1 Chronicles 4:1
New International Version
The descendants of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Karmi, Hur and Shobal.

New Living Translation
The descendants of Judah were Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

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

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

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

King James Bible
The sons of Judah; Pharez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal.

New King James Version
The sons of Judah were Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

New American Standard Bible
The sons of Judah were Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

NASB 1995
The sons of Judah were Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur and Shobal.

NASB 1977
The sons of Judah were Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

Legacy Standard Bible
The sons of Judah were Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

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

Berean Annotated Bible
The descendants of Judah (praised): Perez (breaking out), Hezron (surrounded by a wall), Carmi (my vineyard), Hur (hole), and Shobal (flowing).

Christian Standard Bible
Judah’s sons: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Judah’s sons: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

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

Contemporary English Version
Judah was the father of five sons: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

English Revised Version
The sons of Judah; Perez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Judah's descendants were Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

Good News Translation
These are some of the descendants of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

International Standard Version
Judah's descendants were Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

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

New Heart English Bible
The sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, and Caleb, and Hur, and Shobal.

Webster's Bible Translation
The sons of Judah; Pharez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The descendants of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

World English Bible
The sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal.

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

Young's Literal Translation
Sons of Judah: Pharez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal.

Smith's Literal Translation
The sons of Judah: Pharez, Hezron and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The sons of Juda: Phares, Hesron, and Charmi, and Hur, and Sobal.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal.

New American Bible
The sons of Judah were: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

New Revised Standard Version
The sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
THESE are the sons of Judah: Pharez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And these are the sons of Yehuda: Pharez and Khetsrun and Karmi and Yanur and Shubal.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the sons of Juda; Phares, Esrom, and Charmi, and Or, Subal,

Additional Translations ...



Context
Other Descendants of Judah
1The descendants of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal. 2Reaiah son of Shobal was the father of Jahath, and Jahath was the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These were the clans of the Zorathites.…

Cross References
The descendants of Judah:

1 Chronicles 2:3-5
The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, and Shelah. These three were born to him by Bath-shua the Canaanite. Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death. / Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law, bore to him Perez and Zerah. Judah had five sons in all. / The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul.

Genesis 49:8-10
Judah, your brothers shall praise you. Your hand shall be on the necks of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down to you. / Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? / The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.

Genesis 29:35
And once more she conceived and gave birth to a son and said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” So she named him Judah. Then Leah stopped having children.
Perez,

Genesis 38:29
But when he pulled his hand back and his brother came out, she said, “You have broken out first!” So he was named Perez.

Ruth 4:18
Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron,

Matthew 1:3
Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram.
Hezron,

Genesis 46:12
The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul.

1 Chronicles 2:9-10
The sons who were born to Hezron: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Caleb. / Ram was the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, a leader of the descendants of Judah.

Luke 3:33
the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,
Carmi,

1 Chronicles 2:7
The son of Carmi: Achar, who brought trouble upon Israel by violating the ban on devoted things.

Joshua 7:1
The Israelites, however, acted unfaithfully regarding the things devoted to destruction. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart. So the anger of the LORD burned against the Israelites.

Numbers 26:6
the Hezronite clan from Hezron, and the Carmite clan from Carmi.
Hur,

1 Chronicles 2:19
When Azubah died, Caleb married Ephrath, who bore to him Hur.

Exodus 31:2
“See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.

Exodus 35:30
Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
and Shobal.

1 Chronicles 2:50
These were the descendants of Caleb. The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim,


Treasury of Scripture

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

A.

1 Chronicles 2:5
The sons of Pharez; 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.

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.

Phares, Esrom.

1 Chronicles 2:9
The sons also of Hezron, that were born unto him; Jerahmeel, and Ram, and Chelubai.

Chelubai.

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.

Caleb.

Jump to Previous
Carmi Descendants Hezron Hur Judah Perez Pharez Pherez Shobal
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Carmi Descendants Hezron Hur Judah Perez Pharez Pherez Shobal
1 Chronicles 4
1. The posterity of Judah by Caleb, the son of Hur.
5. Of Ashur, the posthumous son Hezron.
9. Of Jabez, and his prayer.
11. The other families of the same stock.
21. The sons of Shelah.
24. The posterity and cities of Simeon.
39. Their conquest of Gedor, and of the Amalekites in mount Seir.












The descendants of Judah:

The genealogy traces leading Judahite family lines rather than only Judah’s immediate sons. Judah received the royal promise in Jacob’s blessing, and his tribe became the source of David’s throne and the promised Messiah.

1Ch 2:3-5 The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, and Shelah.…
Gen 49:8-10 Judah, your brothers shall praise you.…
Gen 29:35 And once more she conceived and gave birth to a son…

Perez,

Perez was born to Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38. God preserved the covenant line through human failure and brought forth the family from which David and Jesus Christ descended (Ruth 4:18–22; Matthew 1:3).

Gen 38:29 But when he pulled his hand back and his brother came out,…
Rut 4:18 Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez was the father…
Mat 1:3 Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar…

Hezron,

Hezron was Perez’s son and became an important ancestor within Judah. Through his son Ram came the line of Amminadab, Nahshon, David, and ultimately Christ (1 Chronicles 2:9–15; Matthew 1:3–6).

Gen 46:12 The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah;…
1Ch 2:9-10 The sons who were born to Hezron: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Caleb.…
Luk 3:33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni…

Carmi,

Carmi represents another preserved house within Judah’s tribe. Scripture records little of his personal history, yet his inclusion shows that the Lord’s covenant work encompassed families whose names and service were known to Him.

1Ch 2:7 The son of Carmi: Achar, who brought trouble upon Israel…
Jos 7:1 The Israelites, however, acted unfaithfully…
Num 26:6 Hezronite clan from Hezron, and the Carmite clan…

Hur,

Hur descended from Hezron through Caleb and Ephrathah and was the father of Uri and grandfather of Bezalel, the chief craftsman of the tabernacle (1 Chronicles 2:18–20). He also stood with Aaron beside Moses during Israel’s battle with Amalek, helping uphold Moses’ hands until victory came (Exodus 17:10–12).

1Ch 2:19 When Azubah died, Caleb married Ephrath,…
Exo 31:2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri…”…
Exo 35:30 Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has…

and Shobal.

Shobal was Hur’s son and the founder of Kiriath-jearim (1 Chronicles 2:50). That city later sheltered the ark of the covenant for many years before David brought it to Jerusalem, linking Judah’s family history with Israel’s worship and the establishment of David’s kingdom.

1Ch 2:50 These were the descendants of Caleb. The sons of Hur…
1Ch 2:52 These were the descendants of Shobal the father…
1Ch 2:53 the clans of Kiriath-jearim—the Ithrites, Puthites…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Judah
The fourth son of Jacob and Leah, Judah is a significant figure in biblical history. His lineage is crucial as it leads to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah.

2. Perez
The son of Judah and Tamar, Perez is an ancestor of King David. His name means "breach" or "burst forth," reflecting the circumstances of his birth.

3. Hezron
A descendant of Perez, Hezron is an important figure in the genealogy of the tribe of Judah. His lineage is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament.

4. Carmi
Although not much is detailed about Carmi in the Bible, he is listed among the descendants of Judah, indicating his role in the tribal lineage.

5. Hur
Traditionally believed to be a companion of Moses and Aaron, Hur is also noted as a descendant of Judah. He is associated with the tribe's leadership and craftsmanship.

6. Shobal
Known as a descendant of Judah, Shobal is linked to the family of Caleb and the city of Kiriath-jearim, indicating his influence in the region.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Lineage
Despite human failures and complex family dynamics, God's purposes prevail. The lineage of Judah, including Perez and Hezron, demonstrates God's ability to work through imperfect people to fulfill His divine plan.

The Importance of Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can inspire us to live faithfully. Just as the descendants of Judah played a role in God's plan, we too are part of a larger account that God is weaving.

Faithfulness in the Ordinary
Many of the names listed in genealogies are not accompanied by grand accounts, yet they were crucial in God's plan. This reminds us that our everyday faithfulness matters in God's kingdom.

Legacy of Leadership
Judah's descendants, including leaders like Hur, show the importance of godly leadership. We are called to lead with integrity and faithfulness in our spheres of influence.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 4:1?

2. How does 1 Chronicles 4:1 highlight Judah's significance in biblical genealogy?

3. What can we learn about God's promises through Judah's lineage in 1 Chronicles 4:1?

4. How does Judah's lineage in 1 Chronicles 4:1 connect to Jesus' genealogy?

5. How can understanding Judah's descendants in 1 Chronicles 4:1 strengthen our faith today?

6. How does 1 Chronicles 4:1 encourage us to value our spiritual heritage?

7. What is the significance of the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 4:1 for biblical history?

8. How does 1 Chronicles 4:1 contribute to understanding the tribe of Judah's role in Israel?

9. Why does 1 Chronicles 4:1 focus on the descendants of Judah?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 4?


What Does 1 Chronicles 4:1 Mean
The descendants of Judah

Chronicles pauses at this point in the larger genealogy to spotlight the tribe through which God promised both kingship and, ultimately, Messiah (Genesis 49:10; Matthew 1:1). By introducing five names at the head of Judah’s long line, the writer reassures the post-exilic community—and us—that God kept His covenant to preserve this tribe. Every name that follows in the chapter hangs on this opening phrase.


Perez

• Firstborn of the twins born to Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38:27-30).

• His line leads to Salmon, Boaz, Obed, Jesse, David, and finally Jesus (Ruth 4:18-22; Matthew 1:3-6).

• Chronicles begins with Perez to underline that God redeems messy stories. Even scandal cannot derail His plan to bring the Redeemer through Judah.


Hezron

• Listed among Jacob’s household entering Egypt (Genesis 46:12).

• Father of two important branches: one through Ram leading to David (1 Chronicles 2:9-15) and another settling in Gilead (Numbers 26:21).

• His inclusion reminds us that, while Perez shows redemption, Hezron shows expansion—Judah’s family multiplied even in foreign land, fulfilling God’s promise of fruitfulness (Exodus 1:7).


Carmi

• Son of Hezron (1 Chronicles 2:9).

• Likely ancestor of the “Carmites,” a clan counted at Sinai (Numbers 26:6).

• Not the same Carmi who fathered Achan of the tribe of Judah (Joshua 7:1), yet his name highlights that each family line bears responsibility for its own faithfulness.


Hur

• Grandson of Hezron through Caleb’s line (1 Chronicles 2:19-20).

• Tradition identifies him with the Hur who helped Moses hold up his hands during Israel’s battle with Amalek (Exodus 17:10-12) and whose grandson Bezalel crafted the tabernacle (Exodus 31:2).

• He embodies servant leadership—supporting roles that enable victory and worship.


Shobal

• Son of Hur and “father of Kiriath-jearim,” a key city where the ark rested (1 Chronicles 2:50-52; 13:5-6).

• Through Shobal the tribe of Judah influenced geography as well as genealogy; their towns became centers of worship and history.


summary

1 Chronicles 4:1 is more than a roll call; it is a five-point reminder that God’s covenant with Judah is intact.

• Perez shows redemption.

• Hezron shows growth.

• Carmi shows accountability.

• Hur shows supportive leadership.

• Shobal shows territorial influence.

Together they form a foundation on which the chronicler will build Judah’s story—and, by extension, the story of our Savior—proving that every name matters in God’s faithful, unfolding plan.

(1) The sons of Judah.—Pharez only of these five was literally a son of Judah, 1Chronicles 2:3-4. We have, however, seen that all these names, with the possible exception of Carmi, represent great tribal divisions or clans; and as such they are called sons of Judah. For Carmi it is proposed to read the more famous name of Chelubai (1Chronicles 2:9). This would give a line of direct descendants from Judah to the fifth generation, according to the genealogical presentation of 1Chronicles 2:4; 1Chronicles 2:9; 1Chronicles 2:18-19. But the result thus obtained is of no special value. It has no bearing on the remainder of the section. Moreover, Carmi is mentioned (1Chronicles 2:7...

Verses 1-23. - After the large space given to the "sons of David," of the tribe of Judah, in the previous chapter, this chapter returns for twenty-three verses to group together a few additional ramifications of the same tribe, whose registers were for some reasons, perhaps not very evident, preserved and known. The first verses follow in the direction already indicated in ch. 2, near the end of which we were left with Shobal and Haroeh, probably the same with Reaiah (the same name as Reaia, 1 Chronicles 5:5, though not the same person). Verses 1, 2. - The Carrot of ver. 1 is considered to lie doubtful between the Carmi of 1 Chronicles 2:7 or the Chelubai of 1 Chronicles 2:9, in which last alternation the five names of this verse would repeat the line of descent with which chrii, had made us familiar. Even then the object or advantage of repeating the first four of these, so far as what follows is concerned, is not evident. We keep near the close of ch. 2. also in respect of another allusion to the Zorathites (1 Chronicles 2:53), whose families were replenished by the two sons of Jahath, Ahumai and Lahad, of all of whom this is all we know.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The descendants
בְּנֵ֖י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Judah:
יְהוּדָ֑ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

Perez,
פֶּ֧רֶץ (pe·reṣ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6557: Perez -- son of Judah and Tamar

Hezron,
חֶצְר֛וֹן (ḥeṣ·rō·wn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2696: Hezron -- two Israelites, also two places in Judah

Carmi,
וְכַרְמִ֖י (wə·ḵar·mî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3756: Carmi -- two Israelites

Hur,
וְח֥וּר (wə·ḥūr)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2354: Hur -- four Israelites, also a Midianite

and Shobal.
וְשׁוֹבָֽל׃ (wə·šō·w·ḇāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7732: Shobal -- 'flowing', an Edomite, also two Israelites


Additonal Resources
1 Chronicles 4:1 Blue Letter Bible
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OT History: 1 Chronicles 4:1 The sons of Judah: Perez Hezron (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)

1 Chronicles 3:24
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