1 Chronicles 5:3

KJV

The sons, [I say], of Reuben the firstborn of Israel [were], Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121}, I say, of Reuben {H7205} the firstborn {H1060} of Israel {H3478} were, Hanoch {H2585}, and Pallu {H6396}, Hezron {H2696}, and Carmi {H3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So these are the sons of Re'uven the firstborn of Isra'el: Hanokh, Pallu, Hetzron and Karmi.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

American Standard Version

the sons of Reuben the first-born of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 5:3 meticulously lists the four direct sons of Reuben—Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi—thereby establishing the foundational lineage of Israel's firstborn son. This verse is an integral part of the extensive genealogical records that open the book of 1 Chronicles, serving to affirm tribal identity, maintain historical continuity, and underscore the divine preservation of God's covenant people in the post-exilic era.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive and foundational genealogies of 1 Chronicles, which begin with Adam and systematically trace the lineage of Israel's tribes. Specifically, [1 Chronicles chapter 5](/1_chronicles/5 "1 Chronicles 5 - The Lineage of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh") focuses on the Transjordanian tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Verse 3 immediately follows a crucial introductory statement in [1 Chronicles 5:1-2](/1_chronicles/5-1 "1 Chronicles 5:1-2 - Reuben's Lost Birthright and Joseph's Blessing") that addresses Reuben's forfeited birthright and the subsequent redistribution of its privileges: the double portion going to Joseph's sons (Ephraim and Manasseh), and the leadership position to Judah. Thus, while 1 Chronicles 5:3 simply lists Reuben's sons, it does so within a literary framework that has already acknowledged and explained his diminished status, highlighting the meticulous nature of the record-keeping even when it involves complex historical realities.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, after the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. For this community, establishing and affirming their identity, tribal affiliations, land claims, and priestly roles was paramount. Genealogies served as vital legal and social documents, providing evidence of one's heritage and right to participate in the restored covenant community. The concept of the "firstborn" was culturally significant, carrying privileges of a double inheritance, family leadership, and a special spiritual blessing. Reuben's initial position as the firstborn of Israel (Jacob) was a historical fact, even though his actions (sleeping with his father's concubine, [Genesis 35:22](/genesis/35-22 "Genesis 35:22 - Reuben's Sin")) led to the forfeiture of these rights, as explicitly stated in [Genesis 49:3-4](/genesis/49-3 "Genesis 49:3-4 - Jacob's Prophecy Against Reuben"). The Chronicler's inclusion of Reuben's sons, despite his lost birthright, underscores the historical accuracy and comprehensive nature of the record, validating the lineage of all tribes for the returning exiles.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is **Genealogical Record-Keeping**, emphasizing the meticulous preservation of Israel's history and the divine oversight of its lineage. This served to ground the post-exilic community in their past, assuring them of their continuity as God's chosen people. Closely related is the theme of **Tribal Identity and Continuity**, as these lists were essential for individuals and families to understand their place within the twelve tribes, their inherited land, and their specific responsibilities within the covenant. Despite Reuben's personal failings and the loss of his birthright, the Chronicler's inclusion of his direct descendants in [1 Chronicles 5](/1_chronicles/5 "The Lineage of Reuben") highlights the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**, even when individuals fail. While Reuben lost his personal privileges, his tribal line was preserved, demonstrating God's commitment to the broader promises made to Israel. The meticulous detailing of names, even those of a tribe whose leader had fallen from grace, underscores the divine attention to every detail of His people's history and future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reuben (Hebrew, _Re'uven'_):** Meaning "Behold, a son!" or "See, a son!" This name, given by Leah in [Genesis 29:32](/genesis/29-32 "Genesis 29:32 - Leah Names Reuben"), reflects her hope for Jacob's love. In 1 Chronicles 5:3, his name signifies his historical position as the firstborn of Jacob, a fact that remains foundational despite the subsequent forfeiture of his birthright. The Chronicler emphasizes this foundational reality by reiterating "Reuben the firstborn of Israel."
* **Firstborn (Hebrew, _bekhor'_):** This term denotes the eldest son, who traditionally held a privileged position in ancient Israelite society, including a double portion of the inheritance, leadership of the family, and often a special spiritual blessing. While Reuben was indeed the firstborn, 1 Chronicles 5:1-2 explicitly states that his birthright was given to Joseph's sons, and the leadership to Judah. The repetition of "firstborn" in 1 Chronicles 5:3 serves as a factual historical marker, not an affirmation of his retained privileges.
* **Hanoch (Hebrew, _Chanoch'_):** Meaning "dedicated" or "initiated." This name, along with Pallu ("distinguished"), Hezron ("surrounded by a wall" or "enclosed"), and Carmi ("my vineyard"), are common Hebrew names. While their individual meanings are not directly expounded in the text, their presence underscores the meticulous nature of the genealogical record and the importance of each individual within the tribal structure. The very act of naming and recording these individuals signifies their established place within the covenant community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons, [I say], of Reuben the firstborn of Israel [were]":** This opening clause immediately identifies the subject of the enumeration: the direct male descendants of Reuben. The parenthetical "I say" and "were" in the KJV are supplied for readability and are not present in the Hebrew, which is more concise. The phrase "Reuben the firstborn of Israel" is crucial. It firmly establishes Reuben's historical and biological position as Jacob's eldest son, the progenitor of this tribal line, even though the Chronicler has already clarified the forfeiture of his birthright in the preceding verses. This reiteration emphasizes the historical fact of his birth and the origin of the tribe.
* **"Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi":** This lists the four direct sons of Reuben. These are the same sons mentioned in [Genesis 46:9](/genesis/46-9 "Genesis 46:9 - The Sons of Reuben") and [Exodus 6:14](/exodus/6-14 "Exodus 6:14 - The Sons of Reuben"). The simple, unadorned listing serves the primary purpose of a genealogy: to record and preserve the lineage. These four individuals represent the foundational families or clans that would constitute the tribe of Reuben, from whom further generations would descend. Their inclusion ensures the completeness and accuracy of the tribal record for the post-exilic community.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 5:3, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is a specific literary form characterized by the systematic listing of ancestors and descendants, often with the purpose of establishing lineage, rights, and historical continuity. The meticulous nature of the list, naming each of Reuben's direct sons, demonstrates the Chronicler's commitment to comprehensive record-keeping. Furthermore, the use of **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "Reuben the firstborn of Israel." While seemingly straightforward, this repetition serves to emphasize Reuben's original status, even as the preceding verses clarify the subsequent loss of his birthright. This highlights the Chronicler's dual aim: to present historical fact accurately while also addressing the theological implications of altered status. The verse also functions as a **List**, a simple yet effective way to convey information clearly and concisely, ensuring that the foundational members of Reuben's tribe are formally documented.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Chronicles 5:3, though a simple list of names, powerfully underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign preservation of His covenant people. In an era where identity and heritage were paramount, the precise recording of tribal lineages, even for a tribe whose patriarch had fallen from grace, affirmed God's faithfulness to His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It demonstrates that God's plan unfolds through human history, often through ordinary individuals, and that every detail, every name, plays a part in His larger redemptive narrative. This commitment to preserving the lineage of Israel ultimately points towards the coming of the Messiah, whose own ancestry would be meticulously traced through these very records.

* [Genesis 46:9](/genesis/46-9 "Genesis 46:9 - The Sons of Reuben")
* [Exodus 6:14](/exodus/6-14 "Exodus 6:14 - The Sons of Reuben")
* [Numbers 26:5-6](/numbers/26-5 "Numbers 26:5-6 - The Clans of Reuben")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a seemingly dry list of names, 1 Chronicles 5:3 invites us to reflect on profound spiritual truths. It reminds us that God is a God of order and precision, who cares about the details of history and the lives of individuals. Just as the ancient Israelites found their identity and place within the covenant community through these genealogies, we too are called to understand our spiritual heritage and our place within God's unfolding story. Our identity is not merely individual but is deeply rooted in the family of faith, tracing back to Abraham and ultimately to Christ. This verse encourages us to appreciate the faithfulness of God across generations, recognizing that His promises endure even through human failings. It also challenges us to consider our own legacy—what spiritual heritage are we building and passing on to future generations?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous record-keeping in genealogies like this one speak to His character and faithfulness?**
* **In what ways does understanding our spiritual heritage (the "cloud of witnesses" from [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - The Great Cloud of Witnesses")) provide us with a sense of identity and purpose today?**
* **What significance do you find in the fact that Reuben's lineage is preserved despite his personal failures and the loss of his birthright?**
* **How can we, like the post-exilic community, find assurance and direction by looking back at God's faithfulness throughout history?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prevalent and important in the Bible, especially in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several reasons. Primarily, they served as legal and historical documents, validating land claims, tribal inheritances, and priestly roles, especially for the post-exilic community returning to Judah. They established identity and belonging within the covenant community. Theologically, genealogies demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, showing the continuous lineage through which His plan of salvation unfolds. They meticulously trace the "seed" promised in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium"), ultimately leading to the Messiah. They also highlight the divine preservation of a chosen people through centuries, despite challenges and exiles, underscoring God's sovereignty over human history.

**What was the significance of Reuben being the "firstborn" if he lost his birthright?**

Answer: Reuben was indeed the biological "firstborn" of Jacob (Israel), a fact that carried significant privileges in ancient Israelite society, including a double portion of the inheritance, leadership of the family, and a special spiritual blessing. However, Reuben forfeited these rights due to his sin of sleeping with his father's concubine, Bilhah, as recorded in [Genesis 35:22](/genesis/35-22 "Genesis 35:22 - Reuben's Sin"). Jacob's prophetic words in [Genesis 49:3-4](/genesis/49-3 "Genesis 49:3-4 - Jacob's Prophecy Against Reuben") confirm this forfeiture, stating that Reuben would "not excel." The Chronicler explicitly reiterates this in [1 Chronicles 5:1-2](/1_chronicles/5-1 "1 Chronicles 5:1-2 - Reuben's Lost Birthright and Joseph's Blessing"), explaining that the birthright was given to Joseph's sons (Ephraim and Manasseh), and the leadership (the right of the ruler) went to Judah. So, while 1 Chronicles 5:3 states he was the "firstborn," it's a historical identifier, not an indication that he retained the associated privileges. The Chronicler's careful explanation underscores the importance of historical accuracy while also addressing the theological implications of sin and its consequences for even the most privileged positions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogies found in 1 Chronicles, including the listing of Reuben's sons in 1 Chronicles 5:3, serve a profound Christ-centered purpose. They are not merely historical records but vital threads in the tapestry of salvation history, meticulously tracing the lineage that would ultimately lead to the promised Messiah. Every name, every generation, contributes to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan to bring forth the "seed" who would crush the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). While Reuben's birthright was forfeited and his tribe did not produce the kingly line, the very act of preserving his lineage, alongside all the tribes, underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, from whom Christ would come. The New Testament genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus") pick up this ancient thread, demonstrating that Jesus is the legitimate heir to David's throne and the true "firstborn" over all creation ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")), the one who inherits all things and 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")). Thus, even a seemingly simple list of names in 1 Chronicles 5:3 ultimately points to the sovereign hand of God orchestrating history for the arrival of His Son, Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises to Israel and humanity.

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 46:9

And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi.

Exodus 6:14

¶ These [be] the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these [be] the families of Reuben.

Numbers 26:5

¶ Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, [of whom cometh] the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites:

Numbers 26:9

And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This [is that] Dathan and Abiram, [which were] famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD: