considerable historical and theological weight within the Chronicler's narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were far more than mere lists of names in ancient Israel; they were vital documents that affirmed tribal identity, established rights to inheritance and land, and validated claims to leadership roles, particularly within the priesthood and monarchy. For the post-exilic community, these records were essential for rebuilding their society and re-establishing their connection to their covenant heritage. The mention of "Ephratah" and "Bethlehem" in this verse grounds the genealogy in specific geographical and cultural realities. Bethlehem, known as "the house of bread," was an ancient town in the tribal territory of Judah, steeped in history and tradition, and recognized as a significant clan center. Its inclusion here highlights the enduring importance of place and lineage in defining the social and religious fabric of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the broader genealogies of Judah, contributes to several overarching themes. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises as they unfold through generations, even through seemingly obscure names. The explicit connection to [Bethlehem](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem's Prophecy") introduces the theme of **Messianic Hope**, foreshadowing the future King from the line of David who would be born in this very town. Furthermore, the genealogies emphasize **Identity and Heritage**, serving to remind the post-exilic community of their roots, their divine election, and their place within God's grand narrative of redemption, providing a sense of continuity and purpose despite their disrupted past. The **Importance of Place** is also highlighted, as Bethlehem becomes more than just a location; it is a nexus for God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hur (Hebrew, _Ḥûr'_):** This name signifies a prominent figure in early Israelite history. While the genealogies often list names without further detail, the Chronicler's audience would likely have recognized Hur from the Exodus narrative. He is notably remembered for assisting Aaron in holding up Moses' hands during the battle against Amalek, ensuring Israel's victory ([Exodus 17:12](/exodus/17-12 "Exodus 17:12 - Hur and Aaron Support Moses")). Furthermore, he was the grandfather of Bezalel, the chief artisan divinely appointed to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle ([Exodus 31:2](/exodus/31-2 "Exodus 31:2 - Bezalel's Calling")). His inclusion here underscores the significance of this lineage within the tribe of Judah, connecting it to foundational moments in Israel's formation.
* **Ephratah (Hebrew, _'Ephrātāh'_):** This term can refer to a person (as in the mother of Hur, though the text here implies a place or clan) or, more commonly in this context, the region or clan associated with Bethlehem. It is often used synonymously with Bethlehem or to denote the fertile area surrounding it. Its most poignant biblical reference outside of genealogy is as the burial place of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, near Bethlehem ([Genesis 35:19](/genesis/35-19 "Genesis 35:19 - Rachel's Burial")). The phrase "firstborn of Ephratah" here suggests Hur's preeminence or foundational role within the clan or settlement connected to this region.
* **Bethlehem (Hebrew, _Bêṯ Leḥem'_):** Literally meaning "House of Bread" or "House of Food," Bethlehem was a small but profoundly significant town in the hill country of Judah. It is most famously known as the hometown of King David ([1 Samuel 17:12](/1_samuel/17-12 "1 Samuel 17:12 - David's Family in Bethlehem")) and, prophetically, as the birthplace of the Messiah ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem's Prophecy")). The explicit mention of Bethlehem in this genealogy reinforces the deep historical and spiritual roots of the Davidic line in this specific region, pointing forward to its ultimate messianic fulfillment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah.":** This clause introduces two direct descendants of Hur: Penuel and Ezer. The phrase "father of" in genealogical contexts often indicates not merely biological fatherhood but also the founder or prominent figure of a clan, a town, or a significant family line. Thus, Penuel is associated with the settlement or clan of Gedor, and Ezer with Hushah, signifying their roles in the establishment or prominence of these entities within Judah's tribal territory. This highlights the continuation and expansion of Hur's lineage through these distinct branches.
* **"These [are] the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah, the father of Bethlehem.":** This concluding clause clarifies the immediate lineage, confirming that Penuel and Ezer are indeed the sons of Hur. The subsequent description of Hur as "the firstborn of Ephratah" indicates his preeminent status or his foundational role within the clan or region associated with Ephratah. The final phrase, "the father of Bethlehem," further solidifies Hur's direct and significant connection to the city of Bethlehem, either as an ancestor of its inhabitants, a founder of its prominent families, or a key figure in its early history. This establishes a crucial link between a notable figure from the Exodus generation and the city that would later become central to the Davidic covenant and messianic prophecy.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 4:4, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This meticulous listing of names serves not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement, affirming the continuity of God's covenant people and His faithfulness in preserving specific lines through which His promises would be fulfilled. The phrase "father of Bethlehem" can be understood as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the individual (Hur) represents or is closely identified with the place (Bethlehem) or its inhabitants, signifying his foundational role or deep connection to the city. While not a direct prophecy, the careful tracing of this lineage to Bethlehem also functions as subtle **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future significance of this location as the birthplace of King David and, ultimately, the Messiah. The Chronicler's selective inclusion and emphasis on certain names and places within the long lists demonstrate intentionality, highlighting key figures and locations that contribute to the overarching narrative of God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly straightforward genealogical entry in 1 Chronicles 4:4 carries profound theological weight, underscoring God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign orchestration of history. The Chronicler's emphasis on the lineage of Judah, particularly the connection to Hur and Bethlehem, is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant promises through generations. It reminds us that even in the "mundane" details of family trees, God is actively working out His grand redemptive plan, ensuring the continuity of the line through which His ultimate salvation would come. This verse, like the broader genealogies, affirms the identity of God's people, their rightful inheritance, and their place within the unfolding drama of salvation history, culminating in the Christ.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Scepter from Judah")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - David's Genealogy")
* [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem's Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 4:4, though a brief entry in a long list of names, offers powerful insights for reflection and application in our lives today. It reminds us that God's purposes are meticulously woven into the fabric of human history, often through individuals and details that might seem insignificant to us. Just as Hur's lineage was carefully preserved and connected to a place of future messianic significance, our own lives, our families, and our personal histories are part of God's larger, sovereign narrative. This verse encourages us to trust that God is at work in the seemingly ordinary, using every detail to accomplish His extraordinary will. It prompts us to consider our own heritage, not just biologically, but spiritually, recognizing that we are part of a continuous story of God's faithfulness, called to live out our part in His unfolding plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies deepen your appreciation for God's sovereign plan and His attention to detail?**
* **In what ways does your personal heritage or family story intersect with God's ongoing work in the world, even in subtle or unseen ways?**
* **What seemingly "small" or "insignificant" details in your life or the lives of those around you might God be using to fulfill a greater purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prominent in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are prominent in 1 Chronicles because they served crucial theological and practical purposes for the post-exilic community in Judah. After returning from Babylonian captivity, the people needed to re-establish their identity, validate their land claims, and confirm the legitimate lines for the priesthood and the monarchy. The Chronicler meticulously traces these lineages from Adam, emphasizing the tribe of Judah and the Davidic line, to assure the people of God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant promises. These lists were not just historical records; they were a theological anchor, reminding them of their heritage, their divine election, and their continuity as God's chosen people, even after the trauma of exile. This is similar to the lists found in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Exiles Returning") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - List of Exiles Returning"), which were vital for re-establishing the community in the land.

**What is the significance of "Ephratah" and "Bethlehem" in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "Ephratah" and "Bethlehem" in 1 Chronicles 4:4 is highly significant because it connects Hur's lineage directly to the ancestral home of King David and the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah. Ephratah is often used interchangeably with Bethlehem or refers to the region surrounding it. Bethlehem itself holds immense prophetic weight. It is famously known as the hometown of King David ([1 Samuel 17:12](/1_samuel/17-12 "1 Samuel 17:12 - David's Family in Bethlehem")) and, more importantly, the prophet Micah foretold that the Messiah would come from this seemingly insignificant town ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem's Prophecy")). By meticulously tracing a line through Hur to Bethlehem, the Chronicler subtly underscores the divine plan unfolding through history, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ, who was indeed born in Bethlehem ([Matthew 2:1](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1 - Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem"); [Luke 2:4-7](/luke/2-4 "Luke 2:4-7 - Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 4:4 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous tracing of lineages, particularly the emphasis on the tribe of Judah and the connection to Bethlehem, is not merely historical record-keeping but a divine tapestry woven through centuries, pointing directly to the Incarnation. Hur's association with Bethlehem, the "House of Bread," subtly foreshadows the one who would declare Himself the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"). The Chronicler's careful preservation of this specific lineage, culminating in Bethlehem, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant that foretold an eternal king from David's line ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - Davidic Covenant")). Jesus, born in Bethlehem as prophesied ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem's Prophecy")), is the ultimate "son of David" and the promised Messiah, whose genealogies in the New Testament meticulously connect Him to this very lineage ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus"); [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Genealogy of Jesus")). Thus, 1 Chronicles 4:4, a seemingly minor detail, is a vital thread in the grand narrative of redemption, demonstrating that every part of God's Word, even the lists of names, meticulously prepares the way for the coming of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [Lion of the tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - Jesus, the Lion of Judah").

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.