The 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. 3These were the sonsa of Etam: Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash. And their sister was named Hazzelelponi. 4Penuel was the fatherb of Gedor, and Ezer was the father of Hushah. These were the descendants of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah and the father of Bethlehem. 5Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah. 6Naarah bore to him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the descendants of Naarah. 7The sons of Helah were Zereth, Zohar,c Ethnan, 8and Koz, who was the father of Anub and Zobebah and of the clans of Aharhel son of Harum. The Prayer of Jabez 9Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez,d saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” 10And Jabez called out to the God of Israel, “If only You would bless me and enlarge my territory! May Your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted the request of Jabez. More Descendants of Judah 11Chelub the brother of Shuhah was the father of Mehir, who was the father of Eshton. 12Eshton was the father of Beth-rapha, of Paseah, and of Tehinnah the father of Ir-nahash. These were the men of Recah. 13The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel: Hathath and Meonothai.e 14Meonothai was the father of Ophrah, and Seraiah was the father of Joab, the father of those living in Ge-harashim, which was given this name because its people were craftsmen.f 15The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam. The song of Elah: 16The sons of Jehallelel: Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel. 17The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. And Mered’s wife Bithiah gave birthh to Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. 18These were the children of Pharaoh’s daughter Bithiah.i Mered also took a Judeanj wife, who gave birth to Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. 19The sons of Hodiah’s wife, the sister of Naham, were the fathers of Keilah the Garmite and of Eshtemoa the Maacathite.k 20The sons of Shimon: Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon. The descendants of Ishi: 21The sons of Shelah son of Judah: Er the father of Lecah, Laadah the father of Mareshah and the clans of the linen workers at Beth-ashbea, 22Jokim, the men of Cozeba, and Joash and Saraph, who ruled in Moab and Jashubi-lehem. (These names are from ancient records.) 23These were the potters who lived at Netaim and Gederah. They lived there in the service of the king. The Descendants of Simeon 24The descendants of Simeon: Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah,l and Shaul. 25The sons of Shaul: 26The sons of Mishma: 27Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, but his brothers did not have many children, so their whole clan did not become as numerous as the sons of Judah. 28They lived in Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, 29Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, 30Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, 31Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities until the reign of David. 32And their villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan—five towns— 33and all their surrounding villages as far as Baal.m These were their settlements, and they kept a genealogical record: 34Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah son of Amaziah, 35Joel, Jehu son of Joshibiah (son of Seraiah, son of Asiel), 36Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, Benaiah, 37and Ziza son of Shiphi (son of Allon, son of Jedaiah, son of Shimri, son of Shemaiah). 38These men listed by name were the leaders of their clans. Their families increased greatly, 39and they journeyed to the entrance of Gedor, to the east side of the valley, in search of pasture for their flocks. 40There they found rich, good pasture, and the land was spacious, peaceful, and quiet; for some Hamites had lived there formerly. 41These who were noted by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. They attacked the Hamites in their dwellings as well as the Meunites who were there, devoting them to destructionn even to this day. Then they settled in their place, because there was pasture for their flocks. 42And five hundred of these Simeonites led by Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi, went to Mount Seir 43and struck down the remnant of the Amalekites who had escaped. And they have lived there to this day. Footnotes: 3 a LXX (see also Vulgate); Hebrew These were of the father 4 b Or the founder; also in verses 5, 12, 14, 17, 18, and possibly elsewhere 7 c Alternate MT reading; the other alternate (see also Vulgate) reads Izhar. 9 d Jabez sounds like the Hebrew for pain or distress. 13 e Vulgate and some LXX; Hebrew does not include and Meonothai. 14 f Literally Ge-harashim, for they were craftsmen. The Hebrew Ge-harashim means valley of craftsmen. 15 g Hebrew sons 17 h Literally she gave birth 18 i This statement is at the end of verse 18 in the Hebrew. 18 j Or Judahite 19 k Or were the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maacathite 24 l Zerah is a variant of Zohar; see Genesis 46:10 and Exodus 6:15. 33 m Hebrew; some LXX manuscripts (see also Joshua 19:8) Baalath 41 n Forms of the Hebrew cherem refer to the giving over of things or persons to the LORD, either by destroying them or by giving them as an offering. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  1 Chronicles 4 Summary The Descendants of JudahVerses 1–8 – Lineage from Judah to the Family of Jabez Verses 9–10 – Prayer and Blessing of Jabez Verses 11–23 – Craftsmen, Families, and Settlements of Judah Verses 24–27 – Sons of Simeon Verses 28–33 – Villages and Towns of Simeon Verses 34–43 – Simeonite Expedition and Settlement in Seir 1 Chronicles 4 delves deeper into the genealogies of the tribes of Judah and Simeon, displaying a vivid picture of Israel's lineage. This chapter also introduces us to the memorable character, Jabez, whose earnest prayer to God stands as a testament to the power of faith and fervent request to the Almighty. Historical Background of 1 Chronicles 4 The Chronicler writes after the Babylonian exile, piecing together tribal lines so returning families know where they belong (Ezra 2). Judah and Simeon dominate chapter 4 because their lands frame Jerusalem and the temple, the heartbeat of restored worship. Judah’s Line and the Ongoing Promise • Perez appears again (v. 1) because kings stem from him—Boaz (Ruth 4:18-22), David (1 Samuel 16), and ultimately Jesus (Matthew 1:3). • Hur’s link to Bethlehem (v. 4) sets the stage for Micah 5:2, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah … out of you shall come forth for Me One who will be Ruler over Israel.” • This lineage reassures returned exiles: God’s plan for a Davidic ruler continued unbroken. The Prayer of Jabez – A Model of Faith “Bless me and enlarge my territory”: Faith looks for more than survival; it asks for influence to match God’s promises (Deuteronomy 19:8-9). “Let Your hand be with me”: Echoes Moses’ plea in Exodus 33:15, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.” “Keep me from harm”: Aligns with the Lord’s Prayer, “Deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). “And God granted his request”: A quiet reminder that genealogies are not cold lists; they spotlight living testimonies. Names and Meanings • Jabez (יַעְבֵּץ) – “He causes pain” → transformed into blessing. • Chelub – “Dog,” possibly indicating loyalty. • Beth-rapha – “House of Healing,” hinting at local reputation. • Beer-sheba – “Well of Oath,” recalling Abraham’s covenant (Genesis 21:31). Tracking names helps uncover family accounts the Chronicler could only hint at. Occupations and Crafts in the Text 1. Linen workers (v. 21) – Fine linen furnished priestly garments (Exodus 28:39). Excavations at Tel Beth-Shemesh show loom weights from Iron Age Judah, matching this industry. 2. Potters (v. 23) – Pottery kilns found at Lachish mirror large-scale royal production. 3. Vine dressers implied by settlements like En-rimmon (“Spring of the Pomegranate,” v. 32). Simeon’s Territory and Its Absorption • Joshua 19:1-9 assigned Simeon towns “within the inheritance of Judah,” foreshadowing merger. • By David’s time (v. 31) Simeon’s identity largely folded into Judah, explaining why later prophets rarely mention the tribe separately. Archaeological Notes: Southern Towns in the Negev • Beer-sheba: Tel Beer-Sheva reveals an 8th-century B.C. four-horned altar, cut down in Hezekiah’s reforms (2 Kings 18:4). • Moladah: Identified at Tell el-Milh; pottery shows occupation from Iron Age to Persian period. • Hazar-shual: Probably Khirbet el-Meshash; Hebrew name means “Enclosure of the Fox,” matching semi-arid wildlife. People Groups Mentioned: Hamites and Meunites • Hamites (v. 40) likely North Arabian nomads; Isaiah 11:11 groups Hamath and Shinar similarly south-east of Judah. • Meunites (v. 41) appear again in 2 Chronicles 20:1; 26:7 as desert raiders. Simeon’s victory foreshadows final Amalekite defeat (Exodus 17:14). Connections to Other Scriptures • Promise: Genesis 49:8-12 → Judah praised; 1 Chronicles 4 shows fulfillment. • Prayer: Jabez’s plea parallels Hannah’s vow (1 Samuel 1:11) and Solomon’s request for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9-12). • Territory: Deuteronomy 19:8-9 anticipates expanded borders when Israel obeys—a hint Jabez believed possible. • Kingship: Ruth 4 ties Perez to David; Matthew 1 ties Perez to Christ, making 1 Chronicles 4 a bridge. Spiritual Takeaways • God honors individual faith inside the grand story. Your name may seem buried, but heaven records every act of trust. • Workmanship matters. Potters and linen makers served the king—and so does every believer’s craft (Colossians 3:23). • Territory can mean influence, character, or literal space; asking God to “enlarge” it is still welcome when motives align with His purpose (James 4:2-3). • Past failures of Simeon (Genesis 34) did not erase future usefulness; grace rewrites tribal legacies. Key Points to Remember • Judah’s genealogy underscores the coming Messiah. • Jabez’s brief account shines as a gem of faith and answered prayer. • Artisans, settlers, and soldiers all play roles in God’s unfolding plan. • Simeon’s history illustrates both absorption into Judah and God’s care for smaller tribes. • The chapter reinforces that covenant promises survived exile and continue to shape the people of God today. Connections to Additional Scriptures Genesis 12:2-3God's promise to Abraham to make him a great nation and bless all families of the earth through him, which is fulfilled through the lineage of Judah. Matthew 1:1-16 The genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage back to Judah, showing the fulfillment of God's promises. James 5:16 The power of prayer, as seen in Jabez's life, is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to pray fervently. Teaching Points The Significance of GenealogiesGenealogies in the Bible, such as those in 1 Chronicles 4, underscore the continuity of God's promises through generations. They remind us of God's faithfulness to His covenant people. The Tribe of Judah This chapter focuses on the descendants of Judah, the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ would come, highlighting the importance of lineage in God's redemptive plan. The Prayer of Jabez In 1 Chronicles 4:10, Jabez calls upon God, saying, Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain. This prayer reflects a heart that desires God's blessing and protection. God's Response to Prayer The passage notes, And God granted his request (1 Chronicles 4:10). This demonstrates God's willingness to respond to sincere and faith-filled prayers. Practical Applications Value of Every IndividualJust as each name in the genealogy has significance, so does every individual in God's eyes. We should value and respect each person's unique role in God's plan. Seek God's Blessing Like Jabez, we should not hesitate to ask God for His blessings and guidance in our lives, trusting in His goodness and provision. Faithful Prayer Life Jabez's example encourages us to cultivate a prayer life that is bold and rooted in faith, seeking God's will and protection. Embrace Your Heritage Understanding our spiritual heritage can inspire us to live faithfully, knowing we are part of a larger account that God is writing. People 1. JudahThe patriarch of the tribe, from whom the genealogy begins. His name in Hebrew, יְהוּדָה (Yehudah), means "praised." 2. Perez Son of Judah, whose name means "breach" or "burst forth." He is an ancestor of King David. 3. Hezron Son of Perez, part of the lineage leading to David. 4. Carmi A descendant of Judah, though not much detail is provided about him in this chapter. 5. Hur A descendant of Judah, known for being the father of Bethlehem. 6. Shobal Son of Hur, associated with the city of Kiriath-jearim. 7. Reaiah Son of Shobal, also linked to Kiriath-jearim. 8. Jahath A descendant of Reaiah, part of the genealogical record. 9. Ahumai A descendant of Jahath, though specific details are sparse. 10. Lahad Another descendant of Jahath, mentioned briefly. 11. Zorathites A group descended from Jahath, indicating a clan or family line. 12. Etam A descendant of Judah, associated with a town of the same name. 13. Jezreel A descendant of Judah, part of the genealogical listing. 14. Ishma Another descendant of Judah, included in the lineage. 15. Idbash A descendant of Judah, mentioned in the genealogical record. 16. Hazzelelponi A female descendant of Judah, notable for being one of the few women mentioned. 17. Penuel Son of Shashak, associated with the town of Gedor. 18. Ezer Son of Hur, linked to the town of Hushah. 19. Jabez Known for his prayer to God, asking for blessing and protection. His name means "sorrow" or "pain." 20. Chelub Brother of Shuhah, part of the genealogical record. 21. Mehir Son of Chelub, mentioned briefly. 22. Eshton A descendant of Judah, part of the lineage. 23. Beth-rapha A descendant of Judah, though specific details are limited. 24. Paseah Another descendant of Judah, included in the genealogical listing. 25. Tehinnah Father of Ir-nahash, part of the genealogical record. 26. Kenites A group associated with the descendants of Judah, indicating a clan or family line. Places 1. BethlehemBethlehem is mentioned in the genealogies as part of the lineage of Judah. It is historically significant as the birthplace of King David and, according to Christian tradition, Jesus Christ. The Hebrew root of Bethlehem is "בֵּית לֶחֶם" (Beit Lechem), meaning "House of Bread." 2. Etam Etam is listed among the descendants of Judah. It is a location in Judah, possibly associated with a rock or stronghold mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament. 3. Gedor Gedor is mentioned in the genealogies of Judah. It is a town in the hill country of Judah, known for its association with the descendants of Caleb. 4. Penuel Penuel is noted in the genealogies as a descendant of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem. The name Penuel means "Face of God" in Hebrew. 5. Ephrathah Ephrathah is another name for Bethlehem, emphasizing its significance in the lineage of Judah. It is often used to denote the region around Bethlehem. 6. Zorah Zorah is mentioned in the genealogies of Judah. It is a town in the Shephelah region of Judah, known as the birthplace of Samson. 7. Jokim Jokim is listed among the descendants of Judah. It is not a place but rather a person; however, it is included here due to its mention in the genealogical context. 8. Cozeba Cozeba is mentioned in the genealogies of Judah. It is a location associated with the descendants of Shelah, the son of Judah. 9. Beth-Zur Beth-Zur is a town in the hill country of Judah, mentioned in the genealogies. It is known for its strategic military significance in ancient times. 10. Netaim Netaim is mentioned in the genealogies of Judah. It is a location associated with the descendants of Shelah. 11. Gederah Gederah is listed among the descendants of Judah. It is a town in the lowlands of Judah, known for its agricultural significance. Events 1. Descendants of JudahThe chapter begins with a continuation of the genealogy of the tribe of Judah, listing the descendants of Judah's sons Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal (1 Chronicles 4:1-4). The Hebrew roots of these names often reflect characteristics or historical significance, such as "Perez" meaning "breach" or "breakthrough." 2. The Family of Ashhur The genealogy includes Ashhur, the father of Tekoa, and his two wives, Helah and Naarah, along with their children (1 Chronicles 4:5-7). The name "Ashhur" in Hebrew can mean "black" or "step." 3. Jabez's Prayer A notable event is the mention of Jabez, who is described as more honorable than his brothers. Jabez prays to God for blessing, enlargement of territory, and protection from harm, and God grants his request (1 Chronicles 4:9-10). The name "Jabez" is associated with pain, as his mother bore him in pain. 4. Descendants of Chelub The genealogy continues with the descendants of Chelub, including Mehir, Eshton, and others (1 Chronicles 4:11-12). The name "Chelub" is related to "dog" in Hebrew, possibly indicating loyalty or strength. 5. The Family of Caleb The chapter lists the descendants of Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, including his daughter Achsah and others (1 Chronicles 4:13-15). Caleb's name in Hebrew means "whole-hearted" or "faithful." 6. The Family of Ezrah The genealogy includes the family of Ezrah, with his sons and their descendants (1 Chronicles 4:17-18). The name "Ezrah" can mean "help" or "support" in Hebrew. 7. The Family of Shelah The descendants of Shelah, one of Judah's sons, are listed, including Er, Laadah, and others (1 Chronicles 4:21-23). "Shelah" in Hebrew can mean "petition" or "request." 8. Descendants of Simeon The chapter shifts to the genealogy of the tribe of Simeon, listing the sons of Simeon and their families (1 Chronicles 4:24-27). The name "Simeon" is derived from the Hebrew word "shama," meaning "to hear." 9. Territories and Conquests The descendants of Simeon are noted for their conquests and settlements, including the capture of Gedor and the defeat of the Amalekites (1 Chronicles 4:39-43). The Hebrew term "Gedor" can mean "wall" or "enclosure." Topics 1. Descendants of JudahThe chapter begins with a genealogy of the descendants of Judah, highlighting the lineage and notable figures within the tribe. This section emphasizes the importance of heritage and lineage in the Hebrew tradition, reflecting the Hebrew word "תּוֹלְדוֹת" (toledot), meaning "generations" or "descendants." 2. The Prayer of Jabez Verses 9-10 focus on Jabez, a man described as more honorable than his brothers. Jabez's prayer to God for blessing and protection is highlighted, showcasing his faith and God's response to his request. The Hebrew root "בָּרַךְ" (barak), meaning "to bless," is central to this passage. 3. The Families of Simeon The chapter continues with the genealogy of the tribe of Simeon, detailing their families and settlements. This section underscores the distribution and inheritance of land among the tribes of Israel, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah), meaning "inheritance." 4. Conquests and Settlements The narrative describes the conquests and settlements of the Simeonites, including their battles against the Amalekites. This highlights the theme of divine assistance in military victories, with the Hebrew root "נָכָה" (nakah), meaning "to strike" or "to defeat," being relevant to the context of conquest. 5. The Reign of David Although not explicitly detailed in this chapter, the genealogies and historical context set the stage for the reign of King David, a central figure in the Chronicles. The Hebrew root "מָשַׁח" (mashach), meaning "to anoint," is significant in understanding the anointing of David as king. Themes 1. Genealogical Records1 Chronicles 4 continues the genealogical records of the tribes of Israel, focusing on the descendants of Judah and Simeon. This theme emphasizes the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, reflecting the Hebrew term "תּוֹלְדוֹת" (toledot), meaning "generations" or "descendants." 2. The Prayer of Jabez In 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, Jabez is highlighted for his prayer to God, asking for blessing, enlargement of territory, and protection from harm. This passage underscores the theme of seeking divine favor and intervention, illustrating the Hebrew concept of "בָּרַךְ" (barak), meaning "to bless." 3. Divine Response to Prayer The text notes that God granted Jabez's request, highlighting the theme of God's responsiveness to sincere prayer. This reflects the belief in a personal God who listens and acts, aligning with the Hebrew root "עָנָה" (anah), meaning "to answer" or "to respond." 4. Tribal Identity and Inheritance The chapter details the territories and settlements of the tribes, particularly Judah and Simeon, emphasizing the theme of tribal identity and inheritance. This is rooted in the Hebrew concept of "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah), meaning "inheritance" or "possession." 5. Faithfulness and Obedience The genealogies often highlight individuals known for their faithfulness and obedience to God, serving as examples for future generations. This theme is connected to the Hebrew word "אֱמוּנָה" (emunah), meaning "faithfulness" or "steadfastness." 6. God's Sovereignty in History The chronicling of genealogies and territories reflects the theme of God's sovereignty over history and His role in guiding the destiny of His people. This aligns with the Hebrew understanding of "מֶלֶךְ" (melech), meaning "king" or "sovereign." 7. Community and Belonging The detailed records of families and clans emphasize the importance of community and belonging within the people of Israel. This theme is related to the Hebrew term "עֵדָה" (edah), meaning "congregation" or "community." Answering Tough Questions 1. In 1 Chronicles 4:9–10, why do we only hear about Jabez’s miraculous blessing here, with no corroborating historical or archaeological evidence? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What can we learn about God's view of lineage and heritage from the detailed genealogies in 1 Chronicles 4? 2. How does the prayer of Jabez contrast with the surrounding genealogical narrative? Why might the author have placed it there? 3. In what ways does Jabez's prayer influence your own prayer life? How could you apply it in your own context? 4. What do the accounts of territorial acquisitions by the tribe of Simeon tell us about God's provision and promises? 5. How does knowing our spiritual heritage influence our faith journey? 6. Compare the blessings asked for by Jabez with those often sought in modern society. What are the differences and similarities? 7. In today's context, what does it mean to ask God to "expand your territory"? 8. How do you interpret the part of Jabez's prayer where he asks God to keep him from harm so he will be free from pain? What would this look like in your life today? 9. What are some situations in your life where you have, like Jabez, called on God of Israel? 10. How can we apply the principles from the victories and growth of the tribe of Simeon in our personal or communal lives today? 11. How might the lists of names in this chapter be more significant than they appear on first reading? 12. How does the genealogy of Judah establish context for the rest of the Chronicles? 13. How can we see God's faithfulness in the detailed genealogies? 14. What can we learn from the way the tribes handled their land and their battles? 15. How does understanding the cultures and practices of the tribes of Judah and Simeon impact our understanding of the Bible as a whole? 16. If Jabez were living today, how might his prayer be different? How might it be the same? 17. What does the phrase "God granted his request" teach us about prayer and faith? 18. How does the prayer of Jabez inspire you to pray boldly and specifically? 19. How can we apply the model of Jabez's prayer when dealing with life's challenges today? 20. As we see God answering Jabez's prayer, how does it assure you of His responsiveness to our prayers today? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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